Last Minute Gift Bags

I think my brain has a leak in it. No, seriously, I do. That is the only explanation I have for being gift-giving impaired. Ok, actually I can buy gifts and I even put a lot of thought into what I am giving. The problem comes into play when it is 15 minutes before I have to give said gift to the intended. I have the gift, but inevitably I am missing either the card or the gift bag. I always have one of these items, but never both. That would be too easy. Thank goodness I can use my scrapbooking supplies to make cards, and recently I discovered that I could also make my own gift bags.

To create a customized gift bag, follow these easy steps.

The Supplies

• 2 sheets of matching 12”x12” patterned paper (This is a great way to use up out-of-style paper.)
• 4 large eyelets
• Approximately 24 inches of ribbon
• An adhesive runner or double-sided tape
• Chipboard
• A box (Any box will do. You can even use a cereal box! It does not have to be empty, because it will only act as a form for your bag. The finished size and shape of your bag will be determined by the box size and shape.)

The Basic Bag

1. Lay one sheet of your patterned paper face down on the work surface.


2. Lay the box on top of the face-down paper so that there is enough paper on each side and at the bottom to “wrap” at least half way up the side of the box.


3. Fold the bottom portion of the paper around the bottom of the box, and fold the sides of the bottom portion on the diagonal, like you are wrapping a present.


4. Fold the sides of the paper around the sides of the box.


5. Apply adhesive along the bottom edge and each side of the second piece of paper.


6. Turn the box over and follow the same steps with the second piece of paper. The adhesive that you applied in step 5 will hold the bag together.


7. Remove the box from the newly formed bag. At this point I often re-crease the folds to make the bag more square.


8. Fold the top opening of the bag inward. This will reinforce the top of the bag, so that your handles do not rip out.

The Finishing Touches

1. Each side of the bag will now need 2 large eyelets. Set the eyelets in from the sides of the bag approximately 1-2 inches.


2. Thread a length of ribbon approximately 12 inches long through the eyelets on each side, tying a knot at each end so that the knots are on the inside of the bag.


3. Cut a piece of chipboard to fit the bottom of the bag. This will provide more strength and stability to your bag.

Now that your bag is finished it is ready to fill with the perfect gift. If I could only figure out how to create my own tissue paper I would be all set!

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!