How to Make a Paper Bag Scrapbook

Paper Bag Scrapbook

It is amazing what you can create using everyday items.  A couple brown paper bags, a few pictures, some paper, a little creativity and a glue stick- Voila!  You have successfully documented a memory.

Step One: Binding the Book
First, decide how many pages you want.  I will be using 2 bags and have 8 pages counting the front and back.  Make sure the bags are lined up and fold them in half. 

I used a hole punch to create the holes to weave my ribbon binding through. The hole punch would not go through both bags, so I did one at a time. I punched the second bag through the holes created in the first bag to make sure that the holes lined up.

Then I weaved ribbon & tied large knots to create the binding. I designed my scrabook with parts of the paper bag showing because I like the rustic paper bag look.  If you don't want to see the paper bag when you are done, cover the bag with a base color of paper, then bind it.

Step 2: Add Character

The paper bag provides more than a backing for the scrapbook- it gives you several easy ways to add character.  I left the top of one bag open- so I have a pocket. I am not sure what I will put in the pocket yet... maybe a paper snowflake, more pictures, a note- use your imagination!

The top of the bag gives you a pocket, the bottom of the bag makes a flip out page!

 I used the bottom of the bag as a half page.  As you can see, the bottom of the bag can fold part way open already.  To make a half page, I cut the bottom flap of the bag so that the flap opens all the way. 

I then covered it with paper.  The paper serves a double purpose here.  It covers up the messy, cut up bag, and it reinforces the book. 

Step 3: Scrapbook It

You can decorate it any way you like from there. Here is how I did mine:

I only had a few pictures I wanted to use- so I used mostly paper & thoughts about winter & snow. 

This is the flip out page.  I used it to hide a picture of Daniel about to through a snowball. :D 

That was definately my favorite page of the book! 

I only made one flip out page.  I covered up the bottom of the other bag.

Success!  We now have a cute little book documenting our fun in the snowy Rexburg winters. 

I had so much fun making this book, I have already planned another one!  My plan is to make a Valentines Day book for my husband instead of a card.