Carol explains how to make a stronger paper bag by decorating it with adhesive-backed fabric or spray adhesive. Brown lunch bags, grocery bags, and store bags with handles all work well. With their new look, these can serve as sturdy gift bags.
Materials:
brown paper bag
fabric and fabric adhesive or adhesive-backed fabric
scissors
hot glue
Steps:
- Open the paper bag and unglue the bottom flaps. Some tearing is inevitable, especially when using one of the smaller brown lunch bags.
- Cut the fabric to cover the bag all the way around, and also so that it is slightly longer than the length of the bag, so you have enough to fold over the top.
- Peel off backing or apply adhesive to the fabric.
- Align the edge of the fabric with the bottom of the bag. Attach to one side of the bag, making sure that the fabric adheres smoothly.
- In the excess fabric at the top of the bag, cut a slit at each side (the still folded corners), from the edge of the fabric down to the paper bag.
- Fold the excess down into the paper bag, again making sure it is smooth.
- Flip the bag over and paste the paper on the other side. Again fold the excess over the top. Smooth the fabric.
- Re-fold the bottom and hot-glue the flaps.
Tip:To make it easier to re-glue the bottom, find a box that is approximately the same size as the bag and place it inside the bag. This will allow for a flat surface to hold the flaps in place.
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