Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Recycle and Give a Gift!



A few posts back, I showed you a tutorial I had found that solves the dilemma of having all those shopping bags pile up. Today, I'm showing you a tutorial I found on how to make your own gift bags with something you probably throw out on a regular basis. :D

While blog-browsing the other day, I found this idea over at Not So Idle Hands. It's an older post and she had Stephanie from Somewhat Simple as a guest blogger. I thought it was a cute idea and, since I actually had the materials up here in Mammoth Lakes, I gave it a try this morning. 
Here are the supplies that you will need: 

A Cereal or Snack Box
Mod Podge
Sponge Brush
Scissors or X-acto Knife
Hot Glue Gun & Glue Sticks
Wrapping Paper or Scrapbook Paper
Embellishments of Your Choice

Cut the top tabs off of your box.

Measure the length and width of your box and cut your paper to fit. I used scrapbook paper because that's all I had while up in the mountains for 7 weeks. However, after trying this project, I think the wrapping paper might be a little easier to work with. 

Use your sponge brush to cover your box with Mod Podge and adhere the paper to your box. Smooth out any bubbles or creases.

Make a crease on the sides of your box. Hopefully, your crease turns out being a little more centered than my crease did. :D 

With your scissors or x-acto knife, cut handles out on both sides.

Now....this is the part where I need you to use your imagination. :D 
Imagine the bag with yellow tissue paper sticking out and the cute blue raffia tied at the top. :D I don't have embellishments here, so that "cutsifying" will have to happen at a later date. That's what the glue gun is for though. Use rhinestones, ribbon or whatever your heart desires to make it pretty. :D I'm planning to put my little college sister's birthday gift in this. I figure she can use the "bag" for nail polish or manicure/pedicure supplies.

 I think this is such a cute idea and would be something fun to do with kids. It could also come in handy when you're in a bind and need a gift bag ASAP!
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On a side-note, I had some leftover scrapbook paper and a brainchild. I have to wait til I get home and can get to my supplies before I can implement my idea though. Darn it! 
 In a future post, see what I make with these! :D 
Any guesses?




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2 comments:

Elaine said...

My niece Tammy has been recycling her cereal boxes also. ..her blog is T Tammyy's Daily Treasures

Mitch & Cindy said...

Hello! Just wanted to let you know I work with your mom and she and I have been talking! She gave me your blog address and has been telling me that you and I are a lot alike! As I have been reading your blog I was amazed by how much we are alike! From the cereal boxes (just thought of the gift bag idea as I was cutting apart a cereal box) to the "man, I wish I had paid attention to my mom when she tried to teach me how to sew!" ha! Soooo...just wanted to let you know that I added you to my favorites and will be checking your blog regularly. We are also praying for you and your new baby to be here soon! Take care and I look forward to getting to know you better! Love, Cindy

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