Gift Bag

While we were trimming some art for another project, we thought the scraps looked too beautiful to discard.  

Materials

• Artwork trimmings
• Paper trimmings
• Ribbon
• Hole punch
• Rocks or other heavy, small objects
• Clear contact paper
• Scissors
• Sewing machine and thread

Directions

• Roll out your contact paper.  Cutting it to double the length that you want your bag.

• Contact paper can be tricky- you will need an adult to help you.  Peel off half the back paper, with the sticky side up.  To hold in place (particularly if it was on a roll and may want curl back!) place a few objects such as rocks gently on the corners.

• Lay out your paper strips, creating a design.

• Once completed, peel off the rest of your paper and with adult help, fold it over the design, sandwiching the paper in between (sticky side to sticky side).  It might be easier if you cut your contact paper section in half if you find the folding too hard.  Rub out any air bubbles from the centre to the outside.

• Once folded, then fold it again with your artwork strips facing outward and then trim the sides to match.

• Punch holes in both sides as shown (so two holes per side).

• Cut your ribbon in half.  Knot one end of your ribbon and lace it through one side so the knot at the back (with the backsides of the strips) and then put it through the front side, going through the second hole and knot the other end of the ribbon.  This will form a handle. Then repeat on the other side.

• Sew a line across the bottom of the bag and the side opposite of fold.

• Tuck your gift inside and give it to your friend in your personalized bag!

Purpose

• Re-purposing items.
• Personalizing gifts.

Safety Notes

• Use scissors and a sewing machine with care and direct adult supervision and assistance.
• Cord, yarn, ribbon etc. can be a strangulation hazard, therefore be sure to use with direct supervision and for its intended purpose.