Monday, October 20, 2008

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!

15 comments:

Lisa Dorsey said...

Very cute bags! Love how you used your scraps! I need to do that!

janel said...

Darling project. I will be making some Halloween bags myself. I thought the reason the candy was MIA was that mom had eaten it...:) :)
Enjoy the day!

Lauren said...

cute, cute, cute! and watch out for those 2 year olds! ;)

Barb said...

What a clever idea ~ great job!

Anonymous said...

ingenious bag idea! and how perfect is that CC paper here?!? love it!

Erin said...

great idea! very cute little bags!

Larajc said...

That is really a cute idea.. Thanks for spelling it out so easily. I never thought that it could be so easy to make these bags! Thanks so much! Lara

Susan Beth said...

What a sweet heart he has to want to do for others! I can think of worse places to find the candy (melted into the couch cushion comes to mind right away). Love the bags!

Vee said...

I love your bags!!!

Nancywithajones said...

very very cute!!!

Anonymous said...

Cute creations and clever too!

Tiffany Harper said...

That is a great project. And just think all the money you save from not buying those over priced candy bags. =) Thanks for sharing this!

Michele Kovack said...

SOOOO Cute!!!

Unknown said...

Cute bags! What a great way to use up your scraps!

Linda said...

Those bags are so great! Very creative! :)