This bag, that is! I was asked to make and teach a class for our annual craft night at church that would be free for those coming. I immediately thought of using the Fancy Favor die to make a quick little gift bag. I made my sample from retired SU! Christmas paper, used brads to put a handle on it, and made a gift tag. It’s cute. But I kept wanting to do something different.
I was talking to my husband about it, much to his chagrin – he just plays along though, as if he really cares (gotta love him for that!) – and told him I really wanted to use Kraft card stock for the bag and just stamp on it. He said, “Wouldn’t that just look like a brown paper bag?”, to which I replied, “Yes, so?”, ’cause I happen to think that would be cute. He then added, “Well you might as well USE a brown paper bag and save the money.” A light bulb went on and I thought he was brilliant! (I guess he really does care). I ran it by my friend Joy, who I’m borrowing the Fancy Favor die from (mine is on order) and she thought it would be a great look. So I got a brown paper bag from the grocery store and tried it out. I got 3 of these little bags from one grocery sack. I used the Horizontal punch at the top in which to slide the Real Red polka dot ribbon into. I stamped the back with the to/from sentiment instead of the Christmas greeting, eliminating the need for a tag. Now this Free Craft really will be practically free. 7 inches of that ribbon is all I needed to purchase for each one. And I can get about 50 from one roll!
I did reinforce the bottom of the bag with just an extra piece of the grocery sack glued onto the bottom. I used the Tombow glue to put it all together. I almost always use this great glue instead of sticky strip, as I find it works just as well on many projects, and it’s less expensive. And for this bag, I think the sticky strip would be too strong. I can see myself making lots of these to use as gifts this year! For reference, this bag measures 3 1/16″ wide, 3 3/8″ tall, and 2 3/16″ deep.
Oh, I used the Holiday Collection stamp set (a retired Country Living offering from last season) for the sentiment and to/from. For the class though, we’ll also be using the Four the Holidays stamp set from the Holiday Mini catalog, as they will fit perfectly at the bottom of the bags and then there will be more to choose from.
I know it’s been awhile since I last posted, so thanks for coming back by and as always, for your sweet comments! And now, if you’ve made it this far, I’m giving you a head’s up that I’ll be posting some blog goodies soon! I’ve just gone over 80,000 hits and it’s about time!
{Practically Free gift bag ingredients}
Stamps: Dasher, Holiday Collection (retired)
Paper: grocery sack
Ink: Chocolate Chip & Real Red
Accessories: Real Red polka dot ribbon, horizonatal punch, Fancy Favor Bigz die & Big Shot by Sizzix
To order Stampin’ Up! products online, 24/7 – click HERE
Item #115965 Item #115608
Item #116816
Cute, cute, cute! Don’t you just love Dasher?
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Very smart. I love Kraft CS and paper too! Super cute. Thanks for stopping by my blog too!
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Very, very cute!!!
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So simple yet elegant ! Love it !
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i knew the DHs cared about our hobbies.
i love how innovative this little sack is!
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I am loving your Dasher bags, Jackie!! Pretty edging at the top, and I love the polka dot ribbon…and practically free is a very good thing too!!
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Super cute! And what a great idea from your hubby!
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Well, that’s one smart Hubby you got there, Jackie! Wish mine did pay attention, hehehe. I love your project and I love the way you came about doing it.
CC
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Ok, all comments before this one will count as an extra bonus in my blog goodie giveaway! Good luck to everyone! Hugs, Jackie
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I think I’m going to have to buy that dasher. I have been holding out, but every where I turn there he is!
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What a great idea using a bag. Our local scrapbook store has kraft bags with a swirly design that matches Bermuda Bay perfectly. I am going to make some out of it. We will use it at our December craft shows. My husband makes and sells jewelry. We will give one to anyone that makes a purchase during the month.
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Cute, cute, cute! I, of course, would have to put some delicious chocolates in there…maybe my fav, mini Reeses Peanut Butter cups.
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Well I think a gift card to put in here is obvious but that was my first thought but a knitted wash cloth with a small lotion would work too… Also my other thought was socks or mittens 🙂
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I would certainly put treats of some kind – my first thought was a few cookies:) If you don’t put the ribbon on top it holds 3 x 3 cards and envies nicely!
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Hi Jackie:)
These are so cute! I think you could put reindeer food or Ghirardelli chocolates in these. I think the possibilities are endless! Can’t wait to see what you decide on!
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I love these little bags because you have taken a throw away item and given it new life. I love the simplicity of it.
This would be so cute to put makings for s’mores for toasting on Christmas Eve.
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Very clever using a paper bag. I think it looks like kraft, too. This makes a great size to put things into. Thanks for sharing.
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Way to reduce, reuse & recycle!! I love the idea and can;t wait to CASE it. I’m thinking of putting some homemade caramel popcorn in it for our next family movie night! I don’t mind doing that to a paper bag but I could never do that to my precious cardstock…LOL!!
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SO Excited for Friday!!! Super cute!
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jacks- so glad to see the final project. i can totally case it cause i already own all that stuff. im gonna give it to all the kids teachers for xmas since the kids were sick and i didnt get to give the halloween one i made. i would put in gum and chap stick. everyone loves both i think.
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Hmmmmmm—Candy is always great. I could also see adding little bags of nuts or a Meandering Book like Beate did on her web site, “Fresh & Fun”
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How cute is that?! Can’t wait to try using a grocery bag. Sometimes our husbands DO surprise us, don’t they?!
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I would put the adorable Dasher stamp inside to give to a stamping friend. Or any of the other really cute single stamps we have. Maybe even an stampin spot with it. What an awesome gift. The bags are really nice.
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Jackie, the little brown paper bags with Dasher are just adorable!!! AND I think the reindeer in the more recent post looks like he really is peeking out from behind the tree. Clever girl! Jan
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