Monday, December 21, 2009

gift bags from boxes

I have a bunch of little gifts I'm finishing up, but I already know that I won't complete everything on my list. There's always next year! What I do get done will be so much fun to wrap. I bet you can guess how much I love wrapping up handmade gifts in creative, repurposed packaging. Remember the art storage/display I made out of a turned-inside-out priority mail box? I used the same technique with cereal and cracker boxes to make "gift bags"! I punched holes in the sides and used selvedge , ribbons, or twine for handles. A glue gun was the easiest way to re-consruct each box.

For a substitute to tissue paper, I enjoy using old patterns (that I'd never use for sewing) found while thrifting. I love how you can customize these bags/boxes for each recipient. This one is for our music teacher. Vintage sheet music came from this lovely friend.


Happy packaging! Pin It

26 comments:

  1. I love your idea to use old pattern pieces for the tissue, esp. for handmade gifts!

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  2. Gorgeous! I think I need to assembly line some of these. So beautiful!

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  3. This is such a practical way to repurpose. Thanks for sharing.

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  4. Oh, your recycled bags are gorgeous! They are a gift all unto themselves :-)

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  5. Oh, I like that.

    Gift wrapping is just something I do not enjoy, not one little bit. If I saw it as an art project I might be able to get into it though. Thanks for the inspiration. jan

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  6. Maya,

    Thank you for your site. The barn restoration is one of my "happy places" i go when I am feeling blue. You have a unique eye for beauty.

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  7. very cool! thank you for sharing!

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  8. Oh, Maya....you never disappoint! I adore the way you look at the world and am constantly amazed and inspired by you my friend. I wish I could be a little fly on the wall as you go through your day! :)
    xo
    Melis

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  9. My gosh, this is so beautiful! Thank you for sharing this!

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  10. What a great idea! I'm sure each recipient will appreciate the though you put into the wrapping as much as they appreciate the gift. Merry Christmas!

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  11. I love the way you think! Great way to reuse/recycle. Almost as nice as any gift! Did you sew on the box?

    Diana
    http://dianaartblog.blogspot.com

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  12. Thanks everyone! These are so simple, so I'm quite happy with how much you're all enjoying them.

    Diana- Yes, I sewed directly onto my box.
    warm wishes everyone!

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  13. Really beautiful and inspiring - Thank you :)

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  14. your packages are as beautiful as what I imagine lies within.

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  15. I LOVE your idea to use old patterns for tissue paper. Must get to the thrift shop soon!

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  16. Hi, Maya.
    I love your idea. It is so usefull and beautiful.
    I like it.

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  17. This is so lovely! Thanks for sharing your wonderful ideas.

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  18. i'm just so excited about the idea of using old patterns for tissue paper! they're a dime a dozen at most thrift stores, and i know that the women in my family would just love the idea of receiving a gift wrapped in an old, familiar pattern. thanks maya!

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  19. so lovely. i created similar grift boxes out of cereal boxes that i decorated with magazine pictures.

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  20. LOVE these! So beautiful! Will be linking 12/28! :)

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  21. Excellent gift bags from boxes with good design.

    Gift Bags and Boxes

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