Instructions to Make Small Gift Bags

Gift bags made with wallpaper sample papers

A handmade gift bag, small or large, show the affection for the recipient by the gift giver -- and bag maker. Add a pretty handle and contrasting tissue paper inside for a special touch and it rates up there with expensive store versions. Wallpaper sample book papers or heavy wrapping paper are excellent for these small bags because of their strength, themes, beauty, colors and textures. This project is great for children and adults.

Things You'll Need

• Assorted papers appropriate for gift bags
• Scissors
• Hot glue gun & glue sticks
• Cord for handles (two lengths per bag)
• Tissue paper
• Hole puncher
• Embellishments

Instructions

Making Handmade Gift Bags

1. 

   Take one sheet of paper from an expired wallpaper sample book (about 12 by 17 inches) or similarly sized heavy wrapping paper and fold in half lengthwise, right side out. Make sure the edges are straight; if not, cut with scissors to remove ragged edges. Open the sheet and fold 2 inches down from the top along the width, right side in. Refold lengthwise. With a hot glue gun, seal the edges along the length of the bag. Let cool.

2. Lay the bag flat and fold in the bottom corners of the bag in like a triangle by 1 inch and then fold the bottom up by 1 inch. Fold up again by 1 inch and seal the bottom with a hot glue gun to secure the seam. Let cool. Punch two holes on either side on the top of the bag 1 inch down. Insert the ends of a cord (length appropriate for the bag size to create a handle). Tie a knot on each cord on the inside of the bag and secure with a hot glue gun.

3. Open the bag and insert with a sheet of contrasting color tissue paper. Add small gifts or items and cover with tissue corners, leaving parts extended above the opening of the bag. Add embellishments on the outside of the bag if desired such as bows, fabric flowers, beads or buttons to enhance the bag and make it extra special.

Tips & Warnings

• Expired wallpaper sample books are often available free for the asking at decorator stores and home supply stores.

• Adult supervision is recommended when using a hot glue gun if a child is making the gift bags.