A while back, Jen Greco (DT 07-08) wrote up this tutorial for me, and I’ve been saving it for a day such as this…..here in SC we have rain, fog and altogether a dreary day. I know in many other parts of the world today you woke up to  SNOW and ICE, and freezing temps….so lets go to the tropics and enjoy some warm sunshine  as we learn how to make a bag book using the stamps from Happy Hour!

Paper Bag Book Tutorial

by Jennifer Greco for FireCracker Designs by Pamela

How can you not LOVE these fun paper bag books?  They are so easy to make, and can be as shabby chic or classically elegant as you want depending on how you choose to decorate them.  They make great gifts!

Edited: I guess it would be nice to show you what this looks like from the front too huh?? Sorry..I went off and completely forgot to upload the finished pic! HERE YA GO!

You will need:

• Two or more paper bags (depending on the number of pages you want) - either white or kraft colored
• Patterned paper - several different sheets in coordinating colors
• Binding method*
• Paper trimmer
• Adhesive of your choice
• Stamps for decorating pages ( Happy Hour)
• Ribbon and other embellishments for decorating the bag

*There are MANY options available for binding paper bag books, depending on your project’s “look” and the level of effort you want to go to.  You can use any of the following (but not limited to of course): binder clips, rings, staples, sewing (hand or machine), ribbon, ribbon sewing, brads, eyelets, snaps, etc.

Instructions for creating your paper bag book:

Stack your paper bags (use a minimum of 2 bags) directly on top of each other, alternating the direction of the bags each time.

Fold the stack in half and crease it well.

Determine the area you will be leaving unadorned for binding.  If you are using a non-permanent method of binding such as binder clips, make temporary marks so you’ll know where to measure from for decorating your pages.  If you are using a permanent method of binding such as eyelets, you can punch the holes now so you are clear where your binding is on all the inside pages.
You are ready to decorate your book!  Some ideas for decorating include stamping directly on the paper bag, covering the pages with patterned paper or cardstock, using stickers or rub-ons, and adding embellishments such as ribbon, brads, rhinestones, layers, hardware, buttons, punch shapes or other papercrafting products.

To make the inside pages (they tuck into the open ended bag pages with tabs or ribbon to pull out) cut a piece of cardstock or patterned paper to fit easily inside the bag opening, keeping in mind your binding area when you measure.
You are done!  You can make them as simple or complex as you’d like, including adding photos or mementos like a scrapbook.

Here’s a few more pix of some of the inside pages, and how the back looks.

Inside book

Back of the bag book

Wasnt’ that fun? I feel warmer already!

Enjoy your day, where ever you are and what ever the weather. It’s always warmer when we’re together. :0)

Pamela