Upcycle Craft: Paper Gift Bags - DIY

Upcycle Craft: Paper Gift Bags

Over the weekend I visited Kinokuyiya, one of my favorite bookstores. I was in search of some crafty inspiration and found it in the most unusual place. It wasn't a craft book that inspired me but instead a paper bag that the store places your purchase in. I've always found these kind of bags charming. Perhaps it's the simplicity of the bag or the feel of the paper that appeals to me. I'm not sure. I just know I like them and decided to make a few for myself.

Supplies:
Paper - Could be from catalogs, magazines, newspapers, maps, etc.
Pinking paper scissors
Glue stick

Decide where you want the front of your bag to be. Fold flaps back to center the image. Make sure flaps overlap in the back. There's no specific measurements for the folding since all paper and positioning of pictures will be different.

Glue the back flaps together. Gut the bag at the bottom to the length you want plus one extra inch. Fold up one inch, unfold. (refer to picture on right).

*Click on images for a larger view.

Fold corners into the fold you just made in the last step. Fold back up and glue in place (right picture).

Trim the top of the bag with pinking paper scissors. Done.