How-to Make a Designer Inspired Gift Bag

 On Sunday night I wrote about Oscar inspired fashion cut-outs to dress your fridge.  I told you I would show you how to make an easy gift-bag to give them in.  So here ya go - 

What makes this gift bag so unique is that is it a breeze to make, yet oh! so chic.  It is constructed from a file folder, the kind you buy at office supply stores with a center tab.  Target, WalMart and Home Goods also have some colorful and patterned ones that would look very hip, so let your imagination run wild.  The bottom of the bag is already made for you where the file folder is scored on it’s spine.   This bag is small, but still perfect for holding a gift card,  a lipstick, a book, or a piece of jewelry.  The brass-plated chain I used is called #250 Hobby Twist Chain, but any chain sold at a hardware store by the foot will do.  You can also use an old beaded necklace found at a flea market to coordinate with the color of the file folder or even a strand of old pearls that have a jump ring attached to each end so that you can attach it to the bag.

  Who ever is the receiver of this bag will squeal,  Ooh-la-la! with delight.

 

Gather:

  

  

1 File Folder, with center tab

1 Ft Chain

2 Brass Fasteners

1 Flat Gold Button (without shank)

Ruler

Craft Knife Pencil

Glue

1 Small Circle of Velcro (hook & loop)

Download template pattern  
 

1.  When printing out pdf. of template pattern make sure it is 100%.  Look at the top of the pdf. file, you will see a box with the percentage.  If printed larger it may be too big for the file folder.  Cut out.  Center template on folders score lines and trace onto the folder.  Make sure to mark placement for handle and all score lines you will add.  I made my template from an old file to re-use when ever I want to make a gift-bag.  I used it to show you the first few steps in this tutorial.

 

 

 

2.      Using a straight edge and an open scissors, line up ruler along the score line and run scissor tip along ruler to score.  Do not cut. You can also score the folder with the opened tip of a paperclip.  Fold.  Repeat this for all score line that are marked.

 

3.   Fold ready-made score lines in file folder to create bottom of the bag.

 

4.      Glue side tabs to front.  Use paper-clips to hold in place until it dry or use a thin line of hot glue.

 

5.   Fold over top and punch holes were marked.

6.      Place a brass fastener through end link on chain and put through punched hole.  Spread fastener to attach.  Repeat to attach handle to other side.

7.  To cover fasteners, glue ¾” strip that is on the bottom right of the pdf. to underside of top.

8.      Stick Velcro dot on the front flap bottom center; close and stick other side of Velcro on the   body of the bag.

9.    Glue button on outside of flap to resemble a real handbag closure.

 

 

I am linking this post to:

Strut Your Stuff Thursday – Somewhat Simple 

Transformation Thursday – The Shabby Chic Cottage

Let’s Get Your Craft On Thursday – Life As Lori

Friday Follow – Simply Sweet Home

Frugalicious Friday – Finding Fabulous

FridayFun Finds – Kojo Designs

100 Ideas Under $100 Dollars – Beyond The Picket Fence

The Romantic Home

 

 

Tagged as: decorative paper, DIY gift wrap ideas, Purse giftbag