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Upcycle Central: Transform Brown Paper Bags

Heather ChaEditor

Updated Fri, October 24, 2014 at 8:00 PM UTC

Paper Bag Flooring — That amazing textured brown floor you see is made out of paper bags. You have to see it to believe it. With a coat of stain you can redo your floor on a paper thin budget.
Photo: dgstorts.blogspot.com

Ribbon — How about using the paper bag as the ribbon itself? A quick fold and sew with strips of brown paper bags creates this lovely pleated trimming.

Photo :robenmarie.squarespace.com

Cutlery Pouches — Give your next dinner party rustic charm with these brown bag cutlery pouches. Buy cute stamps and twine to decorate the exterior, and include festive lining inside to match the theme of your choice.

Photo: catchmyparty.com

Paper Flowers — Real flowers die and fake imitations lack the same beauty. Make beautiful blooms that last forever.

Photo:justdestinymag.com

Woven Vase Cover — For an earthy touch up to a basic glass vase: Cut up brown bags and twist the strips into a woven rope.Wrap the rope around a vase with double stick tape and you’re good to go!

Photo: joyzz.com

Fruit Baskets — After a trip to a farmer’s market use the paper bag you bought the fruit in to make a serving bowl. Recycling at its best! Weave together strips of the brown paper bag for this adorable fruit basket.

Photo: liagriffith.com

Handmade Book — Have your journal be even more personal, by making the book yourself. The vintage look that the brown paper bags give the pages trump bland spreads offered by store bought options. Follow the two-step process, first soaking in water, then ironing, and prepare to fill it with memories and musings alike.

Photo:judywise.blogspot.com

Arts and Crafts Tree — Twist a paper bag into a pint size tree! A tree decoration is versatile and can work for any season. Switch out the adornments on the tree and use the craft year round.

Photo: weefolkart.com

Cupcake Carrier — Don’t hide a cupcake in a box. This cupcake carrier lets you see the delicious goodie while keeping it safe from the elements.

Photo:jesswitty.blogspot.com

Cookie Bags — Print or draw out custom cards to pin along with paper cookie bags. Secure the card with a small skewer for a simple-yet-elegant party favor bag.

Photo: spoonforkbacon.com

Lighting — Set the mood for an al fresco get together with this paper bag lamp project. Use a hole punch to fashion patterns into the paper bag, then place a candle inside (safely secured in a glass bottle). Light the way along a path or even hang them in a tree for a romantic ambience.

Photo:party-ideas-by-a-pro.com

Owl Favor Bags — Did you know a group of owls is called a parliament? Learn something new everyday! Make your own parliament of paper bag owls to dole out party favors for your next event.

Photo:stampingwitherica.blogspot.com

Planter Cover — Even plants deserve a new fall outfit. Roll down the top of a brown bag and top it off with a nice bow to pretty up any planter.

Photo:gardenista.com

Wine Bags — A wine bottle in a brown paper bag is typically the opposite of classy. That is not the case with this project to personalize wine bags. Take a sharpie to the bag and write notes or draw cartoons. Tie a ribbon around the neck of the wine bottle and you’ve got a DIY present in the bag.

Photo:thegoldjellybean.com

Ornaments — The holidays are just around the corner. Revamp your ornament collection with a fun arts and crafts project to share with family and friends.

Photo:hercreativespirit.blogspot.com

Don’t let brown paper bags pile up and collect dust in your house. Sure, they help you pack lunch and even entertain your pets, but there's no reason to waste this hidden DIY treasure. Paper bags are a gold mine of projects just waiting to be discovered.

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