Designer Paper Handbag

This is a very cute way to package a set of handmade cards to give as a gift – standard A2 sized cards (4 1/4″ x 5 1/2″)  fit in here perfectly – it would also make an adorable gift bag for any little gift…

It is easy and fun to make and is made from one sheet of double sided Designer Series Paper – you can use paper to make the handles as I have done or you can use ribbon…

Here is my tutorial so that you can make your own – at the end of this tutorial you will find a printable version along with the template of measurements so that you can print it out and keep it for reference.

Take your sheet of double sided Designer Series Paper and cut to be 9″ x 12″…

Put your paper (with the longest side along the top) into a scoring tool or your paper trimmer with the score blade inserted…score at 1″, 5 1/4″, 6 3/4″ and 11″.

Turn your paper around so that the shorter side is along the top of your trimmer/score tool and score at 1 1/2″ and 7 1/2″…

Using sharp Paper Snips cut down the two score lines on each side as shown below…

Fold along all score lines – fold all inwards except the two 1″ flaps on the very end – fold those outwards – thi s will create the band of different patterned paper around the top of the handbag…

Apply a strong adhesive such as Sticky Strip to the outside edge of the  small center flaps and the the large side flaps…

Fold up one end together and adhere firmly…

And repeat for the other end – and there you have your box…

To make the handles, take the offcuts from your sheet of paper or choose different papers that co-ordinate – cut to 1/2″ x 12″ and if wished, use a Corner Rounding Punch on each end…

To position your handles onto your bag take a ruler and make a pencil line at 1 1/2″ in from each end on your bag…

Using Sticky Strip adhere your first handle in place – you can also use brads or eyelets to attach them to make it extra secure…

Flip your bag over and do the same to attach the handle to the other side…and there you have your handbag just ready for embellishing and filling…

WANT TO PRINT OUT THIS TUTORIAL?  PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR A PRINTABLE VERSION WHICH WILL OPEN IN A NEW BROWSER WINDOW

Please click HERE to view my other Project Tutorials

Here is the template with measurements…