DIY Monday: Recycled Kraft Package (by Mandi)

Hi fellas and ladies! This is Mandi with a useful and fun DIY project for you. I'm constantly packaging goodies for my vintage shop customers and friends across the world, but buying packaging products is expensive and also contributes to environmental waste. I wanted to find an inexpensive and sustainable way to personalize pretty packages without paying for envelopes, tape, and labels.  I ended up coming up with a kraft package made from recycled grocery bags. To obtain supplies, all I need to do is say "paper" instead of "plastic."

For this project, you will need:

1 paper shopping bag

1 pair of scissors

1 black gel pen

A sewing machine with thread

Leftover rub-ons (optional) These are made by Hambly Screen Prints.

Step One:

Cut open the sides of your bag and fold the flaps over to maintain an even width across the length of the paper. Then fold the bag into thirds, or however many times you need to obtain the desired size of your package.

Step Two:

Use some leftover rub ons from past scrapbooking or craft projects to decorate your paper. I like to match my rub ons to the color of the thread I will use to close the bag.

Step Three:

Now stitch all but one open side of your folded bag. Try some different stitch settings for variety and added decoration.

Step Four: Trim the uneven sides of the bag

Step Five:

Using a gel pen, write out the return address and recipient's address in the prettiest handwriting you can muster. I always think a handwritten address is much more lovely to receive on a package than a printed label. Then, insert the goodies being delivered and stitch closed the opening.

That's it! So easy. And such a small footprint in your wallet and the environment. I can't tell you how much money I have saved since I started making my own packaging materials. And the best part of all are the lovely notes I sometimes receive thanking me for taking a little extra time to make a simple package extra special.

Project Notes:

I have received returned packages in the mail, and was delighted to see that they survived splendidly the rough and tumble delivery process. Also, I have incorporated bubble wrap into the package creating process for items with harder edges, like purses and shoes. It helps the package survive the delivery and also keeps the goodies safe.

Thank you, Mandi, for this adorable and very practical D.I.Y.! XOXO. elsie

Comments

[Mandy @ Miss Indie]

Aww that is such a cute idea!!

[Kim @ Beautiful Bridget Designs]

That is SO adorable! Must make one!! Thanks guys!

[renea hanna]

LOVE this idea. in fact i may do this on the two orders i am sending out tomorrow. ciao.

[amy tangerine]

awesome idea!! love how you reused/recycled and created something amazing.

[Jenny]

This is brillant. I have been trying to come up with other packaging ideas that don't cost me a ton at office supply stores. This rocks! Paper instead of plastic! Brilliant!

[Kayleigh]

I think this would be great using tissue paper too :)

[Celina]

This is absolutely a great idea! I find myself spending waaay too much on packaging, so I've got to try this.

[Andrea]

Great idea! I love this and I'm so going to use it :)

[elycia]

so smart! i love it.

[tiffany.]

i Love this idea for packages. I do so many for my store... this would make it way more fun!

xo.

[Alli (One Pearl Button)]

This is adorable - thank you Mandi!

[mrs boo radley]

LOVE!

[Lori]

What a great idea! I'm always looking for a way to recycle. I also use the paper bags to make patterns. I'll have to try the packaging thing - always seem to be in need of one. Thanks. :)

[Moriah]

this is AWESOME! I am totally going to do this once I launch my etsy shop. what a freaking genius idea! thank you so much!!!!!

http://josiahsnest.com

[Tamara Nicole]

Brilliant idea! I buy polka dot tissue and raffia, but this beats that for sure!!! Cute cute thanks:-)

[gina]

very cool idea!!

[Darling Nikki Vintage]

i was just thinking over the weekend of getting paper bags to use for packaging! i like the way you have personalized it as well. i heart handwritten packages too...perfect!

[jessica]

oh that is very cute! love the idea.

[Lu]

Great idea, I like it a lot. I always use plain wrapping paper and decorate this with cute and colorful images, I think this is the best way for shipping. :)

[Meg]

What a cute idea, thanks Mandi!
xoxo~Meg