DIY- Gift Bag

Need a last minute gift wrapping idea?

Yes? Then you have come to the right place. Today, I have for you a super simple Eco-friendly DIY gift bag tutorial. I made this out of recycled brown paper. Oh, and in less than 10 minutes too. =) 

This tutorial makes a 7 1/2" x 3 1/2" 6 1/2" (L*W*H) bag.

What you'll need:

- Paper- recycled brown paper bag or wrapping paper

-Ribbon/String

-Cardboard/cardstock-- I am using recycled cereal box

-Scissor

-Hole puncher

-Glue/Tape- I prefer double sided tape

-Ruler

Recommended materials for decoration:

-Tissue paper

-Gift Tag

But before I begin I'd like to say a little thank you to exCurlythoughts for listing my blog as one of the blogs she admires. It totally made my day. =) So, thank you!  

Okay, now we can get started...

Oh, this tutorial makes a 7 1/2" x 3 1/2" 6 1/2" (L*W*H) bag.

Step 1:  Let's begin by cutting all the little pieces that we'll be needing.

Cut two--7 1/4" * 1 1/1/4" pieces (Length*Height)

and one- 7 1/4" * 3 1/4" piece (again it is L*H).

and two 18" long ribbons. 

Once cut- put aside- we will need them later.

Step 2:  Now grab your paper, lay it flat and cut to size. The measurements are: 9 1/2 " long and 23 1/2" wide; see picture below. You can use recycled brown paper bag or wrapping paper.

Step 3: Once the paper is cut to size, fold the top part 1 1/2" downward (horizontally) and fold the bottom part 2" upward (horizontally). Keep tabs folded.

Step 4: Keep the tabs folded (as directed above). Now make a crease along the dotted lines- see picture.

Step 5: Okay, here's where the two cardboards/cardstock we cut in Step 1 come in handy. Place the cardboard where indicated. 

Step 6: Once the cardboards are in place-- fold the left side 1 1/2" in- see picture 1. Put glue or tape along the side where indicated in picture 2.

Picture 1

Picture 2- put glue along the side here

Step 7: Align the right end with the left end of the bag. Pull the right side to meet the left (yellow arrow).

End result should look like this--

Step 8: Fold the bottom part 2 " upwards. Also, take notice where the crease is.

Step 9: Now fold the bottom end like picture below

 

Step 10: Flip over-- the crease should now be on the left side. Repeat step 9 for this side of the bag.

Step 11: Stand the bag upside down and fold the bottom as you would fold/wrap the side of a present. 

The creases should help make it easier to fold. 

 

Step 12: Put glue and tape where directed. Repeat for both sides.

Step 13: End result should look like this-- this is the bottom part of the bag.

Step 14: Turn the bag right side up and glue the larger cardboard that we made in step 1 to the bottom of the bag.

Step 15: To make the handle, use the hole puncher to create holes for the ribbon.

 

Step 16.  Pull one end of the ribbon through the hole and triple knot it. Do the same for the other side. 

End result should look like this:

Step 17. Now it's time to decorate =)

So, what do you think? Easy, right?