Make Your Own Gift Bags

I collect shopping bags from department stores and such and try to re-use them despite the printing on them. One way I can do that is by covering the printing/advertising with pictures cut out of magazines or calendars. You could also cover them with squares of wrapping paper. I have stapled them on the bags or glued over the printing.

On one, I put a bow on the printing on one side and a label on the other. It's funky but colorful and does help you recycle those various bags! I do love gift bags, as they make wrapping so easy. They cost $1 at the cheapest, except at a thrift store. They have almost as many lives as a cat. So you can reuse them until they are in tatters!

By pam munro from Los Angeles, CA