Envelope Tote Bag

There are so many different tutorials showing how to make a paper tote bag, but I am going to show you how to make one using an old envelope. As you know, I love to upcycle whenever I can, and these little bags are so cute and so easy to make, they are perfect for last minute favour bags!

To make one, you will need:

• an envelope
• pencil
• rubber
• scissors / craft knife
• glue stick
• embellishments (optional)

If you prefer, you can watch my video tutorial here or follow the instructions below.

To begin, open out your envelope and cut the edges off so that you are left with either a square or an oblong.

Next, you will need to draw some guidelines on the back of the envelope.

If you have a square envelope, then follow the guidelines below (this is for a 6x6 inch square, but the measurements can be adjusted if you save the image, resize it and print it):

If you have an oblong, such as an A5 or A6 size, then follow the template below (this is for A5, but again it can be easily adjusted):

Next, cut along all of the green lines ...

... then fold all of the dashed lines.

You can then rub the remaining lines out as you don't want them showing inside your bag!

Apply a small amount of glue to the front section and, without folding the paper, carefully line up the edge of one side flap against the folded edge and press it down.

Repeat with the opposite side flap. Then glue the folded tab down to secure the two sides.

Repeat with the other side.

For the handles, apply glue to one side and fold over. Then, before it dries, gently curve the paper into shape using a ruler, bone folder or scissors. Repeat with the other handle.

Glue each handle inside the bag, taking care to line them up evenly.

Add embellishments if you wish, then all that's left to do is to fill your bag with delicious treats and give it to someone special!

For extra detail, try adding a stamp tag to your bag. After cutting out a stamp from another envelope, punch a small hole in it and tie it to one of the handles with string or thin ribbon. It's just another way of reusing materials that would otherwise be thrown away.