Are you planning on surprising a friend with a gift you brought back from your latest vacation? Maybe you’re going to get your teen daughter something she’s been begging for and you want to surprise her in a big way? There are some times when, even with all the frills and bows, an ordinary gift bag just isn’t good enough. If you really want a noticeable gift bag – one the recipient will want to keep forever – make it yourself. Don’t worry; it’s not a task, it’s a fun project that will thrill you as much as it will the person receiving the gift.
Whether you need a special gift bag for a birthday, anniversary, wedding, or any other occasion, a disposable plate is the perfect thing for creating it. The plate can be plastic, or paper, but shouldn’t be a really flat plate. Large or small, the plate gives you an unusual way to create a souvenir bag with any theme.
Lay the chosen plate on the front of the bag, but on the inside. Center it, and draw around it. Cut out the circle but make it just a tad smaller, all the way around, than the actual drawing. Cut a piece of clear plastic; it can be from a cheap, dollar-store tablecloth, or even from a bag you got when you bought sheets. Cut a circle of the plastic and glue or tape it to the inside of the bag, over the hole.
Create the paper plate design you want. One thing you can do is to print out a picture – one you’ve uploaded or a picture from the internet – and cut it so that it will fit on the concave side of the plate. Glue or tape the paper to the plate. The picture plate can be of photo of your family, a picture of your dog, a picture of a famous landmark, a famous personality, or any other picture you want. Or, instantly give the bag a fun theme for kids by purchasing a paper plate that depicts a famous cartoon character.
Make something entirely different by attaching novelties to the plate. Anything that will fit between the bottom of the plate, and the clear plastic, can be used. The area can be filled with balloons, beads and glitter, semi-flat toys, tiny stuffed animals, curled ribbon, or your choice of other things. Or, set up a scene using miniatures from a craft store. For items that can’t be glued to the plate – like piles of glitter – fill the plate first. Then, slide it into the bag, position it under the opening, then set something on the bag to push it against the plate. Any quick-dry glue works well to attach the finished plate.
It’s fun to design your own window bags for all occasions. Anyone from a young child to a grown man will love a one-of-a-kind bag from you, whether that person receives a souvenir, handmade gift, or another surprise.
Reference:
- Fun paper plates: www.partycity.com
