Stars N Stripes Gift Bag

With The 4th of July right around the corner and because I happen to love all things Americana, today’s project is all about stars and stripes “Kraft and Country Style”. I would like to thank Melissa Phillips author of the Lily Bean Paperie Blog for sharing this beautiful project.

Each paper bag will provide two die-cut images because the bag is folded. You’ll only need three paper bags for this project and you’ll only have to run them through your machine once to get two images. For the bow, Melissa used one paper bag with the large Loopsy-Daisy die and then stamped it with Pure Poppy ink and the Background Basics: Gingham stamps. For the smaller bow, she used a second paper bag, the smaller Loopsy-Daisy die, and stamped it with Classic Kraft ink and the mixed up alpha stamp from the School Time stamp set, then layered the two bows together after they were curled and assembled.

Next came the fun star burst looking bow which is simply a third paper bag, the large Loopsy-Daisy die, Enchanted Evening ink, and the distressed stars from the est. 1776 set. Instead of curling the strips inward, she left them long, attached both halves together, and trimmed the edges into double ends. Then attached this layer to the backside of the double bow.

The center of the bow is embellished with flowers die cut from vintage cream felt and topped with an Enchanted Evening button. Die cut two Fancy Flourishes from Kraft cardstock and stamped the coordinating image using Fresh Snow. They are just tucked in behind petals and left to stick out a bit and add another lovely layer.

Then using the Turning a New Leaf die and cream burlap, Melissa cut a few leaves to adhere behind petals as well. I love the shabby, country feel they bring in. Melissa gathered three long strands of Rustic Jute Button Twine, tied them together in a large bow, folded the loops together and tucked the knot of the bow down behind some petals and secured it with glue. Little details that just add more character.

The bottom of the coffee bag was stamped using images from the est. 1776 stamp and Classic Kraft ink. You can leave the bag folded and apply your stamp before unfolding it and filling it with treats.

To the backside of the bow, she added die cut Vintage Cream and Classic Kraft Rickrack and Chevron Stripes Border dies, and a bit of Classic Kraft Bitty Dot Satin to create fun streamers.

Lastly, she adhered the bow to the top of the gift bag and added a hand stamped tag that was stamped in Enchanted Evening ink using the Tiny Tags die, and Friendship Jar Summer Fillers. It’s attached to the top of the bag using a Tim Holtz paperclip!