Faux Front & Center Gift Bag

     Now that I have all my Christmas gifts made for my co-workers, I need to package them.  I do love the packages made using the front & center die, but I didn't purchase one because I felt I could make something similiar using what I already own.

   Together with my edgers #4 die and the Oval Coluzzle; mission accomplished.

   It took some experimenting to get the right height. Since my gifts are 6" tall, I knew my paper bag had to be slightly taller. So I cut the bag at 71/2 ".  Determining the size of the panels was trial & error. I cut a piece of cardstock  5 1/2 by 11, used the edger die on one edge, cut the oval for the handle and preceded to cut 1/2 inch segments from the bottom until I had the right height. I ended up using a panel 10" by 5 1/2".
    I wanted to use white paper bags. After scouring the party section of several stores with no luck, I found that Walmart had white paper lunch bags.
  On my wishlist is the snowflake die. However, I wanted a snowflake as as a focal point to continue the theme with the pattern paper, so I went to the Dollar Store and bought a package of 10 plastic, glittery snowflakes for $1.

   I think I am going to redo the red circle. Instead of using it as a name tag, I am going to stamp a sentiment and attach a tiny tag with the recipient's name.

   A close up of the right side of the bag.

     For those of you who are eyeing the Front & Center die, but have an edger's die (# 2 & 4 would work best) don't be afraid to make your own faux one. You'll save your self a lot of money and get the same result. These bags are really fun & easy to make, especially after you make one. I have 3 completed. My intention is to complete 2 a night.

    One of my goals for 2012 is to become more creative with what I already have.

    Thanks for stopping by.  I hope you are done with your shopping and are beginning to wrap your "goodies".