What do you do with your Jewish Journals after you’re done reading them? (Besides clipping out all my columns and putting them in a scrapbook, of course.) Before you deposit them in the recycling bin, make sure you save those covers first. You can repurpose them to make snazzy gift bags. The paper stock is thick and glossy, and the colorful designs lend themselves well for giftwrapping.
What you’ll need:
Jewish Journal cover
Scissors
Clear tape
Hole punch
Ribbon
1. Remove the Jewish Journal cover from the rest of the issue and trim the edge next to the staples as straight as possible. Place the cover in front of you horizontally.
2. Flip the cover upside down. Fold the two ends toward the center so that the side with the Jewish Journal logo overlaps the other side by about a half-inch. Tape the two ends together.
3. We need to create a gusset on the bottom of the bag so it will not only hold more things but stand on its own. Start by folding a 2-inch flap on the bottom.
4. Open the flap at the bottom and flatten out the left and right sides to create two triangles. You should now have a hexagon shape at the bottom.
5. Fold the top and bottom edges of the hexagon into the middle, and tape the two ends together. Place your hand in the bag to expand the gusset.
6. To create an optional closing mechanism for the bag, fold the corners at the top inward and then fold down to create a flap of about 2 inches. Punch two holes on the flap and thread ribbon through the holes to secure the bag.
Jonathan Fong is the author of “Flowers That Wow” and “Parties That Wow,” and host of “Style With a Smile” on YouTube. You can see more of his do-it-yourself projects at jonathanfongstyle.com.
