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Simply Grand Gift Bag

From "Carol Duvall Show"
episode CDS-1528F

By Carol Duvall

We are all familiar with the idea of using gift bags instead of wrapping paper these days. When they came along a few years ago, they seemed like a blessing. Here at last was a way to present a gift in an attractive way without having to struggle with bows and appropriate paper and do it at a reasonable cost. But now, like many other smart ideas that have come along, many of these bags have gone way beyond our "gift bag budget." I paid $7.50 for one I bought at a drug store not too long ago, because I not only had a special gift to give, but also I wanted to examine that bag up close to see just what it was about it that made it so costly. Here are a few of the obvious clues:

1. The bag was made of handsome paper. It was heavy paper done with a dull metallic finish. No shine, just a very elegant look
2. It was neat and finished looking. The creases were sharp and the bottom folds were all covered with a rectangle of the same paper used to make the bag. It was cut just a little smaller than the bottom of the bag and glued neatly in place.
3. The handles were of a coordinating satin ribbon. Very rich looking.
4. The top edge of the bag was folded over so there were no raw edges showing. No seams were visible.
5. The design on the front of the bag was a shoe on a sharp white background, which in turn was placed on a darker background. Outlining the inside background was a very thin line of very finely cut glitter, so even a small amount gave wonderful sparkle. The total effect was one of class.

We wanted to see if we could re-create bags that looked just as elegant but that cost half as much.

Bag #1 was made of some heavy gift wrapping paper found in a craft store. The small overall design was enriched by the fact that it was the same color as the background but about three or four shades darker. To make the bag, I cut the paper as if I planned to wrap a package. A cookie box that had been stuffed with a bag of uncooked peas for added weight served as the model around which the paper was wrapped.

To avoid any visible seams, the paper was cut so that it went beyond the middle of the back, where the paper had started, and continued on to the next corner of the box so that no seams were obvious. This was sealed with double-stick tape, although stick glue would have no doubt worked as well.

While the box is still inside the bag, fold the bottom edges in and cut a piece of the paper just a tad smaller than the bottom. Glue it in place.

To avoid the raw edge along the top of the bag, fold it over about 1-1/2 inch.

Cut out two pieces of card stock or cardboard 1-1/4 inch wide and just a tad shorter than the width of the bag. Position one inside along one side of the bag and punch two holes thru the cardboard and the bag itself. Be certain that you punch below the folded top edge of the bag. These two holes will be for threading the ribbon "handle." Repeat on the other side of the bag, being certain to line the holes up with those on the other side of the bag.

Add satin ribbon if appropriate to the paper you have selected.

Cut a piece of metallic card stock that repeats the color of the print on the paper to glue to the center of the front of the bag. Inside this, place a pewter decoration.

Add a fine line of glitter glue around the backing piece for the center design, and immediately cover it with a sprinkling of fine glitter.

RESOURCES :
wrapping paper sheets, pewter stickers
Magenta
Website: www.magentastyle.com

papers
Hanko Designs
Website: www.hankodesigns.com

Mizuhiki paper cords
Yasutomo
Website: www.yasutomo.com

Jolee's By You white gown stickers
EK Success Ltd.
Website: www.eksuccess.com