I know for a fact that paper bags are far more than just grocery carriers, those humble brown sacks sitting in your pantry hold infinite creative potential.

You can change these paper bags into everything from holiday decorations to practical storage solutions, I’m pretty excited to share these accessible crafts with you.

Now, the best part? You probably have most of the needed supplies at home already.

DIY Crafts with Paper Bags

1. Paper Bag Baskets

Weave decorative baskets from cut strips, create intricate patterns, and reinforce the base and handles.

These baskets are surprisingly strong, they’re perfect for light storage. The woven texture adds visual interest.

2. Placemats

Design a rustic table placemats, by cutting bags to standard placemat size. Add decorative borders or patterns, then seal with clear contact paper.

They’re surprisingly water-resistant, the natural texture adds interest. They’re perfect for casual dining settings.

3. Table Runner

Create an elegant table runner from paper bags. Cut bags into long strips, braid or weave them together, and add metallic paint for shine.

The finished piece looks surprisingly upscale. It’s perfect for special occasions, as the thick paper holds its shape beautifully throughout your event.

4. Luminaries

Crafts some magical lighting from paper bags. Cut decorative patterns, make sure to weight the bottom with sand, and place battery-operated candles inside.

These create beautiful ambient lighting, they’re perfect for outdoor gatherings. The warm glow through the patterns creates stunning shadows.

5. Gift Tags

Make eco-friendly gift tags. Start by cutting small shapes from bags, punch a hole for ribbon, and also add your personal message.

These tags complement any gift wrapping, their rustic appearance adds charm. You can even stamp or paint them for extra flair.

6. Plant Pot Covers

Cosider giving plain plant pots an upgrade, so cut the bag to size, create a sleeve around the pot, then add twine or ribbon for decoration.

These covers protect surfaces from water damage, they also add a rustic vibe to your home decor. Just change them out seasonally for a fresh look.

7. Vintage-Style Book Covers

Change those ordinary paper bags into protective book covers with an artisanal touch. So, cut the bag along its seams, smooth it flat, and measure your book’s dimensions and add three inches on each side.

The paper will develop a beautiful patina over time. Kids especially love decorating their textbook covers this way, you can even add stickers or drawings to make them unique.

8. Gift Wrap Alternative

In my opinion, you should skip the expensive wrapping paper, as paper bags make excellent gift wrap. Cut along the seams to get a flat sheet, iron it on low heat to remove creases, and add ribbons, dried flowers, or hand-drawn designs.

The natural brown color works perfectly for rustic or eco-friendly gift presentations, the thickness of paper bags actually makes them more durable than standard wrapping paper.

9. Paper Roses

Fashion elegant paper flowers, by cutting spiral patterns, then roll then carefully for dimension, and add wire stems if desired.

They make beautiful centerpieces. The natural color is sophisticated, they never need watering or care.

10. Paper Bag Lanterns

Craft some hanging lanterns from paper bags. Cut intricate designs, reinforce with wire frames, and add LED string lights inside.

They create magical evening ambiance. The patterns cast beautiful shadows, they’re perfect for outdoor entertaining.

Related: 16 Amazing DIY Crafts with Cardboard & Paper

11. Party Favor Bags

Make personalized favor bags for parties. Cut paper bags to your desired size, fold the edges for neatness, and secure with decorative tape or ribbon.

They’re perfect for holding small treats or gifts. Add hand-drawn designs or stamps for a unique, festive look.

12. Storage Bins

Create sturdy storage bins by folding and reinforcing paper bags. Roll the edges for a clean finish and add fabric or paper lining for extra durability.

These bins are ideal for organizing small household items like toys, office supplies, or kitchen essentials while keeping things sustainable.

13. Paper Bag Envelopes

Make eco-friendly envelopes by folding paper bags into the desired size. Use glue or decorative tape to seal the edges.

These envelopes are perfect for invitations, letters, or small keepsakes. Their rustic charm adds a personal touch to your correspondence.

14. Paper Bag Christmas Trees

Fashion small Christmas trees by rolling paper bags into cones, cutting fringe along the edges, and layering the pieces.

These trees are charming holiday decorations. Add glitter or paint to give them a festive sparkle.

15. Paper Bag Storage Pouches

Fold and stitch paper bags into small storage pouches. Add buttons or Velcro closures for functionality.

These pouches are great for organizing stationery, makeup, or small gadgets. Their minimalist design blends well with any workspace.

16. Paper Bag Tote Bags

Reinforce paper bags with additional layers, add handles made from fabric or rope, and decorate as desired.

These lightweight tote bags are perfect for light shopping or carrying books. They’re reusable, eco-friendly, and stylish.

Related: 16 Aesthetic DIY Paper Crafts

Conclusion

Paper bag crafts give you many opportunity for creative expression, these projects prove that sustainable crafting doesn’t mean sacrificing style or function.

Now, if you’re looking for practical storage solutions or decorative items, paper bags can be transformed into something special. Just, remember to save those grocery bags, your next creative project might be hiding inside one of them.