Making Paper Gift Bags

You can use a map, wallpaper, gift wrap or other papers that have recyclable portions to create an easy paper gift bag. Use cording, satin ribbon, jute, measuring tape or doubled paper for the handles. These containers are especially useful for odd-size packages that you can measure and design the right size bag to hold the gift in.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Grocery bag
• Glue stick
• Cording
• Scissors
• Hole punch

1. 
    

   Open bag at seam and spread out on work surface. Open an old gift or fruit bag and place on the outside of the grocery bag. This is your pattern. Trace around the smaller bag. Cut out the "new" bag from the grocery bag.

2. 
    

   Mark all folds of the pattern bag on the side that won't be seen. Using the pattern bag as guide, fold the new bag, making sure to get each crisply folded. Stamp inked images on the paper for decoration if desired.

3. 
    

   Glue side flap of bag.

4. 
    

   Overlap the bag edge and hold in place for the flap to stick under the edge.

5. 
    

   Fold the bottom corner flaps in place and glue to secure.

6. 
    

   Glue main bottom flap.

7. Turn bag right side up and put pressure inside the bag bottom to insure that the flaps dry thoroughly.

8. 
    

   Punch two holes on each side of the bag. Cut at least 12 inches of cording for each side of bag. Insert cording from the outside of the bag tying a secure knot inside. Repeat with the other three holes and cord ends.