Wrapped
December 20, 2007
I finished all the gifts for the nephews and mailed them off yesterday. Phew! The only trouble I encountered was how to wrap some odd-sized, soft items without having to buy overly huge boxes. This is what I came up with.
Muslin bags! I cut large rectangles and sewed up two sides - actually, I used the serger so it didn't matter if everything wasn't lined up exactly so. I popped the items in and closed them with a bow. Had I thought of this sooner, I would have freezer paper stenciled or appliqued right onto those, you know, to dress them up a bit. Oh well. Maybe the kids can do that with their moms....just a thought. Of course, you can use any fabric, but I had this on hand and it is inexpensive, so it fit the bill. Also, it cost a lot less than a big gift bag and tissue would have. Finally, they were easy to throw in a box and send just like that.
I know I promised a finished project - that'll be tomorrow. Back to my Christmas cards. Yes, that's me, always at the last minute.
How clever! Maybe this could be a tutorial sometime?
Posted by: Kristin | December 20, 2007 at 12:53 PM
brilliant, erin!
Posted by: cloth.paper.string | December 20, 2007 at 01:22 PM
great idea erin. as for the christmas cards...you are way ahead of me. i think mine will be new years cards! good luck.
Posted by: erin s | December 20, 2007 at 02:38 PM
Great idea!
Posted by: Amy Hodge | December 20, 2007 at 02:41 PM
and those bags are reusable, too. woo-hoo!
a few years ago my sister starting wrapping gifts in simple drawstring bags that she sewed up. we add a few more to the mix each year. they are good as long as people aren't prone to peeking.
Posted by: amandajean | December 20, 2007 at 03:41 PM
perfect idea! I have tons of muslin around here. You're always such an inspiration!
Posted by: Sarah Jackson | December 20, 2007 at 04:58 PM
of course. of course you made gift bags out of muslin. love it. ever the clever girl.
Posted by: suzanne | December 20, 2007 at 05:18 PM
be good to yourself, last minute is far better than not at all!
Posted by: Celene | December 20, 2007 at 06:15 PM
I had that idea on a smaller scale. You see, I tried to find plain jewelry gift boxes. None to be found. So brilliant me decides to make them myself. How hard can they be I say to myself. Not hard just time consuming. I decided to just make small bags our of fabric scraps. It works like a charm. I never thought about the huge present issue. That is a big help. Thanks for the great idea.
Posted by: Tara | December 20, 2007 at 06:33 PM
perfect bags! eco friendly too! way to go on the cards...I gave up the idea of getting my out before Christmas- or maybe even at all!
Posted by: Libby | December 20, 2007 at 06:43 PM
We just finished up our cards today too. I prefer to think of it as the recipient getting them right on time.
Posted by: Mama Urchin | December 20, 2007 at 08:59 PM
Some of my best ideas come from last minute projects ;)
Posted by: Stacy T | December 21, 2007 at 12:18 AM
Excellent bags :)
Posted by: Felicia | December 21, 2007 at 09:40 AM
Great idea. Don't you love using tulle as the bow. So cute and very festive.
Posted by: Teresa | December 22, 2007 at 06:32 AM
I really enjoy reading your blog.
I too made gift bags for my new grandson's gifts. I knitted a wardrobe of sweaters and hats for him and then had to ship them to CO. Since his room is done in the cowboy theme, I made the bags out of red handkerchief patterned material that I had and tied them up with plain old twine. I made small bags for each sweater and hat and then a big bag to put them all in. They came out so cute.
Posted by: Vicki | December 22, 2007 at 03:49 PM
I love this idea, but don't the gifts show through the bags? It seems like the fabric would be thin enough to see right through...
Posted by: Jodie | December 24, 2007 at 12:12 AM
Oh what a great idea!
Posted by: Chara Michele | December 30, 2007 at 03:10 PM