Looking for some ways to reuse your paper bags? Here are over 30 paper bag crafts for adults you are going to love!
Paper bags can be used for so much more than covering school books or carrying your lunch!
Considering the fact that you can purchase rolls of Kraft paper made from the same material as brown paper bags, there must be numerous uses for this material. Here are some common ideas you’ve probably seen:
- Wrapping paper
- Space filler in packages
- Floor or furniture protection when painting or crafting
- Banner paper
You’ve most likely used paper lunch bags with your kids to make puppets, but I’m going to show you some awesome ways that adults can use up those paper bags. I’ve found everything from home decor to jewelry and even paper bag covered floors!
Go ahead and take a look. This list will have you saving all of your grocery, lunch, gift and shopping bags for craft time. Then let me know what you think in the comments!
1
www.diybeautify.com
Copper Magnolia Wreath
This copper colored magnolia leaf homemade wreath is perfect for a fall decoration. I can't believe it was made using paper bags and paint!
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2
modpodgerocksblog.com
Faux Leather Frame
Learn how to make a paper bag leather frame using Mod Podge and other basic materials. You can use this treatment on walls and even floors — you'll see this later in this list!
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3
www.carolynshomework.com
Bound Notebook
Carolyn used Fiskars art tools to make this bound notebook. All of the pages are from a paper bag and she bound it with a strip of leather. Use it to jot notes, sketch, journal or add photos for a brag book!
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4
www.vintagepaintandmore.com
Pumpkin Decor
Use lunch bags to make a rustic pumpkin decoration. This is super easy and looks great!
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5
www.apieceofrainbow.com
Woven Basket
These baskets were made by weaving strips of paper bag. Then they were given a faux leather look using paint and Mod Podge.
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6
www.beadinggem.com
Resin Jewelry
Turn paper gift bags into beautiful jewelry using this resin tutorial. Don't these pendants look amazing? Pearl also shows you how to make earrings and coasters using the bags.
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7
chloemoorephotography.blogspot.com
Book Covering
Bookshelves can look busy. Solve this problem by going back to your school days and covering the books with paper bags!
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8
whitegunpowder.com
Bird’s Nests
These little brown bag bird's nests would look great as part of an Easter place setting! The Jelly Belly jellybeans are perfect as eggs, don't you think?
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9
modpodgerocksblog.com
Acrylic Ornaments
Make these EASY brown paper bag ornaments in minutes with some basic craft supplies! These look so unique on your Christmas tree.
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10
craftingmyhome.com
Word Napkin Rings
Use your favorite cutting machine to cut words out of cut up paper bags. Use 'thankful' for Thanksgiving, or you could use names and they double as place cards!
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11
lil-red-house.blogspot.com
Refinished Floors
Similar to the leather look frame from earlier, these floors are made by ripping up grocery paper bags! It also looks great to simulate wood — like this faux wood plank floor.
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12
www.somewhatsimple.com
Cute Planters
You wouldn't think that paper bags could make cute planters, but they do! Crumpled bags with twine and ribbon are a huge improvement over the plastic store containers.
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13
happinessiscreating.com
Fringe Napkin Ring
This paper bag DIY is so easy you could have your kids do it with you! I think these napkin rings would look great for any occasion.
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14
www.apieceofrainbow.com
Pendant Light
Use a paper grocery bag to make an origami lampshade. This one was added to a rustic lamp base, but you could also hang it from the ceiling as a pendant light.
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15
www.thecraftpatchblog.com
Origami Heart Baskets
Cut out a square from your paper bag and fold it into a much cuter heart-shaped basket! A bit of origami and some twine is all you need.
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16
oneyounglovedotcom.wordpress.com
Paper Hydrangea
Use a large scallop punch and lunch bags to make fun paper hydrangeas for decoration. Don't have a scallop punch? Just draw out the shape and use it as a template for cutting!
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17
www.blessingsbyme.com
Decorative Carrots
Looking for a rustic farmhouse decoration for spring or Easter? These DIY paper bag carrots are perfect!
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18
www.mom4real.com
Picnic Utensil Holders
I love a dual purpose DIY. Use lunch bags and washi tape to make these utensil holders. When you are finished eating, just throw your trash in the bag!
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19
Laura | mobilehome_cottage
Rustic Vase
Turn any container into a rustic, yet beautiful vase using twisted strips of paper bag!
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20
www.carolynshomework.com
Bay Leaf Wreath
Here is another paper bag wreath idea. This one uses faux bay leaves created with watercolor paint.
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21
www.thegunnysack.com
Envelopes
This is a great idea for those of you who may have an Etsy store. Turn your paper bags into envelopes!
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22
karinskottage.com
Witch Hat
I can't believe that this witch's hat is made using paper bags! Use this as a cool Halloween decoration.
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23
Laura | mobilehome_cottage
Leaf Garland
Cut out large leaves to create a beautiful fall leaf garland! This would look great on a mantel as well.
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24
modpodgerocksblog.com
Colorful Confetti Gift Bags
Create these unique DIY gift bags with your favorite Mod Podge formula and sparkly confetti. This is perfect for gift wrapping on a budget! Not only that, but they make great favor bags for parties. So versatile.
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25
Paper Bag Snowflakes
Learn how to make large snowflakes out of lunch bags! These are easy, inexpensive, and can be used for holiday or seasonal decor.
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26
www.compostandcava.com
3D Wrapping Paper
Reese turned her Ann Taylor LOFT shopping bag into fun gift wrap. She used cutout tree shapes to make it 3D.
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27
backlessshirt.blogspot.com
Easy Piñata
Turn a large paper bag into a super easy piñata for your next party! You just need to cover it with sewn crepe paper. This one was made using a DSW shopping bag. You can also make a smaller piñata using a lunch bag.
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28
www.popsugar.com
Fall Wreath
One more paper bag wreath. This one is a bit different — instead of cutting the bags up to make leaves, you will cut and twist strips around a wreath form!
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29
thesoccermomblog.com
Ornament Wrapping Paper
Upcycle an old paper bag and some leftover cupcake liners to make this cute ornament wrapping paper. Kids will also love making this gift wrapping idea!
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30
© juliana sohn for OWEN
Wall Design
Okay, I had to include this because it is such a unique idea! The OWEN store in New York City used 25,000 lunch bags to decorate an arched wall/ceiling. Isn't it awesome?
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Did you like these paper bag crafts for adults? I’d love it if you could share this post using the buttons below. Then take a look at these other adult crafts:
Alphabet • Cardboard • Chalkboard • Clay • Clothespins • Cottagecore • Driftwood • Fabric • Fall • Fashion • Felt • Hearts • Nature • Neckties • Newspaper • Pom Poms • Recycled • Ribbon • Scrabble Tiles • Sharpies • Sprinkles • Tassels • Washi Tape • Watermelon • Wine Corks • Winter