Shopping Bag Instructions

This is one of the accessory items I have made and adopted as a signature item included in the swaps I make.

You may make the pattern larger or smaller; shorter or taller based on the shopping bag you require. Some suggested papers are gift wrap, wallpaper, construction paper, typing paper, newsprint or just use a brown paper bag.

DIRECTIONS FOR SHOPPING BAGS:

1. Cut the pattern and make the necessary folds on the dotted lines and the necessary slits to make the tabs.
2. The tabs will obviously be at the bottom of the pattern and bottom of the bag.
3. Put a small amount of glue (I use Fabri-Tac) on the underside of tabs A & B. Fold the bag and adhere the small tabs A & B to the center longer tab C. Run a thin line of glue on the underside edge of the remaining long bottom tab D. Adhere tab D to the bottom of the bag.
4. You will notice an additional (fold) tab E that runs the height of the pattern. Run a thin line of glue along the outside of this tab E and glue the bag shut.
5. Cut the top of the bag with pinking sheers (for paper, please) or other decorative paper cutting scissors to make a zig-zag edge look, if you like that sort of thing.
6. Punch holes in the bag for the bag handles if you wish to go this route. Or you may glue bag handles to the inside top of the bag on either side. Try cording, ribbon, string, twine, or yarn. Decorate the front and back of the bag if you wish with paint or stickers.