DIY: Make a stylish bag from leftover wrapping paper

Wrapping paper, typically used to wrap gifts, can also be turned into something entirely new- a stylish and reusable bag! Not only is this a great way to repurpose leftover wrapping paper, but also an eco-friendly alternative to single-use plastic bags. In this article, we will guide you through a step-by-step process of making a bag from wrapping paper.

First, choose a sturdy wrapping paper for your bag. You may want to avoid flimsy or fragile paper as it may tear easily. If possible, opt for thicker paper that will hold up well under the weight of your belongings. Once you have your paper, measure it to your desired size and trim it accordingly. Remember to account for the depth of the bag and add a few extra inches to the height and width to create a foldover top. With these preparations done, you are ready to begin crafting your new bag!

Materials Needed

To make a bag from wrapping paper, you don’t need many materials. Some of the must-have items include:

1. Wrapping Paper
Choose a wrapping paper with a design of your choice. You can opt for plain paper or paper with a festive design for seasonal bags. Ensure that the wrapping paper is of high quality to avoid tearing.

2. Ruler and Scissors
It would help if you had a ruler and sharp scissors to cut the wrapping paper into the desired size. A ruler helps you to get straight edges for your bag.

3. Tape or Glue
Use a double-sided tape or glue to hold the folded edges together.

4. Ribbon or Twine
You can choose to add a ribbon or twine to the handles of your bag for a more festive look.

5. Hole Puncher
A hole puncher comes in handy when you need to create holes for the ribbon or twine to pass through.

Steps to Follow When Making a Bag from Wrapping Paper

1. Cut the Wrapping Paper
Using a ruler, measure the size of the bag you want to make. Cut the wrapping paper to the desired size using sharp scissors.

2. Fold the Wrapping Paper
Fold the wrapping paper in half lengthwise with the patterned side facing inward. Align the edges.

3. Create the Bottom of the Bag
On the folded edge of the wrapping paper, measure 2-3 inches from both sides and create two creases. These creases will form the bottom of the bag.

4. Bring the Sides Together
On both sides of the wrapping paper, fold in about an inch towards the center, ensuring that the creases created for the bottom meet.

5. Secure the Bottom
Use double-sided tape or glue to secure the bottom of the bag by pressing the sides of the bottom creases together.

6. Create the Handles
Punch two holes on each side of the bag, an inch away from the edge. Using twine or ribbon, thread through the holes and knot the ends to create handles.

7. Finish the Edges
Fold the top edges of the bag twice to create a neat finish.

8. Attach the Handles
Tie a ribbon or twine around the base of each handle to secure them in place.

9. Decorate the Bag
Using ribbons, stickers, or markers, decorate the bag as desired.

10. Use the Bag
Your customized bag is ready! Fill it with gifts or use it for your shopping needs. The choice is yours.

Materials Needed to Make a Bag from Wrapping Paper

It’s time to gather the necessary tools and supplies to make a beautiful and eco-friendly bag from wrapping paper. Lucky for you, the materials needed are simple and mostly things that you can find around your house.

Wrapping Paper

You will need a wrapping paper that’s large enough to make a bag. The wrapping paper can be made of anything from simple brown paper to more intricate wrapping paper with designs. If you want a more durable bag, consider using a thick wrapping paper such as the ones used for wrapping presents during the holiday season. You could also consider using newspapers, old maps, or magazine pages to make a unique and eco-friendly bag.

Scissors

Having a good pair of scissors is always important in crafting. You need a pair of scissors that can cut through the wrapping paper effortlessly.

Glue Tape

While any adhesive will work, it’s essential to use glue tape to ensure that the folding and gluing will work. Standard white glue may work but will create wrinkles that will make the final product look awful.

Ruler

A ruler is necessary to ensure that your folds are exact, and your bag looks professional. A good ruler to have is a metal ruler, but any ruler that you have at home will work just fine.

Marker Pen

Use a marker pen that will show up against your wrapping paper to make markings for where to fold and cut. You can also use a pencil, but a marker pen is more visible.

Steps to Make a Bag from Wrapping Paper

Once you have gathered all of the required tools and supplies, it’s time to follow these simple steps to make a bag from wrapping paper.

Personalizing your Wrapping Paper Bag

One of the best things about making your gift bags is that you get to personalize them however you want. Here are some fun ideas to inspire you:

Add Some Sparkle

You can draw designs on your bag using glitter pens or attach some sequins to make it more sparkly and glamorous. You can even attach a gift tag that’s cute and goes with the theme of your gift.

Decorate with Stamps and Stickers

Use stamps, ink, and stickers to decorate your gift bag. A great idea is to get some alphabet stamps and spell out the recipient’s name on the bag.

Embellish with Buttons and Ribbons

Add a beautiful ribbon to your bag for a fun touch. You can also glue some buttons or a bow to give your gift bag a fantastic finish.

Use Shaped Punches

Shaped punches are an easy and budget-friendly way of personalizing your gift bag. Use circle or heart-shaped punches to create an effect with ease.

Reuse Leftover Wrapping Paper

Save wrapping paper scraps and reused them for this project. Mix and match patterns and colours to create unique and one-of-a-kind bags.

The Benefits of Making Bags from Wrapping Paper

Asides from having fun while producing something unique and personalized, recycling your wrapping papers have significant benefits for the environment.

Environmentally Friendly

By reusing wrapping paper, you avoid adding to the mountain of waste in the environment. Whether you use wrapping paper to create gift bags or bags for day-to-day use, you help reduce the amount of waste in the ecosystem.