Crafts & DIY
Woman shares 10 ways she turns her “stash” of gift bags into something useful
I never would have thought of any of these. I really love the garland idea.
Jessica Adler
11.15.23

In a world where sustainability and creativity collide, one woman’s ingenious approach to repurposing gift bags offers a delightful twist on traditional crafting.

This narrative explores her ten unique methods, transforming the mundane into the extraordinary.

The best part about all of these is they require minimal materials.

YouTube - Our Upcycled Life
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YouTube - Our Upcycled Life

The journey begins with a simple yet captivating idea- using gift bags as a canvas for decoupage.

The woman demonstrates how to thin out the bag’s material for easier crafting, leading to the creation of a charming, rustic wooden disc adorned with a festive Santa image.

This project not only recycles but also adds a personal touch to home decor.

YouTube - Our Upcycled Life
Source:
YouTube - Our Upcycled Life

Next, she delves into the art of turning a used gift bag into a custom card and envelope.

This process involves careful cutting and folding, resulting in a bespoke piece that carries much more sentiment than a store-bought card.

It’s a testament to how everyday items can be transformed into something both beautiful and functional.

YouTube - Our Upcycled Life
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YouTube - Our Upcycled Life

Bookmarks are another creative avenue explored.

By cutting and gluing the decorative parts of the bag, she creates dual-sided bookmarks, perfect for gifting or personal use.

This idea is particularly appealing for book lovers and makes for a thoughtful and unique stocking stuffer.

YouTube - Our Upcycled Life
Source:
YouTube - Our Upcycled Life

The narrative then shifts to the creation of postcards and gift tags from the same material.

These small yet impactful items add a personal touch to any gift, showcasing the versatility of the humble gift bag.

The process is simple yet effective, demonstrating that great things often come in small packages.

YouTube - Our Upcycled Life
Source:
YouTube - Our Upcycled Life

Place mats are another innovative use for these bags.

By ironing and sealing them in page protectors, she creates festive and practical table settings.

This idea is not only eco-friendly but also adds a unique charm to any holiday table.

YouTube - Our Upcycled Life
Source:
YouTube - Our Upcycled Life

The story continues with the creation of a decorative garland.

By cutting the bag into triangles and stringing them together, she crafts a festive decoration that can adorn mantles or doorways, bringing a homemade warmth to any space.

YouTube - Our Upcycled Life
Source:
YouTube - Our Upcycled Life

In a twist of simplicity, the woman also uses the bags as wrapping paper for smaller gifts.

This method is not only resourceful but also adds a personal touch to the presentation of the gift.

YouTube - Our Upcycled Life
Source:
YouTube - Our Upcycled Life

Snowflakes cut from brown paper bags represent another crafty endeavor.

These can be hung as ornaments or used as window decorations, bringing a rustic charm to the holiday decor.

YouTube - Our Upcycled Life
Source:
YouTube - Our Upcycled Life

The final project involves framing a particularly attractive section of a gift bag, turning it into a piece of art.

This idea is perhaps the most straightforward yet impactful, demonstrating how a simple concept can transform an everyday item into something special.

YouTube - Our Upcycled Life
Source:
YouTube - Our Upcycled Life

Get the full scoop on all 10 of these projects in the tutorial below!

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