Gift Bags and Tags

Whether you are giving one gift or many, a handmade gift or gift bag will add a personal touch while saving you money at the same time.

Gift tags can be the easiest item to make, using up your scraps at the same time. I made these simple tags to identify which gift goes to whom during the December holidays.

For the small tags, I chose a color of cardstock that is attractive yet not something I plan to use on many layouts. I used PowerPoint to put the words "To:" and "From:" all over the paper in a variety of different fonts. I used my tag stamp to outline them into tags and then I hand cut them out. If I had a tag punch, I could have used that and inked the edges for a similar effect. The larger tags were made by cutting a sheet of double-sided cardstock into rectangles and adding a bit of trim. I like using curling ribbon on gifts, and chose to add the same ribbon to all my tags.

For one-of-a-kind gifts, try making something more creative and personal. I made this gift bag and matching tag for Valentine's Day.

To make a bag like this, I chose a 12" x 12" sheet of patterned paper and cut it into the shape shown below. Note the little slits indicated by the scissor.

Since the paper had a nice grid, I just cut along the grid to make each side the same height. If I didn't have a grid, I would have measured a pattern and traced it onto the back. After cutting it out, I folded it as follows:

Then I just glued it together and decorated it. I chose to close the top and tie it with a ribbon. I'm not sure what I am going to put in this bag, but even if all I put in is a piece of chocolate, the gift will be special because the bag is handmade.

For a small gift bag like this, it is very easy to make your own as I did here. For larger bags, it is much easier to start with an existing bag and decorate it. Small shopping bags like the little ones from Starbucks are a good choice because they hold their shape. Try covering them with patterned paper or paint and add embellishments. Wrap the handle with ribbon or strips of patterned paper.

Regardless of whether your gift is large or small, handmade bags and tags will add a personal touch and make the recipient feel special, which is the point of the gift after all.

Shop at the Scrapbook.com Superstore for all your Scrapbooking Supplies!
Enjoy 5-Star service, HUGE selection and LOW prices!
Click here to start shopping!