12 More Ways to Reuse Paper Bags

Paper bags have been a bit of a controversy.  Are paper bags better than plastic?  I have a previous blog post with Ways to Reuse Paper Bags, which includes a video documentary about whether plastic or paper are better for the environment.  Click here to watch the video and see the first 8 Ways to Reuse Paper Bags.

I think we all can agree that reusing canvas shopping bags is best.

If you still find yourself with paper bags here are even more ways to reuse the paper bags you end up with:

1.  Use a dust mop?  Struggle to get the dust and dirt off it?  Put it in a paper bag and put a rubber band around it to secure the bag.  Then shake the dust mop to get the dust and dirt off.  Carefully remove the paper bag.

2.  Remove wax.  Heat the wax through a paper bag, moving the paper bag around to use new portions to pick up the wax.  Do not use a printed bag as this may cause the ink to run.

3.  Reuse as gift bags.  Use acrylic paint to cover any printed areas or glue on decorative paper.  Use decorative punches to decorate the edges, add ribbons, etc.  Get creative!

4.  Place fruit in a paper bag to accelerate ripening.

5.  Make a mailer with paper bags.  Click here for a tutorial on how to do this.

6.  Make an amazing butterfly wreath!!

7.  Make paper!

8.  Use them to protect surfaces when your painting, gluing or doing other messy crafty projects.

9.  Cut out eyes and decorate to make a mask.

10.  Make a kite.

11.  Use them to separate your recyclables.

12.  Cut into strips and tape them to make chains for decorations.

You can also make a Paper Bag Scrapbook.  Click here to get my original, simple Paper Bag Scrapbook.

Find out more about my updated Paper Bag Scrapbook there and how to get the step-by-step instructions for free, too.

Paper Bag Scrapbook Business Plan

Creating a business plan in writing is always a goal of mine each year.  Some years I do accomplish it, save it on my computer and move on with my business.  Some years I don't even do it.  I know what my plan is, why write it down?

This year I am changing my business and really wanted to get things down in writing.  I did that, on my computer, like normal.  Here's the thing, though, I don't actually USE my business plan in that way.  I never see it again.

Then I got an inspiration.  I wish I could remember who gave me the idea, but it was on one of my favorite blogs, but I'm not sure which one (I tried to figure it out, but with no luck!)

 

 I transformed my business plan into a fun, crafty, interactive book!  I made a paper bag scrapbook and then added all my business info.  There's plenty of room for adding in the pockets.  I can change things, add things, remove things. 

And I love it.  I love having it out and adding more to it.

The other great thing about making my business plan scrapbook that I didn't realize is that while I was making the pages and adding information, I thought much more about my business and each response to each section.  It's one thing to type it out and save it on a printer or print it; it's a entirely different thing to physically write out information by hand and make special pages.

I used this Crafty U Tutorial to make my scrapbook.  I am planning on making more, for sure!  I used paper bags I had around left over from when I sold Avon, so my bags are white.  If you want to make a paper bag scrapbook for a business plan like I did, you can just do a search to find business plan samples to get started.  I have some blank pages/empty pockets to add to my book as needed.


What do you think?

How to Reuse Paper Bags

Before talking about ways to reuse paper bags, here's a short documentary that explores whether paper bags or plastic bags are better for the environment.



From here on out, we'll all remember to take our reusable canvas bags to the grocery store, right?

Here's what you can do with all your leftover paper bags:

1. You can reuse them as bags. (obviously)
2. You can use them in any way you would use any paper. Cut them so they are flat and then draw on them, paint on them, etc. (although, they are not acid-free)
3. Make a paper bag scrapbook. Here's my paper bag scrapbook tutorial
4. Decorate it and use it as wrapping paper
5. Cover your books
6. Use them to mail things. You can cut apart and wrap your item in the paper to mail it, or use the bag as cushion for inside.
7. Make a paper bag basket
8. Make a puppet! (video below)



What other ways do you reuse/recycle paper bags?

Reuse Paper Bags and Make a Cool Scrapbook

Paper Bag Scrapbook

This is a simple tutorial to make a paper bag scrapbook. It is a great way to use up paper bags that you have laying around.

Once you make the basic book, you can embellish it however you would like. Other ideas I have thought about is to use just one bag and make a cool card for someone, filled up with something fun. Or fill the inside with paper and you have a really cool notebook or journal - take notes and save mementos in the open part.

One thing to note: This is not acid-free! Don't use your irreplaceable photos for this project because they will be ruined eventually. You could make copies of your precious photos and mementos.

What you need for this project:

1. Paper bags (I used 3, but you could use less or more)
I used smaller bags, but you can use larger bags to make a larger scrapbook.
2. Ribbon, lace, string or yarn
3. Hole punch
4. Any embellishments and glue to attach them - scrapbook paper, fabric, buttons, etc.

How to:

1. Fold each paper bag in half.


2. Line up the bags. Alternate the closed ends and open ends.

3. Line up folds like a book one bag inside of the next as pictured below.

4. Punch holes in all the bags at the spine side. I punched holes in each bag individually and then marked all the other bags from the first bag. Ideally, your holes will be in a straight line, unlike mine! :)

5. Cut pieces of ribbon, lace, string or yarn to tie through the book.

6. Tie each piece of ribbon, lace, yarn or string through the holes you punched out - through all of the bags and tie on the outside.



Now you have your basic scrapbook/journal/card/etc. Every other page has an opening to put things in. You can add extra photos there or save other things.

7. Finish your scrapbook by adding whatever embellishments you would like.
I added a fabric flower with a button on a piece of paper, then glued that to the front. I also make a pull-out with ribbons from a piece of scrapbook paper that I can add photos to or journal on.

This project is only limited by your imagination! So have a great time!

Again, remember that these books are not acid free and will not last forever.

* * * * * *

Update:  Since writing this tutorial I have an even better, more professional looking paper bag scrapbook tutorial.  It takes a little more time, but it's completely worth it!

This paper bag scrapbook was made using old maps for the decoration to make a fun travel journal scrapbook.

And this paper bag scrapbook is what I used to make my business plan much more fun!

To learn how to make this more professional and nicer looking paper bag journal, just fill in the form below to join my tutorial newsletter and you'll receive instant access to a private, password protected webpage with the step-by-step instructions plus many other exclusive tutorials.  

(Note:  my tutorials are now found on a separate website:  http://www.KimberlieKohler.com )

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