My newest favorite thing

I have been having so much fun lately making gift bag ensembles. I want to share one with you today. But before I do that I want to give credit to Heather Klump who gave me the idea in the first place. Here is a link to her beautiful gift set: http://www.stampinconnection.com/photo/vintage-bella-bag?context=user

Now, here is one of the first ones that I made:

Don't you just love this paper! I have received so many requests for the instructions for this bag that I decided to post them here just to make it a little easier.

Start by making a box. Cut your cardstock 8 1/2 x 7 and score at 1 1/2 on all four sides. Cut one slit in each corner of the cardstock and form your box. I use sticky strip on the tabs to make the box a little more secure.

Next, cut two strips of DP 6 x 10 1/2. These will make the sides of your bag. Again, I use sticky strip to adhere the sides to the box. Now you can add the bottom strip by cutting two strips of cardstock 1 1/2 x 10 1/2. Use your choice of punch to decorate the edge. I tried several ways of forming the closure, but this seems to work the best. I cut two top note pieces and folded in half. They are secured in place with a corduroy button on both sides. Next, I used my cropodile to place two large grommetts on each side. I cut two pieces of ribbon 13 inches and threaded through the grommets and tied to make the handles. To close, I cut a piece of satin ribbon long enough to go under the button on the back of the bag, across the top and under the button on the front and then tie in a bow. Easy Schmeezy! I will post some more samples later. Hope you will try one of these, but BEWARE! They are addicting!