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If you find yourself stocking up on wrapping paper during the holidays or special occasions, you might notice that there’s always plenty left over after all the gifts are wrapped. Instead of letting that extra paper go to waste, why not give it a second life by transforming it into beautiful, homemade gift bags?
Crafting gift bags from wrapping paper is a practical way to reduce waste while adding a personal touch to your gift-giving. Plus, these handmade bags are super cute, and —they’re perfect for birthdays, housewarming gifts, or any celebration that calls for thoughtful packaging. Follow these simple steps to create your own gift bags at home and make the most of your leftover wrapping paper.
Supplies
- patterned paper
- glue
- scissor
- fabric ribbon
Instructions
Step 1
Cut a rectangle of patterned paper measuring 29 x 21 centimeters. Fold it horizontally along the longer side, leaving 1.5 centimeters free.
Step 2
Glue the free edge onto the folded paper.
Step 3
Fold up 5 cm from one of the open ends. This section will form the base of the wrapping paper bag.
Step 4
Open the two sides (corners) of the base. This will create triangular flaps on both sides (left and right) and two additional flaps (top and bottom).
Step 5
Fold the top flap in half, aligning its open edge with the central crease on the bottom of the bag.
Step 6
Fold the bottom flap in half, overlapping it slightly with the top flap’s open edge. Apply glue to secure the flaps and sides, closing the bottom of the wrapping paper bag.
Step 7
Observe the two square shapes on either side of the bag’s base. Fold the sides along these lines, ensuring clean folds for sharp creases.
Step 8
Unfold the last two creases. Inflate the paper bag through its open end to expand the side and bottom folds that were made earlier.
Step 9
Cut four small pieces of paper and two pieces of satin ribbon, ensuring the ribbon is long enough to form the bag’s handles.
Step 10
Apply glue to both ends of a piece of satin ribbon and attach these ends to the inside of the bag’s open edge, positioning them centrally.
Step 11
Secure the ribbon ends with the small square paper pieces to complete the handles.
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Tamara White is the creator and founder of The Thrifty Apartment, a home decor and DIY blog that focuses on affordable and budget-friendly home decorating ideas and projects. Tamara documents her home improvement journey, love of thrifting, tips for space optimization, and creating beautiful spaces.
