Waste not

It isn't that I'm a pack rat, not at all. But when it comes to scrap supplies, I feel like you have to make the most of it. Not hoard it, just stretch every little bit. That is how this project was born, my attempt to stretch my scraps as far as possible. And let me tell you, these bags were so easy I may never buy gift bags (for $1-$5) again. Outrageous!

Hoping to pull off our pumpkin escapade this morning with Amy and Ella, provided the weather holds out. I made the bag for J to give to Ella, he loves doing that kind of thing. He helped a young girl with her sippy cup yesterday after she dropped it. That made his whole afternoon.

Cosmo Cricket Haunted Halloween Candy Bags

1. First thing you do is dig through your scraps. I had two pieces of Striped Haunted Cosmo that were approximately 6-7 inches x 12 inches.

2. Then get a box about the size of the bag you want. I wanted little bags, so I got a jewelry box. If you want a big bag get a cereal box (and more paper!). Fold the bag around the box, and use strong adhesive to seal the edge. The paper will hold the indentations of the corners, but work them a little to make sure you can see them later on.

3. Fold the bottom. Fold the sides in first, then the top and bottom flap. If you plan to put anything heavy, consider a rectangle piece of cardstock in the bottom to anchor your adhesive. I didn't do that for candy, it's not heavy.

4. Fold the top in (if desired) and punch holes. Add ribbon of choice.

Supplies: Cosmo Cricket Haunted Patterned Paper Strip (one bag is the front, the other is the back), Cosmo Cricket Haunted Ribbon, plus hole punch from Staples.

Just in case you are curious how I think these things up, it's not hard when my 22 month old tears open the shopping bags to "see how they work." I was so excited and intrigued I think I ruined what could have been a great toddler trouble moment for him. Instead I sat down on the floor and said, "Can I see that?" It's been the start of a beautiful relationship, where I keep an open mind and he gets to see me have fun. Things have been going really well the past few days. I don't know if you noticed, but a couple pieces of candy were missing from that bag on the left. J ran off with them. I later found them in my shower. I wish I understood why he does that. More layouts tomorrow. Happy Fall!