Paper Lunch Bag Decorating Ideas

Loraine loves arts and crafts and used to volunteer at an elementary art class. She loves sharing fun and easy craft tutorials.

brown-lunch-bag-and-brown-grocery-bag-crafts

Brown paper bags are one of the least expensive craft supplies. Many of us have all the brown paper bags and brown grocery bags that we need for crafts and it's possible to purchase paper bags in a variety of colors and sizes. What a great way to recycle paper bags. It's an activity that kids of all ages can enjoy.

In this article, I'm going to share links to some very nice paper bag crafts that I have found on Google. For the instructions on how to make the paper kites shown above, go to LIFESTYLE HOW STUFF WORKS.

1. Woven Brown Bag Basket

I think woven baskets like this could be made and used for every occasion and holiday by just changing the color or decorating in some way. See how easy the woven basket is to make by following the instructions at Simple Joys.

2. Halloween House and Pumpkin

All three of these items have instructions for making them at The Paper Pony. So easy to make and so super cute as a Halloween decorations.

3. Ghost and Pumpkin Bowls

Use paper bag paper to make beautiful Halloween bowls. The easy to understand tutorial can be found at the long thread.

4. Paper Bag Manger

Help the little ones prepare for the Christmas holiday by making a manger for the Baby Jesus. Little kids love to see things that they have made themselves. It's also a great opportunity to remind the kids, and ourselves also, the reason for celebrating Christmas. Find the instructions for this project at I can TEACH my child.

5. Gift Wrap Bow Flowers

I think these flowers would be so much fun decorating with, inside or outside. Make a bunch of these and invite your friends to a party. Find the instructions for making these flowers at A PIECE OF RAINBOW.

6. Brown Bag Wreath w/Butterflies

A beautiful wreath made from brown paper bag and embellished with butterflies. For the directions go to dollar store crafts.

7. Brown Bag and Foil Leaf Wreath

I think this is an exceptional looking wreath, and it doesn't appear to be at all hard to make. The directions for this wreath are at favecrafts.

8. Recipe Cards

This would be such a nice addition to present with a food gift. These are really cool recipe cards. Go to Crafting a Green World for the directions.

9. Gratitude Garland

This gratitude garland would be a beautiful and suitable decoration for a number of occasions. I'm thinking about Thanksgiving, Christmas, out patriotic holidays, and even Mother's and Father's days. Find the instructions for making this brown bag paper garland at the thinking closet.

10. Stitched Brown Paper

This paper would be great to use in scrapbooking or to wrap a gift. Find the directions at Trish Alan Designs.

11. Sunflowers

Aren't these beautiful sunflowers? Imagine using these sunflowers when decorating for a summer or fall party. The tutorial for making the sunflowers is found at Hometalk.

12. Make a Pinata With Brown Paper Bag

13. "Stitches the Bunny," Basket

Help the kids make their Easter basket this year. Make it easily and inexpensively by using brown lunch bags as the basket. Get the directions for this cute basket at, Kids & Glitter.

14. Animal Gift Bags

These gift bags are soooo cute. You'll want to try your hand at doing these. Find the instructions at celebrate CREATIVITY.

15. Burnt Bag Butterfly Box

16. Jellyfish

Use paint, crayons or markers for colorful jellyfish. See the instructions at NO time for FLASHCARDS . Preschoolers and toddlers can do this project, as well as older kids.

I love this idea and can imagine using this paper bag owl banner for a kid's party.

18. Holiday Lights Gift Wrap

This is a very nice but elegant look. Be the first in your crowd to make your own wrapping paper. For the instructions for this project, go to burlap & blue.

19. Arsty Gift Bags

Making your own gift bags can be a lot of fun, and think of how much money you'll save. Your friends will especially enjoy receiving gifts given this special touch. Find out how very easy you can make arsty gift bags like those shown above by going to Easy Paper Crafts for the tutorial.

20. Brown Bag Popcorn

Use the recipe shown below to make popcorn in a brown bag.

21. Woodland Animals

These are really some cute little woodland animals. The kids will love making this craft. Go to LINES across for the instructions.

I love the looks of these vintage gift tags and the images are included with the directions at Sugar Bee crafts.

23. Brown Bag Scrapbook

This brown bag football looks like the perfect solution to rainy day boredom.

25. Lanterns

Such a nice idea for decorating for the 4th of July or for any occasion. Think decorated white bags for a baby or bridal shower. The instructions are found at Hoosier Homemade.

26. Brown Bag Mushroom

Make a bunch of mushrooms and plant them in your yard. Go to doug rhodehamel to see how to make them.

27. Scarecrow

A very cute Thanksgiving craft that the little kids will love to make. Go to All Kids NETWORK for the directions.

28. Cinco De Mayo Paper Bag Maracas

The kids will be able to make music together after they've all made maracas. This musical instrument made to celebrate Cinco de Mayo had easy to follow instructions at easy crafts.

29. Phoenix

By going to the DLTK'S Crafts site, you'll find the directions for making this paper bag Phoenix project. If you are unable to find red paper bags, remember that it is a simple project to paint them.

30. Paper Bag Owl

Just a little different than the other owls on this page, and definitely a cute difference. Find the instructions at Little Running Teacher.

31. Candy Filled Paper Hearts

There will be so many opportunities to make candy filled paper heart favors. Find the tutorial for making these at I Can Teach My Child.

32. Nun Puppets

I love the different expressions on these little nun puppets. Little girls especially will find making these nun puppets a lot of fun. Catholic Icing is the site that has the instructions for making this project.

33. Halloween Puppets

Imagine all the different Halloween puppets the kids will be able to make with the directions given at CRAFTS BY Amanda. A lot of fun for the kids!

34. Fall Tree

I love this tree made using a brown paper bag. Find out how to make one like it by going to the Pikadilly Charm site. I think it would make a nice Halloween decoration by spray painting the tree black and then adding little owls, black cats, ghosts, etc ornaments.

35. Utensil Holders

Who woulda thunk! Isn't this a great idea for a holder that is disposable? All you need to make these utensil holders is paper bags and washi tape. These outstanding project has it's tutorial at Making Home BASE. Think of all the times you'd like a simple utensil holder, like a patio party or a birthday party. Imagine how you could decorate the holders using a holiday or special occasion theme.

36. Cream Pouch Favor Bags

I realize this project is made using Christmas paper, but I think it would be unique by using brown bag paper and stamping a saying on the side. This is a great wedding favor idea. Find the instructions on how to make these bags at Sweet and Simple Living.

37. Halloween Luminaries

These Halloween luminaries are an easy and inexpensive, last minute addition to your Halloween outdoor decorations. Greet your little ghost and goblin visitors with a walkway of luminaries. You'll find the instructions for making these luminaries at CRAFTS BY Amanda.

38. Art Portfolio

Make art portfolios for classroom artwork by going to the make and takes blog.

39. Leaf Garland

The kids can help make this inexpensive, but attractive garland made with paper bag leaves. SHE KNOWS PARENTING has all the information that you'll need to make this garland.

40. Stuffed Apples

Make the first sewing lesson one like this making stuffed apples using brown paper bag paper as the fabric. The finished apples are nice enough to display in a basket in the kitchen. Find the instructions for this project at Buggy and Buddy.

41. Bird's Nest

Making this bird's nest is easy and it makes you wonder what to make to fill it. Will you make paper mache or clay eggs, or will you make a paper mache or clay birdie? You'll find the instructions for making the nest can be found at FAMILY CHIC.

42. Simple Nativity Creche

When you have limited time for a project, like in the classroom or Sunday school class, you might find a quick and simple project like this a great idea. Find the instructions for making this little nativity creche at Learn Play Imagine.

43. Artist Woman Pumpkin

I realize that there is another pumpkin project in this article, but I believe this one is unique enough to add it here. This pumpkin is a bit more involved and I think has a better pumpkin shape, especially if it is to be used as a decoration. The tutorial for making this paper bag pumpkin can be found at that artist woman.

44. Scarecrow Hat

What fun it would be to make, and to wear, a hat that you have made yourself. Imagine how thrilled the kids will be with this project. You'll find all the information that you'll need to make a scarecrow hat at Free Kids Crafts.

45. How To Make a Paper Bag Kite

46. Mickey Scarecrow

Okay, so Mickey Mouse went scary and became a scarecrow in this project. I love Mickey, so this is a favorite paper bag project of mine. You can make your own Mickey Mouse scarecrow by going to, and following the directions, at Disney family.

47. Brown Gift Bag Snowman

Let the kids help make gift bags this year, by going to crafty morning for easy instructions.

48. Thanks for Coming Favors

Imagine all the times giving thanks for coming favors are appropriate and appreciated.

49. Chic Brown Bag Gift Bags

You can bet that whoever is lucky enough to receive a Christmas gift in one of these bags isn't going to throw the bag away, but will re-use it. The tutorial for making fancy gift bags like these, go to Her Creative Spirit for all the info.

50. Paper Bag Planters

The simplicity of these paper bag planters makes them especially attractive to me. I can imagine them used in wedding table decorations.

51. Lunch Bag Pumpkin

The unique way using paper strips to make this lunch bag pumpkin is pretty impressive. Try this craft this year.

52. Paper Bag Gnome

I love all the different styles and features of gnomes. I love the ones made using a sock, a pinecone, fleece or ones made to gift a bottle of wine. So, I wanted to see how hard it would be to make a paper bag gnome. You'll find the directions here.

RTalloni on September 03, 2018:

Am loving the pouches and the Christmas tree gift bags! Thanks for this round-up of projects.

Loraine Brummer (author) from Hartington, Nebraska on June 27, 2013:

@anonymous: Thank you for the heads up about the ECOGREEN paper flowers. It lookslike it's no longer on line so I deleted it from my lens. I reallyappreciate your taking the time to let me know that there was a problem.Loraine Brummer

anonymous on June 27, 2013:

The link on your paper flowers (ECOGREEN) doesn't work. Lots of good ideas here, though.

anonymous on June 27, 2013:

The link on your paper flowers (ECOGREEN) doesn't work. Lots of good ideas here, though.

Takkhis on May 27, 2013:

Awesome ideas you have here! I bookmarked this lens. Thanks for sharing :)

John Dyhouse from UK on February 01, 2013:

Some interesting ideas here, especially like the leather look and stiched paper ideas, thanks

TheSkye077 on January 20, 2013:

How do you post that many images?

TheSkye077 on January 20, 2013:

I also like the colours.

TheSkye077 on January 20, 2013:

Pretty.

kimberlybarnesart on January 08, 2013:

I LOVE this, I have painted on paper bags in the past and I really enjoyed it. I love the creative ways you have incorporated paper bags in various craft projects. Thank you for this.

anonymous on December 12, 2012:

These are great ideas for crafters of all ages.

mrmarchuk on November 05, 2012:

some awesome ideas here :0 thanks! Pinned.

Delia on October 13, 2012:

Another great craft idea! I have used paper-bags to paint on and also for montages in paintings...nicely done lens!~d-artist Squid Angel Blessing~

mcadloni on September 03, 2012:

Great Ideas - I was thinking of putting Christmas Cookies in the bag and putting a clothes hanger as a clip decorated with magnets so the clip can function as a refrig magnet.

justmelucy on September 01, 2012:

Super Lens. I love art and recycling things into new things.

KayeSI on September 01, 2012:

This is such a great resource for grandparents and grandchildren! Thank you for all the great ideas!!!

fullofshoes on September 01, 2012:

It's been forever that I've played with brown paper bags. Couple of "grown-ups" type crafts I could sink my teeth into. Love these ideas. Well done and ~blessed~.

ComfortsOfHome on August 31, 2012:

I remember making puppets with paper bags when we were kids, but now I think I'll move on up to that beautiful Brown Bag and Foil Leaf Wreath for my next brown bag craft project.

maxtraff on August 31, 2012:

Wow! Really fantastic crafts here. Thanks for sharing.

anonymous on August 29, 2012:

Wow I had no idea you could do so many things with paper bags - I really love the Burned Bag Butterfly Box. Thanks for sharing so many great ideas. Pinned and blessed by a Squid Angel.

Faye Rutledge from Concord VA on August 28, 2012:

I love these brown bag crafts! Especially the wreaths.

Lareene from Atlanta, GA on August 28, 2012:

Who knew? The paper bag bracelet beads are outstanding.

faye durham on August 28, 2012:

These are great ideas. I especially liked the wreath ideas.

poldepc lm on August 28, 2012:

great lens with many ideas

anonymous on August 28, 2012:

Love the wreath ideas; especially the first one.

sherioz on August 26, 2012:

These are great. I was blown away by the beads!!! Hopping over right now to learn how to do them. Blessed.

anonymous on June 29, 2012:

So many uses of brown bag.

Ellen Gregory from Connecticut, USA on January 26, 2012:

Very cute ideas. A good way to use bags and inexpensive crafts.

GreenMind Guides from USA on January 26, 2012:

Nice crafty lens. You really have the touch here. Thanks!

John Dyhouse from UK on January 25, 2012:

Interesting lens, I like the idea of using the brown paper to simulate the look of leather, I will be investigating this use of paper bags; BTW well explained tutorials. Blessed.

Cynthia Sylvestermouse from United States on October 02, 2011:

These projects are all cute, but I love the American Indian art!

Loraine Brummer (author) from Hartington, Nebraska on September 05, 2011:

@anonymous: Thanks, Tipi, for your visit and comments. Please stop back again.

anonymous on September 04, 2011:

What exceptional ideas you have for brown bag art projects, very impressive!

Loraine Brummer (author) from Hartington, Nebraska on August 26, 2011:

@encouragingwords: You're right about the sack lunch. Thanks for stopping by and come again.

Loraine Brummer (author) from Hartington, Nebraska on August 26, 2011:

@traveller27: Thanks for coming by the lens and for your nice comment.

Loraine Brummer (author) from Hartington, Nebraska on August 26, 2011:

@ecogranny: Thanks, Graceonline, for the nice comments. Please come back often.

encouragingwords on August 24, 2011:

More fun than a sack lunch, great ideas!

traveller27 on August 18, 2011:

Very beautiful lens - love your creativity.

Kathryn Grace from San Francisco on August 17, 2011:

Wonderful fun ideas! I am bookmarking this page to use next time my granddaughters visit. I especially like the American Indian parfleche, but all the projects are intriguing and fun.