a diy holiday gift bag

This easy holiday bag adds a personal touch to your gift.

“Packaging and presentation are an integral part of gifting,” says LeBlanc.

Supplies Needed

•   water
•   paintbrushes (at least one inch wide)
•   small muslin bags
•   water-based paint
•   kraft paper
•   metallic paint
•   1½-inch circle hole punch
•   small hole punch or common nail
•   foliage
•   floral wire
•   jute twine

Step 1

Use a water-soaked paintbrush to brush quick, wet strokes across the muslin bags. Then dip the brush in paint and apply it over the water strokes. Allow the bags to dry.

TIP: LeBlanc suggests using rich paint colors that stand out against the bags’ natural hues. For best results, choose a variety of bag sizes and wash and dry them before painting. “The more wear, the softer the finish,” LeBlanc says.

Step 2

Brush the kraft paper with metallic paint and allow it to dry. Use the circle hole punch to cut out the gift tags. Use the small hole punch or nail to make a hole at the top of the tag.

Step 3

Gather your foliage into small bundles, starting with the larger pieces on the bottom and layering the smaller ones on top. Pinch the stems together and secure the bundle with floral wire. To assemble the bags, wrap the jute twine around the opening of the bag and use it to attach the foliage bundle and gift tag.

Tip: As a finishing touch, choose seasonal foliage that will dry nicely, such as hardy leaves, branches, or berries.

All wrapped up and ready to give to friends and family.