Getting "Purse"onal

I have posted a few purse/bag related things lately and you know, I will just admit it, I love bags and purses. So I decided to try and do a few more purse related posts over the next couple of weeks. I think there are so many cute purse related ideas out there. So I hope that you enjoy these.

Paper Bag Purse #1
I saw this idea in an old issue of Paper Crafts Magazine and as is the case in so many magazines, the things that I like don't have good instructions. So I just looked at the picture and came up with a tutorial myself. I think these would make great take home gifts from a Birthday party or could be used as center pieces. There are lots of possibilities. Also you could make them bigger using a larger paper bag or smaller too. I used a regular lunch sack sized paper bag. One thing I did learn while making these was that not all paper bags are created equal. They all have their little quirks.

Step # 1: Trim the bag 4 inches above the bottom edge.

This is how it will look after being trimmed.

Step #2 Cut your paper pieces. You will need 2 sets (one for the front and one for the back). I used card stock for all of my pieces.

Bottom layer: 4 x 5 1/8", Top layer: 3 3/4 x 4 7/8", Paper Stripe 5 1/8 x 3/4"

I also used a piece of adhesive ribbon (Martha Stewart brand). If you are using ribbon you will want it to be a bit longer than the bottom layer so that it can wrap around the back side.

Step #3 Apply double sided tape to the back side of the top layer and center it on the bottom layer piece.

Step #4 Apply glue to the back of the paper stripe and glue it in place about a 1/3 of the way up from the bottom or where ever you like it.Step #5 Place the ribbon in the center of the paper stripe and wrap the ends around to the back side.

Use your first set as a guide to assemble your second set.

Step #6 Choose one set to be the front that you can add some embellishments to. You can do anything to embellish the front of these. I stayed pretty simple as I probably will just have these in my craft room for a while with no place to use them yet. I did buttons. I choose 3 different buttons and arranged them on the front.

I used my large needle to poke holes for attaching the buttons. Once the holes were poked I used my wax coated thread to tie the buttons on.

Step #7 Apply double sided tape to the back side of the set and attach it to the bag. Repeat to attach the other side also.

Step #8 If you want to make a bag that will be sturdy then do this step; if not skip ahead to attaching the handle. To make the side inserts cut 2 pieces of white card stock 4 x 3". Slip these into the sides of the bag.

Step # 9 Cut a piece of card stock for the handle 1 x 11". Fold under about a 1/2 " on each end.

I attached mine with eyelets, but you could use a large brad, or if you are mass producing these a staple would work great too. Center the strap in the middle of the side of the bag. If using eyelets, punch a hole in the middle of the handle side piece and attach your eyelets.

And tada, you are finished. Here are a couple that I made. There are lots of possibilities with these. Aren't they cute and so easy. Enjoy!!!