Monday, August 25, 2008

How to Transform an Envelope into a Gift Bag

I made these gift/party favor bags ages ago. In fact, I think they are beginning to look rather dated. But every time I demonstrate how to make them, people are always "wowed." So I thought I'd put together a short video tutorial on them (see below.)

They are made with envelopes. You can make them from nearly any size and type. The ones in the photo above are made with some surplus greeting card envelopes. Sometimes you can purchase "left-overs" from an office supply or drug store (any store that sells greeting cards.) By "left-overs" I mean the cards get damaged or lost but the envelope is left. Just ask the manager if you can purchase them. I have also found bundles of them at thrift stores and garage sales. Or look in the back of a drawer or file cabinet. There always seems to be some strays around everyone's house.

8 comments:

xxoo Tammy said...

Love love love your sweet bags! Of course I have 'extra' envelopes hanging around....don't know where they came from lol, but now I have a fabulous project to use them in. Love your blog and thanks for sharing your inspiration.

Holly said...

What a darling thing to make with envelopes! Did you know that the card companies have ladies that go to pick up all the holiday cards ater the holidays to send back but they throw the envelopes away? If you can catch them at the store they will let you have all you want!

Kristina said...

This was a great tutorial and a wonderful idea. Thanks for sharing it.

Nancy Koskovich said...

Thanks sooo much, a friend of mine was throwing out a box full of every kind of envelope you could imagine. Well being the " I might use them Someday" kind of person, I gladly took them off her hands!!! See I knew I would use them someday!! Love all of your ideas, Thanks Nancy

Betty O said...

What a super little project. I can't wait to have my students make some of these. Thanks so much for the video!

MaryNSC said...

O I just Love these Thank U!!!!!

Renu said...

I've never seen anyone make bags like this before. What a wonderful idea and a fantastic recylce project. Thank you.

Jane J said...

I wish I had seen this before I retired from teaching. How many times could I have used this idea in 32.5 years teaching. Marvelous!

Jane