How to Make Your Own Paper Handbags

Make a custom handbag out of paper.

Paper handbags are useful and practical. They can be used for gifts, storage or simply an extra bag while shopping. Since it is not always easy to find the perfect paper bag to suit your taste, using your imagination and making your own out of materials you already have on hand is a great idea.

Things You'll Need

• Paper bag template
• Any kind of paper
• Glue
• Clear tape
• Ribbons
• Hole puncher
• Scissors
• Ruler

Instructions

1. Download a paper bag template online (at papercraftprintable.com/gift-bag-paper-craft-template-tutorial/) and adjust the size of the template to meet your needs.

2. Print out the pattern on the paper of your choice. This may be paper on which you painted a scene, craft paper you designed or some extra wrapping paper you have at home.

3. Cut out the pattern with scissors.

4. Look at your template and find the areas that will be the tabs or flaps. Crease the tabs along the top edge of the bag and glue them down. Fold the long side tab and glue it down so that you get a basic bag shape.

5. Fold and glue the tabs at the bottom of your bag to create the base of the bag.

6. Create pleats for the bag by carefully pushing inward and pressing the long edges of the bag together.

7. Punch two holes on each side of the top area of the bag. Take two identical pieces of ribbon and insert them into the holes. Tie knots in the ends of the ribbon nearest to the holes to create the handles for your bag.

Tips & Warnings

• You may also opt to add tape on the glued edges to make the bag sturdier.

• Make the designs even more personal by adding glitter, beads or other decorations.

References

• Gift Bag 2 U: Products
• Paper Craft Printable: Gift Bag Paper Craft -- Template and Tutorial