Mini Gift Bag

 This cute little bag is a quick, fun craft for kids.  The pattern is simple and if you mark the lines in advance, it is easy enough for 1st graders to make.  The finished bag will be 5 inches tall, 3 1/2 inches wide, and 2 inches deep.  You can use construction paper, but we like to buy inexpensive craft paper packs so we have lots of color and pattern choices.  You can use the paper for all sorts of other crafts all well!

You will need: 1.  A ruler 2.  Glue 3.  Tape 4.  A hole punch 5.  Scissors 6.  A strip of paper 11 1/2" x 7 1/2" 7.  Two 8" pieces of ribbon
	1. Using the ruler, lightly mark a line across the paper at 5 inches and at 7 inches.  This will be the bottom of the bag.   Next mark a line 2 inches in from each edge.  These will be the sides of the bag.
	2.  Fold and crease each line.  Re-open each fold after you crease. Cut four 2 inch cuts into the creases  by the bottom of the bag to form two tabs.  Fold these up.
	3.  Bring the edges together and glue them into place.
	4.   Punch two holes near the top of your gift bag.  You will use these to attach the handle.
	5.  Slip the edges of ribbon through the holes, going from the outside of the bag into the inside.  Knot the ribbon on the inside and tape the knot into place.  Repeat steps 4 and 5 to attach a handle to the other side.

Gift bags were introduced commercially in 1987.  They are attractive, easy to use, and popular with consumers.  Making your own gift bag isn't difficult and is a charming way to personalize your gift.  It can also be earth friendly.  Most commercially produced gift bags cannot be recycled, but if you make your own, you can use recyclable paper or even recycled paper.