How to Make a Paper Bag Scrapbook

Can you guess the best way to make a scrap book? Out of scrap, of course! I've been enamored with paper bag scrapbooks ever since my son's pre-school teacher made one for each of her students a couple of years ago. Such a great use of materials and the results are a weight and feel that I just love. Surprisingly, we don't see very many of the around so I thought I'd try to spread paper bag scrapbook love by offering some simple instructions.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Place a few paper bags - no more than 4 or 5 - on top of each other in alternating directions (alternating open ends and closed bottoms).
2. Fold your stack of paper bags in half.
3. Staple along the fold about 1/2" from the crease - this creates the spine of your paper bag scrapbook.
4. Embellish the spine to hide the staples - 4 options:
   Cover the staples with a strip of ribbon, paper, cardstock, fiber or other embellishment that you think suites the theme of the paper bag scrapbook you are creating.
   Punch holes along the spine and run with ribbon or fibers - tying knots and/or weaving in and out of the punched holes.
   Sew a line through the fold in the paper bags (note: this is my favorite way to bind a paper bag scrapbook)
   Be creative - eyelets, snaps, rivets and other scrapbooking tricks can be used to make an excellent binding for you paper bag scrapbook.
5. Once you have embellished your spine, you'll want to get creative with the use of your scrapbooking skills. Photo treatment, journaling, embellishments including decorative papers, borders, rub-ons, paints, fibers, ribbons and fabrics can all be used just as with a traditional scrapbook project - to create lasting memories in a unique presentation