How to Alter a gift bag

I’ve been scratching my head wondering how to alter a gift bag to make a gift card. This is one of the things I did when I first started more than 10 years ago and am re-visiting again. Do you remember paper bag books? I haven’t made one in such a long time.

Yes, this really started life as a paper bag! I trimmed off the “pinked” zig zag edges and folded the bag in half with the seam on the inside. I created a belly band to keep the bag closed. The floral image on the belly band is from Color & Contour stamp set.

For the front pocket, I used one of the cards from the Hand-penned Memories & More card pack as a card insert. No stamping required. I punched a 1″ circle in Soft Succulent, folded it in half and made an incision on the fold so I could conceal the ribbon and thread it through. I repeated this for the gift card wallet in Pale Papaya.

The Scalloped Contours dies came into play too. They were just the right size for the inside of the altered ombre gift bag and helped to cover up the seams. I created the gift card card “wallet” out of Soft Succulent card stock. This, too, had a belly band wrapped round the sides and I used the Oval Occasions bundle to decorate it.

Press play and watch video tutorial – it’s easier than me trying to explain everything!

List of supplies:

I have provided links both for the bundles as well as individual items. I also used a 1″ circle punch which has, unfortunately retired.

Product List

Color & Contour Bundle (English) [158356]	Color & Contour Photopolymer Stamp Set [154994]	Scalloped Contours Dies [155560]
Oval Occasions Bundle (English) [156261]	Oval Occasions Cling Stamp Set [154477]	Double Oval Punch [154242]
Pale Papaya A4 Cardstock [155669]	Soft Succulent A4 Cardstock [155777]	Basic White A4 Cardstock [159228]
Ombre Gift Bags [155479]	Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad [132708]	Pale Papaya Classic Stampin' Pad [155670]
Soft Succulent Classic Stampin' Pad [155778]	Pale Papaya 3/8" (1 Cm) Open Weave Ribbon [155672]	Soft Succulent 3/8" (1 Cm) Open Weave Ribbon [155780]
2021–2023 In Color Jewels [155571]