Paper Bags

The weather is changing, leaves are falling, and kids are back to school which means paper bags are being bought for those packed lunches. It reminds me when I was in school, my Mom always asked us to bring our clean bags back each day so they can be re-used the following day. I have noticed myself doing the same thing with my own children now.

So what do you do with these recycled bags? How about creating your very own embellishments? Cut out images to add to your page, or crumple it up and ink it to give it that antique look. You could also fold the bags in half to create a fun and unique card. I’m sure these creations below will give you some ideas and make you want to try it out for yourself!

Because We Fell In Love by Aphra Bolyer

Supplies: Papers: Webster's Pages, Prima Marketing, Heidi Swapp, Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper, Chipboard: Heidi Swapp, Rub-Ons: Glitz Design, Flowers: Prima Marketing, Stickers: American Crafts, Bling: Kaisercraft, Other: paper bag, Starbucks coffee collar.

Design Notes: To create the vine, I crumpled and inked a brown paper bag. Then I twisted it and Mod Podged it. Once it dried, I attached it to my layout using Glue Dots. It was such a fun and inexpensive project.

Happiness Is by Dana Tatar

Supplies: Papers: Die Cuts With a View, My Mind's Eye, Chipboard: Fancy Pants Designs, Font: Provo Craft, Other: McDonald’s Happy Meal bag, zipper, buttons, thread.

Design Notes: I cut the space scene and figures from a Happy Meal bag. I added texture to some paper scraps by using a fan fold and pieced them together into a rainbow.

Journaling: Happiness is a happy meal.

For You by Jackie Gallagher

Supplies: Papers: My Mind’s Eye, Sassafras Lass, Button: Creative Café, Alphabet: Scrapworks, Embossing folder: Provo Craft, Ink: Tim Holtz, Packaging: Prima Marketing, Other: paper bag, ribbon, flower.

Design Notes: I sanded my paper after I embossed it with the Cuttlebug embossing folder to give it a fun effect.