I found this link today. Basically, you use seasonal fabric to create drawstring wrapping for your gifts. I did this last year when the Christmas fabric went on sale. I have about 30 bags to use this year. They can be patched if torn and washed if spilled upon. As the seasons change, I have been making additional bags when the fabric is on sale. I have many birthday, wedding and other holiday bags. Of course the only bags I get back are family, but it is still cheaper than fancy paper, bags and tissue.

Since stores are starting to charge you for your plastic bags, I usually make my 'guest' bags open with handles & tissue. Here is the link:

http://www.canadianliving.com/crafts..._gift_bags.php

I have a friend who made bags for each of her grandkids and embroidered their names on them. They each get to put their bag under her Christmas tree and then come back on Christmas day to see what's in them!

What great ideas :D:D:D
I like this better than recycling the paper gift bags :D

Great idea! I'm putting the bags on my list to do. Thanks!

What a great idea! I sure will try to make some :thumbup:

I think these would also sell really well. Say 6 for $5 at a boutique or craft sale. You could also make plain ones the children could decorate for $2, you supply a picnic table and lots of markers so mom's could shop a little longer.

I like the idea of making larger ones for under the tree. So much neater and no animals getting into things!

What a clever idea gwyn! Humm ... I wonder if hubby will get into them? LOL!

Great idea, thank you for sharing this link ;)

Do you mean, will he get into the bag? Is that what you want for Christmas? ;)

The Japanese have have used cloth to wrap gifts for years. Look up furoshiki ;-) I recieve very beautiful fabrics from my inlaws this way.

awesome idea, thanks for sharing!

I think this is a great idea! I hate buying the paper that just gets thrown out!

Don't throw the paper away. I use the large pieces for adjusting pattern pieces for clothing, or original patterns for whatever I want. I have been know to tape old wrapping paper with the blank side out, onto the driveway and sidewalk. Then I give everyone paint. Use feet, hands noses, potatoes and weeds. Make lots of mess! Fun. Just wash bodies with the sprinkler. Then throw it away.

One year I used butcher paper for this and then saved it. We used it as wrapping paper that Christmas. This is also a fun way to use stamps and old ink pads.

These would be great for baby shower gifts. Mom's are always needing something to put things in that don't fit in the diaper bags, especially when they are traveling.

those are great. thank you so much for sharing Gwyn, and may God bless you. Penny

THANKS CUTE IDEA.

I used gift bags one year and my son hated the idea. He loves to rip the paper off the boxes. So, back to wrappying and watching the 2 hours of work undone in 10 minutes. One day, he will want a gift bag and I will ahve it ready for him!

I wasn't saying that we should replace all the paper with bags, I will still have paper on some of the gifts, but it can't be ripped off. We reuse it for lots of different projects.

Even wrapping packages with fabric will also add additional flavor.

I have been doing this for many years but I matched the bags to their favorite colors. My nieces have all returned the bags to be filled again.
When my 5 nephews were younger I made them Art Bags one year for Christmas that stayed at their Gran's house. They were made of denim and had their names on them. Inside I put crayons, pencils, color books, play-doh, scissors, paint brushes, activity books that have pictures you "paint" with just a wet paintbrush. Gran and I put new supplies in the bags as time went on. This was a big hit with nephews and Gran(my Mom".

That is an awesome idea. I'm the grandma, but I could make them and put up some pegs where they can stay. I think I'll do that for the grandkids this year. Bonus: School supplies are on sale from now until mid-September. Thank you for the idea.