There’s nothing like that moment when you realize you need a gift bag… and you don’t have one. Maybe you’re about to head out the door, or maybe the gift is ready, but you can’t find a bag or box for it, and it’s sitting there on your table, looking slightly abandoned. Well, here’s your quick solution!
I’m so excited to share how to create a beautiful handmade gift bag using just two sheets of 12×12 Designer Series Paper. No need to run to the store, no need to panic—just grab a couple sheets of DSP from your stash and let’s create something fabulous together.
The very first bag I made used the Nests of Winter Designer Series Paper. It was moody, elegant, and full of cozy charm. For the video tutorial I filmed, I decided to switch it up and use the Florals in Bloom DSP. The results were bright, cheerful, and oh-so-lovely—perfect for birthdays, thank-yous, or anytime you want your gift wrap to be as thoughtful as the gift inside.
The process is surprisingly simple. You’ll start by scoring the DSP to create crisp folds for the sides and top of the bag. A scoring template of the 12×12 DSP pieces is pictured below:
Each piece gets the same scoring treatment at first, but then the magic happens—each sheet is trimmed just a bit differently so they can nestle together and create a sturdy, roomy gift bag. One gets the bottom corner squares cut out, and the other just gets a couple of cuts in from the side to allow for easy folding.
Then comes a little bit of reinforcing with a scrap of cardstock that no one will ever see, but makes all the difference in the bag’s structure. Once that’s in place, it’s time to assemble—lining up patterns, making sure all those folds face the same direction (ask me how I know that part’s important!), and adhering everything together. After the base is formed, the sides come together easily.
And just like that, you’ve got a custom gift bag that looks like it came from a fancy boutique—but you made it right at home with paper you already had. You can add ribbon handles if you’d like, decorate the front with a tag or embellishment, or keep it clean and classic.
I’d love for you to give this a try. You can watch the full tutorial in my video where I walk you through every step using the Florals in Bloom DSP. I promise, once you make one of these bags and see how easy it is and how great it looks, you’ll be hooked.
This little project is one of my favorite ways to make a handmade or store bought gift feel extra special. If you’re like me and tend to hoard all the pretty paper, this is a great way to actually use it in a way that’s both practical and beautiful. Let me know if you try it—I’d be tickled to see your version. Until next time, may your paper be pretty and your folds be crisp!
Measurements (all in inches):
- 2 sheets of 12 x 12 DSP or patterned paper that are the same, scored and folded at 3″ on three sides, and 2″ on the fourth
- scrap cardstock – 3 x 6
Supplies Used: