How To Make Newspaper Gift Bags

This past Christmas I received a gift wrapped in an adorable handmade bag from families in India. NGO families generate an income by making newspaper bags and jute items. Support for this project means that these children can enjoy going to school and playing, rather than pulling rickshaws, shoe polishing, rag picking and worse. The main objective of newspaper bags is to provide education and shelter to street children.

Their bags can be ordered online at The Indian Shop, but I thought it would be a great idea to share how to make your own to recycle any newspapers or (in Santa Barbara) The Independent magazine.

What You Need:

• Newspaper or Newspaper Magazine
• Tape
• Hole Punch
• 2 – 7″ ribbons or jute strings
• Tape
• Staples and Glue (optional if not using Tape)
• Shoe Box, Box or stack of Books (to form shape)

Instructions:

1. Separate newspaper into about 4 sheets.
2. Wrap box or books as if wrapping a gift. Fold over top and tape in three places.
3. Fold 1 side of the bottom end together. Press tightly on all the folds to create creases.
4. Carefully slide out the box or books. Fold in the top layer slightly and tape down inside.
5. Hole punch 2 punches on each side for the handles (like in the images). On one side add ribbon in the hole and create a knot on the inside so it doesn't slide through the hole punch (like in the images). Repeat on remaining 3 holes.

I always seem to have leftover newspapers and Independent magazines at my house and so used them to create my own bag. A little tape, ribbon, & hole punching and you have a reusable bag! I used tape, but you can also staple together or use glue. And how sweet if your children make this for that extra personalized touch when they give gifts!