Crafty Corner: It's in the Bag

I was in the middle of putting a little gift together for a friend yesterday and didn't want to just do the typical "gift bag with tissue" thing that I normally do.

My inner crafty self then told me to go look in my craft supply Tupperware bin and figure out something better. Here's what I came up with (note: once I learn how to use my fancy new sewing machine, my options will be endless. Until then, I shall improvise):

A piece of felt, needle and thread, scissors, ribbon.

I found an object if similar size to the gift, (I am a preschool teacher...I used some toy maracas I had laying around, what?) folded the felt in half and cut it to size.

Next, sewed up both sides leaving about an inch at the top.

Flipped it inside out.

Cut 2 pieces of ribbon (1 for each side of the opening on the top), then cut 8 small slits across the top on both sides for the ribbon to slide through (vertical cuts, evenly spaced).

Next weaved the ribbon through the slits and tied the ends on both sides.

Finally, just a quick melting of the ribbon ends to prevent fray (nobody wants that), and brought the top together with the ribbon ends and a little knot of ribbon delightfulness.

Super easy and more fun than the usual wrapping options....personalize or embellish with buttons, pins, more felt, whatever!