How to Make a Beautiful Bag Out of Wrapping Paper

It's amazing to see my grandmother's hands work with paper.

I recall sitting at her kitchen table and being amazed as she turned plain brown paper into gorgeous gift bags using only her creativity and a few simple tools.

"Baby," she'd say, smoothing out the paper with care, "we make beauty from what we have."

That advice has stuck with me, especially when I thought store-bought gift bags were too pricey or didn't show how much I cared about the gifts I was giving.

Making a bag out of wrapping paper is more than just a way to save money; it's a way to bring back the beautiful tradition of making something important with our own hands.

It's about honouring the resourcefulness that Black women have passed down through the years. They knew how to make things happen, even when they didn't have a lot of money.

Why go with DIY instead of buying it?

 Let's speak about why this craft is important before we get into the details.

You're not simply manufacturing packing when you make your own paper bags; you're also adding to your gift.  

Every fold has a meaning, and every wrinkle tells a tale. 

You may even choose the size of the paper and the finishing touches, so the gift bag will be a perfect match for your style and the style of the person you're giving it to.

There's also something really rewarding about working with paper and seeing it change beneath your hands.

It brings back memories of simpler times and reminds us that the most beautiful things can originate from the most humble beginnings.

How to Start Making a Bag Out of Wrapping Paper

Put all of your supplies on a level place to start. You will need wrapping paper (any design that speaks to you), scissors, double-sided tape or a glue stick, and paper tape to make it stronger.

If you want to make it seem even better, get some satin ribbon, gift tags, tissue paper, and maybe even a hole punch to add some extra touches.

The best thing about this project is that you can change things up.

Each material you use to make your project, whether it's beautiful mummy paper, bright present wrap, or even reused brown paper, adds its own personality.

Pick paper that feels good for your present and your heart.

Building Your Base

First, figure out what size paper you want.

A rectangular piece works great for a regular gift bag. 

Put the wrapping paper face down on your workspace to make a clean canvas for your creativity.

The first step is to make what we call the diamond-shaped base.  

Fold your paper in half lengthwise, so that the left side meets the right side. This will provide a smooth crease in the middle. 

This fold is the most important part of your bag, so take your time and make it sharp and clear.

Making the Framework

This is the section that usually makes me think of origami, the classic art of folding paper that teaches us to be patient anexact.   

Fold the bottom of the paper up approximately two inches. This will make the base that will hold yougifts.   

This bottom fold is very important because it turns flat paper into a three-dimensional container of love.

Next, do the sides. Fold each side in so that the edges are neat. 

These will be the walls of the bag.

The right side should look exactly like the left side. To keep your folds in place, use double-sided tape around these edges. 

This will make strong seams that will keep whatever you put inside safe.

Adding the Final Touches

You should pay extra attention to the top of your luggage.

Fold the top edge in about an inch to make a polished edge that looks like it was done by a pro.

Here is where you can use your imagination to add ornamental touches.

Use a hole punch to make room for satin ribbon handles or to attach gift tags with your own message.

 Think of putting tissue paper inside to give the gift a more expensive sense when the person opens it.

The many colours and textures make it look interesting and demonstrate that you've cared about every element.

Making It Your Own

 This is where your creativity really shines.

You can use your DIY gift bag as a canvas to show off your personality.

Use paper flowers, make designs using paper tape, or use packaging materials in ways that aren't expected.

The idea is to make something that feels like you while also honouring the traditional craft processes that have been passed down through the years.

Don't forget that there is beauty in flaws.

The slightly uneven folds and hand-pressed wrinkles show that somebody worked on it and put love into making it.

Celebrating What You Made

Take a moment to think about what you've done when you're done with your wrapping paper bag.

You've made something useful and beautiful out of simple things.  

You've followed the tradition of crafting something out of nothing, using the knowledge of women who came before us.

This DIY gift bag isn't simply a way to wrap something up; it's a piece of your heart that you can take to someone important.