Todays project shows how we can make this cute little gift bag from some bits and pieces you probably have lying around the house. This is a great way to save money on gift wrap and at the same time give someone special a gift with a personal touch. Of course it can be used for any gift too, not just for Christmas presents.
All you will need for this project is a standard C5 envelope and some scrap paper and card. So let’s walk through the steps and you’ll be amazed at how simple this is to make!
Take the envelope and using a ruler and a scoring tool score a line across the envelope, 1″ from the bottom. Next score two vertical lines 1″ from either outer edge. Fold back and forth along these creases to make them nice and crisp to ensure that the crease is on both sides of the envelope.
Next gently put your hand inside the envelope to open it up a little and push the envelope gently onto a flat surface. The crease along at the bottom of the envelope will allow a base to be formed for your gift bag. Next gently push the two edges so that they fold inward to make a paper bag shape. At the base you will get two triangles, use double sided sticky tape to fix these to the base. For added strength its a good idea to reinforce the base of your bag. Measure and cut a piece of cardstock (or use mount board or scraps from an empty cereal packet) and place inside the bag, securing with double sided sticky tape.
Now you have made the basic shape of a gift bag, it’s time to decorate it! Use scrap paper to embellish the bag according to your own style and skill. Rubber stamps and decoupage works great and it looks fab when you ink the edges. When you have finished designing your bag, place the gift inside with some tissue paper or shredded/ scrunched up scrap paper as packing. Then before prying eyes get too close, fold over the flap to close the envelope and fold it over again once or twice. It’s a good idea to stick this down with sticky tape, sew it shut or punch holes and thread some ribbon or raffia through to tie it closed. It might also be a good idea to put a little “not to be opened until December 25th” sticker on there too!
What a great idea, thanks for sharing.
Cece