Last week I was packaging up a bundle of my goodies for a lovely customer when 'eeekkk!' I realised I had run out of my usual packing materials. I think my brain went into overdrive and I scanned around my work area for suitable alternatives, none to be seen, until I spotted my roll of brown wrapping paper.
PING! Light bulb moment. I wonder what would happen if I tried to sew with paper......?
I hastily cut out two rectangles of brown paper, threaded my machine up with black thread and machined two rows around three sides of the rectangle, using uneven stitching, to form a very simple bag.
I trimmed the edges with pinking scissors as a finishing touch. The happy reception this simple little bag got set my mind thinking and so today's Handmade Monday is a 'gift bag' using this technique.
So...... machine two rows around three sides of two rectangular pieces of brown paper, cut to your required size and then trim with pinking scissors...
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| Don't forget to leave the opening! |
Punch two holes in the top.
Thread through a ribbon.
Tie and add a colourful gift tag.
You could of course stamp an image onto the bag......
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| Apologies for poor photos today |
.......and experiment with sizes.
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| Place card envelopes for the Christmas table? |
It's a cheap and cheerful way of wrapping and doesn't involve sellotape, which I loathe using.
Of course you don't have to stop with brown paper. If you come back tomorrow I'll show you what else I've been up to using this technique.
But, while your waiting why not visit Wendy and the Handmade Monday team to see what they can tempt you with. This week she's asking how your Christmas preparations are going. My kindle covers have been selling like hotcakes, so I need to replenish stocks but as regards my personal preparations ooooh, best avoid answering that one I think.
A warm welcome to a few new followers I've enjoyed visiting your lovely blogs.
Have a lovely day all x
Lovely idea Caroline. might try some of those.
ReplyDeletewhat a really lovely, lovely idea. Thanks for sharing - i think i'll try this for Xmas presents this year.
ReplyDeleteA great idea - and with this addition of ribbon and stamping, they look very, very smart
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely fab! Love this so much! Thank you for sharing. I'm off to buy some brown paper (I think this could be like Delia recommending goose fat - the shelves would be empty if Kirstie featured your bags on telly!)
ReplyDeletex
Very clever and so pretty too. Alix is right - those would empty shop shelves of brown paper if it was on TV.
ReplyDeleteI love sewing paper - it's addictive. I made myself some info cards for the fair I did last week, paper sewn onto card. Loved it.
I love these - they are so pretty it is amazing that they started life as simple brown paper!
ReplyDeleteThe possibilities are endless...
Ali x
I'm a huge fan of brown wrapping paper. I use it all the time now, and add bits cut out from newspaper, buttons, etc. Have never thought of sewing it though....... good one!
ReplyDeletenods sagely, and stores that one in the memory bank.
Love your gift wrapping ideas. Definitely something I'd like to try and I'll certainly be back tomorrow to see what else you've been doing.
ReplyDeleteMargaret
Gosh, that is so effective and such a good idea! I am loving the stamps... please stop tempting me into paper crafts, I just don't have the space!
ReplyDeleteThey are so cute! I love the little ones best and that's about as much sewing as I can do at one go :-)
ReplyDeleteAlison x
Love that idea! How was that for a brain wave. Gonna have to pop back tomorrow coz I really want to see more!
ReplyDeleteYou have just solved how to wrap the quilt I'm making for my daughter - thank-you so much x
ReplyDeleteI love these! They look really great - I only wish I could use a sewing machine :(
ReplyDeleteI do look forward to your posts. There is always something new to learn. You have given me an idea this week so I am off to have a go.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea. Amazing what you can do with a bit of brown paper and some talent! x
ReplyDeletethat is so cool! Love all the different variations you can do with just one simple little thing like brown paper.
ReplyDeleteGreat idea. thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteWhat a brilliant idea and how fab do they look? I love brown paper - so versatile - but this has taken it to a whole new level.
ReplyDeleteThey look great. So simple, but so effective and can be personalised easily too
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful idea, thanks so much for sharing it. You have a terrific blog - I shall be returning!
ReplyDeleteFab idea! Love it!
ReplyDeleteThis is so funny as Jill and I were talking about brown paper and stamping at the weekend. so effective and think of the money you have saved
ReplyDeleteYou are a genius! Vx
ReplyDeleteBRILLIANT!
ReplyDeleteCan't say any more than that!
Jo x
O I think I might love this the best of anything I've seen lately! You are just too clever! Awesome idea, looks not only beautiful but easy, just my kind of thing! One of those, wish I'd thought of it first things! You honestly ARE a genius!
ReplyDeletegreat idea Caroline - I might even manage a go at this! Mich x
ReplyDeletevery unique ... hope you pop over to our linky party on the 1st Dec! Bet your customer was pleased with these!
ReplyDelete