Supplies Needed:

Templates:

Kreate-a-bag® Deluxe Gift Bag Making Kit with Toppers
(specific templates used: Bigger Bag template, Topper template, Kreate-a-tag™ Envelope Template– included in the above kit)

Patterned Papers:
Toothpick Shack, Lava Lots, No Pickles Please – Hunky Dory Collection by Pixel Décor, Imagination Project
Smitten Links – Smitten Collection by MOD, Autumn Leaves

Stickers:
Travel Woven Labels, Making Memories
Smitten Accents Epoxy – Smitten Collection by MOD, Autumn Leaves

Ribbon:
Sage 2” wide grosgrain ribbon – Strano Designs
Aquamarine and Lime Twisted Elastic Mokuba cord – The Ribbon Jar

Embellishments:
1/8” silver eyelets – Making Memories
Silver beaded chain – Making Memories

Other:
Freezer Paper, Reynolds
Adhesive
Sewing Machine
Iron

Instructions:

1. The first thing you will want to do is to make your own large sheet of paper by ironing 3 full sheets of Lava Lots paper to freezer wrap. Set your iron on a high setting and use a firm surface to iron on. The goal is to make a sheet which is larger than the template, so it’s OK to let some of the scrapbook paper hang off the edge of the freezer paper. Add 4” strips of Smitten Links paper to the top edge of the Lava Lots paper, adding additional adhesive if necessary to ensure the seams lay flat.
2. When you have your large sheet of custom paper, follow the directions that come with the template to make a “bigger bag” using the face template to determine which part of the paper will become the front of the bag – in this way you can ensure that the seams where you pieced the papers together will be on the sides or at the back of the bag. When you place the largest template on the paper, the opening closest to the wide edge will become the front of the bag.
3. After you have folded the edges of the bag, but before you have adhered the sides together, is the time to add any embellishments such as eyelets, brads, etc. For this bag you should stitch a piece of Sage ribbon just under the Smitten Links paper as shown in the sample. Then add 2 eyelets to the ribbon and thread a piece of beaded chain through the holes so that the ends are on the outside of the bag. Also add eyelets where the cording for the handles will be attached. Continue forming the bag according to the instructions provided with the templates.
4. Use the Kreate-a-tag template to create an envelope out of the Toothpick Shack paper and add an eyelet to the top corner as shown. Attach the label sticker to the front of the tag and attach to the bag by securing the beaded chain through the eyelet. You can make a small cut on the back of the envelope flap to allow the envelope to open even though you have added an eyelet. Use a MOD epoxy accent to close the envelope.
5. Use the twisted elastic cord to make handles and attach to the bag by knotting the cording on the inside of the bag.
6. Use the bag topper te mplate to make a bag topper out of S mitten Links paper. Cut a strip of No Pickles Please paper and adhere around the edges before adding adhesive to make the topper. Cut an additional piece of S mitten Links paper to fit inside of bag topper and adhere to give the topper more stability.

Click to learn more about gift bag templates.

Click for printable .pdf - free gift bag making idea