Monday, February 6, 2012

Bagging it with Style

Since I first began selling my handmade soap last spring, I have spent a lot of time thinking about packaging.  (Let's not even consider how much time I have spent actually packaging the soap itself.)  I had certain criteria in mind -- simple yet pretty, affordable, do-it-myself if possible and re-using/recycling when possible.  My soap packaging has gone through a few reincarnations but the shopping bags (brown lunch bags) I used at craft shows have remained the same.  Until now.  Recently I found a tutorial  online for making gift bags from newspaper.  Let me tell you, people, I am hooked.

This was the first bag I made using the dimensions exactly as given in the tutorial.


It was teeny, tiny and perfect for a small local delivery later the same day.  But it hasn't stopped with this bag.

Shortly after I made the first bag, Mike was cleaning out the car when he found some old car maps.  He was about to throw them into the recycling bin when I saw potential and quickly snagged them from his hands.


Then there was the paper that was wrapped around a pot of tulips.



For handles, i have been using twine, ribbons and bias tape -- whatever I happen to have on hand.  The bags are fun to make and easily customized to various sizes of paper.  I dare you to make only one.

I have big plans for these bags.  I hope to make one or two each day.  I would love to have these not only for local orders but also for customers at craft shows.  What do you think?  Can I make those many bags?  I guess I'll find out.  In the meantime, I am on the hunt for paper.

10 comments:

  1. Gorgeous! I totally want to try this... the link doesn't work for me... xo Jen

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  2. these are great - i think the simplicity of the newsprint one with twine is my favourite

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  3. They make me swoon. I <3 the newsprint w/stamp and maps bags. Love them!

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  4. How cool is that?! No telling what you'll find to use. The newspaper is such a great backdrop for your red stamp!

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  5. you are very talented tara! i love them all.

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  6. LOVE the newsprint bag. These are brilliant. Love them so much.

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  7. Those are so adorable, Tara!! Truly, they look great!

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  8. What fantastic bags, and how they'll enhance your soap, adding to it's special individuality.

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  9. Love them! Especially the maps!

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  10. These are beautiful! I totally want to try this.

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