Looking for a fun, easy and inexpensive DIY project that transforms ordinary paper bags into something beautiful and creative? Whether you're preparing for a party, creating festive décor, or preparing for a large scale event, this project is perfect for you. Follow these simple steps to create your own unique paper bag décor. (Don’t worry, there’s a video below to help you visualize each step!)
Watch the Video for a Step-by-Step Guide!
If you’re more of a visual learner, check out the video below for a quick demonstration of each step. It’s much easier to follow along when you see the process in action!
Directions
Materials Needed:
- 8-9 large paper bags (or 12-14 small paper bags)
- Glue (strong adhesive or craft glue works best)
- Scissors
- String or ribbon (for hanging)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Count Out Your Bags, the amount of bags you will need depends on the size of bag:
- For large bags like the ones I use: Use 8-9 bags.
- For smaller bags: Use 12-14 bags.
- Start by adding glue to the back of each bag. If your bags are block-bottomed, be sure to add glue to the back, including the block-bottom portion. This will ensure the correct structure when stacking.
- Take another bag and place it on top of the first one, making sure it’s the same way up as the bag below. Press down to secure it. Repeat the process: add glue, stack a new bag, and press down to hold in place.
- Once the bags are stacked, it can be tough to cut through them all at once. To make this easier, gently separate the bags and cut through them in layers.
- After gluing all the bags together, open them up to make sure the edges meet correctly. If necessary, add more bags.
- Once your stack is glued together and aligned, grab your scissors and cut off the corners at the top of the bags to create a pointed edge. You can also experiment with other shapes if you prefer (e.g., rounded, scalloped, etc.).
- Use your scissors to cut small triangles, shapes, or other patterns along the sides of the bags. These small cuts will give your project a unique design and add a decorative touch.
- After cutting, apply more glue to one of the sides of the stacked bags. Open the bags slightly and hold the sides together for a minute to let the glue dry. If you prefer a quicker solution, you can use tape to secure the join.
- Punch a hole through the top of the bags and thread a piece of string or ribbon through. Tie it off securely, and your project is ready to hang!
Final Touches and Display Ideas:
Once your paper bag décor is complete, the possibilities are endless. Hang your creations en masse, as a garland, use as a centerpiece, or even hang it as a lantern (just add a battery-operated light inside for a glowing effect). You can choose paper bags to coordinate with your party theme or personalize your design with paint, markers, or even stickers to match your theme or event.
We’d love to see what you make! Share your paper bag décor with us in the comments or tag us on social media.
