Transparent Mini-Bag

Didn't think it was possible? Yes! You can make a mini gift bag from an inkjet transparency! Just copy the Luminaria template below into your graphics program, add your artwork, cut it out, score, fold and attach tabs with double-stick transparent tape and - Voila! The bag on the left has red hearts, a cupid with his arrow on the back and a text graphic "Loving You" on the front. The bag on the right is covered with a "talking hearts candy" clipart. You can even take this a step or two further and make transparent mini-boxes using the template from our Baby Blocks project!

MATERIALS:

Inkjet transparencies

Luminaria template (see link below)

Clipart

Double-stick transparent tape

Scissors

Paper scorer

INSTRUCTIONS:

1) Open a page in your graphics program in landscape orientation. Import the Luminaria template and resize it on the page to the desired size. Remember not to extend beyond those unprintable margins!

2) Design your bag with clipart and text.

NOTE:Since inkjet transparencies have a rough texture on the printable side, you may want to flip or mirror your finished bag before you print it. This will insure that you can have the rough texture on the inside and the smooth side on the outside and any clipart and text will not show backwards.

3) Print a test page on plain paper and check your layout.

4) Once you are satisfied with the layout, place a sheet of inkjet transparency in your printer per the manufacturer's instructions so that it will print on the rough side. Print your bag.

5) Cut the bag out along the outlines and snip between the tabs at the bottom of the bag.

6) Score all fold lines GENTLY! (You may want to practice scoring the transparencies before you start this project. If you score too hard you will cut through the transparency. You need just enough pressure to make a slight score line that can be folded and creased with your fingernail.)

7) Once all fold lines are scored, fold the bag and crease gently. Take your time with the little triangular folds. They actually don't have to have a really tight crease for the bag to stand open.

8) Cut a small piece of double-stick tape and place it beneath one of the smaller bottom tabs. Adhere to a larger bottom tab. Do the same with the second smaller tab.

9) Before you tape the last of the bottom tabs, cut a piece of tape long enough for the long side tab. You may have to trim the width of this piece of tape so that it doesn't stick out beyond the edge of the tab. Adhere the side tab to the side of the bag.

10) Adhere the last bottom tab with double-stick tape. Gently crease again where needed.

11) You can add a handle by using a 1/4" hole punch to punch holes in the top of the bag. Add ribbon or raffia handles.

This unusual little bag is perfect for that special Valentine's Day gift or to fill with candy for a party. You can even use them as a place card simply by putting the name of each guest on the front of the bag!

Luminaria template

Transparent Mini-Bag Instructions

For a print friendly version, click on this link.