Upcycling old or leftover materials to give them a new purpose can help you reduce environmental waste that goes to landfills. It happens often that most people throw the wrapping paper after unwrapping the gifts. And sometimes leftover wrapping paper also goes to waste.
Everyone should opt for ethical waste management when it comes to discarding paper-based materials. One of the creative ways to upcycle old or leftover wrapping paper is to create unique and functional bags. Wondering how to make a bag out of wrapping paper? Read this blog to get the answer in a concise and understandable tutorial!
Importance of Upcycling Wrapping Paper
Everyone knows that environmental sustainability is at stake due to pollution caused by various industrial and consumer waste. One of the extensively used materials for gift wrapping and packaging is paper made from different materials.
And it seems useless when the products are unpacked. However, being a responsible individual and brand, wrapping paper can be utilized for upcycling to transform it into practical and stylish bags. The question that now comes to your mind is how to make a bag out of wrapping paper? You can simply follow some instructions and steps to know the answer about how to make a bag from wrapping paper.
Grab the Materials You Need
Before you follow the steps to know how to make a bag out of wrapping paper, you must know about the materials required for creating the paper bag. The following are some materials that you will need to make a bag out of wrapping paper:
- Small Stapler
- Squatch Tape
- Sharp Scissors
- Pencil for Marking
- Rural for Measurement
- Old or Leftover Wrapping Paper
- Tulle Ribbon for Making Handles
- Decorative Stuff to Adorn the Paper Bag
Grabbing all these materials before you start your project on how to make a gift bag out of wrapping paper will help you save time and effort.
Choose the Wrapping Paper
You need to choose the wrapping paper first before knowing how to make a bag out of wrapping paper. The choice is yours! If you want to create a gift bag out of new wrapping paper or from old and leftover paper. The design of the wrapping paper can help you enhance the visual appeal of the gift bag you are going to create. You can also take plain wrapping paper and design it according to your choice.
Draw the Design of Paper Bags
If you want to draw any specific design on the plain wrapping paper to create a gift bag, you should draw the rough design on paper first. If it perfectly aligns with your desired design, you can paste it to the plain wrapping paper with the help of tracing paper. You can also use stencil paper to directly draw your specific design on the plain wrapping paper to create a stylish and functional bag.
Note Down the Dimensions
You should be very clear about the dimensions before digging into the details of how to make gift bag out of wrapping paper. Take help from any sample of paper bag and measure it with the help of a ruler to get the exact dimensions for creating a paper gift bag. Generally, small paper bag has dimensions ranging from 5″ x 7″ x 3.5″, 6″ x 9″ x 4″, to 7″ x 10″ x 5″. On the other hand, medium paper bag dimensions range from 8″ x 11″ x 6″, 10″ x 13″ x 7″ to 12″ x 15″ x 8″. Large paper bag dimensions ranging between 14″ x 18″ x 9″, 16″ x 20″ x 10″, to 18″ x 24″ x 12″.
The formula for accurately measuring the paper bag dimensions is Width x Depth x Height (WxDxH), or Width x Gusset x Length (WxGxL). You can note down the dimensions from any sample and try them while working on the project of how to make a bag out of wrapping paper.
Mark the Dimension Points on the Wrapping Paper
Spread the wrapping paper evenly on a plain surface for accurate measurement. Double all the measurements you have noted down because those were the length, width, and height of a ready-to-use bag. For example, if the ready-to-use bag has 10”, you will measure the 20” inch marking because when you fold the paper, it will become 10”. Leave a margin of 1” to make neat edges of the bag.
Draw Pre-Scored Lines for Neat Folding
Join the dimension marks and draw pre-scored lines to create creases to fold the wrapping paper. Fold the wrapping paper in half lengthwise to form the shape of a bag. Now fold the bottom edge of the bag to create a base for the paper bag. Secure the bottom with the help of tape.
Decorate the Paper Gift Bag
You can create holes on the top of the bag when it is ready. Now, take a ribbon and put it through the holes to create handles for the paper bag. Decorate the paper bag with some crumpled tissue paper to enhance the presentation. How to put tissue paper in a gift bag?
Take a tissue and gently grab its centre. of the tissue paper, crumple it loosely in your hand. Now insert the crumpled tissue into the paper bag, ensuring the crumpled top is visible above the bag's edge.
Useful Tips for Making a Gift Bag out of Wrapping Paper
When working on how to make a bag out of wrapping paper, you should get some useful tips as follows for better results and durability:
- Use sturdy material like kraft paper or card stock to ensure durability.
- Experiment with different folding techniques.
- Play with unique shapes and window cut-outs.
- Always use embellishments to add a personalized touch.
And the paper gift bag is ready to present!
Reach out to us if you have any questions about how to make a bag out of wrapping paper. We would love to guide you!
