Send lovely presents in this presentable paper bags for the holidays!
How to Decorate Christmas Paper Bags
Turn plain paper bags into festive gift bags using glitter sheets and layered Christmas shapes. Create holly, baubles, trees, stars and other decorations by tracing the supplied templates onto different colours of glitter paper.
These handmade bags are ideal for small gifts, treats and Christmas party favours.
Project Details
- Project number: A159
- Difficulty: Easy
What You Will Need
Materials
- Paper gift bags
- Glitter sheets in assorted colours
- Glue or double-sided tape
Equipment
- Printed shape templates
- Ruler
- Pencil
- Cutting mat
- Scissors
- Craft or scalpel knife
- 15 mm circle punch, optional
Prepare the Templates
- Enlarge the supplied templates to 400%.
- Cut out the enlarged paper templates.
- Place each template on the reverse side of the selected glitter sheet and trace around it with a pencil.
Cut the Decorative Shapes
Use the suggested colours below or choose your own festive colour scheme.
- Red: triangle and four medium circles
- Lilac: medium circle and wavy rectangle
- Lime: holly leaves and triangle
- Pink: large circle and medium circle
- White: two medium stars, rectangle, wavy rectangle, bauble swirls and seven small circles
- Yellow: large star, small star, bauble top and seven small circles
- Cut out larger and curved pieces using scissors.
- Use a craft knife and cutting mat for small internal details or straight sections.
- Use a circle punch for the small circles when available.
Plan the Bag Design
- Place the paper bag flat on the work surface.
- Use a ruler and pencil to lightly mark the centre of the bag.
- Arrange the glitter shapes without attaching them, adjusting their positions until the design is balanced.
- Layer smaller shapes over larger pieces to create holly berries, baubles, Christmas trees or stars.
Attach the Decorations
- Attach the main shapes to the paper bag using double-sided tape.
- Use a glue stick or craft glue where one glitter-paper shape overlaps another.
- Press each piece firmly and allow the glue to dry before filling the bag.
Safety Note
Craft knives and scalpels are extremely sharp. Cutting with these tools should be completed by an adult and always on a suitable cutting mat.
Keep the handles and upper opening of the bag clear so the finished bag remains easy to carry and close.
