10 Creative Ways to Reuse Kraft Paper Bags

March 17, 2023March 17, 2023 by Nick Jones

Whether you have a lot of paper grocery bags or just a few kraft paper gift bags lying around, there are tons of creative ways to reuse them.

These ideas will save you money and help you keep your waste out of the landfill! You may find inspiration to start making some of these projects yourself.

Make a Gift Card

If you have a gift bag that’s no longer useful, consider turning it into a greeting card. It’s an inexpensive way to make your friends and family feel special!

You can write a sweet message inside to say thank you or Happy Birthday. It’s also an eco-friendly way to show your love.

Paper bags, like kraft paper bags with window, are available in various shapes, sizes, and designs. They’re great for wrapping gifts, giving away party favors, or taking home Thanksgiving leftovers.

Make Faux Wood Floor Planks

Paper bag floor planks are easy and inexpensive to add wood grain texture to your floors. But like all DIY flooring projects, this one requires some prep work before you start applying.

First, tear and crumple the paper into irregular sections. Try to keep each piece 6 to 8 inches in size.

Next, mix equal parts of water and glue to create a paste. Apply this to the floor in small areas and press the paper pieces onto it, overlapping them as needed for a realistic wood grain effect.

Make a Seedling Pot

You can save money and reduce your environmental impact by reusing kraft paper bags. In particular, gift bags can be repurposed into seedling pots for your garden.

The paper used in these planters is biodegradable and designed to break down with the plant in the ground. This helps avoid transplant shock, which can stunt the plant’s growth.

These pots are great for growing seeds indoors during the winter and can be sized precisely how you want them. They are also easy to make and don’t require any unique materials.

Make a Wreath

If you have a lot of kraft paper bags lying around, you can use them to make a wreath. This wreath is easy to make and perfect for the holidays.

Cut strips of folded kraft paper into rectangles to make a paper bag wreath. Glue them onto your wreath form. Overlap each piece about an inch. Then fold a few of the bottom rectangles up over the top ones. This will add volume to the wreath.

Make a Table Runner

A table runner is a fun and easy way to decorate a table. They are portable, easy to use, and don’t require ironing.

They are also disposable, so they can be disposed of when finished with them.

This paper table runner is a great way to decorate your party tables.

To make one, start by rolling a piece of craft paper onto the floor and weighing it down with small household items. Measure and draw crease guidelines to fold it into the right shape and size for your table runner.

Make a Hanging Planter

Paper bag planters are great if you’re a gardener or like planting small plants. These pots are easy to make and will help your seedlings grow until they are ready for the ground.

These planters are also a fun craft project for the whole family. Kids will have a lot of fun painting the bags and adding details to their creations.

Make a Paper Bag Ribbon

Paper bags can be used for a variety of DIY crafts. From simple party favors to special decor items, reusing kraft paper bags is a fantastic way to be eco-friendly.

Add a ribbon to a paper bag to create a cute and colorful gift wrap. This craft will be fun for kids of all ages!

This tutorial is easy to follow, and you can customize the size of your paper bag ribbon to fit your needs. You can even use a hole punch for added flair!

Make a Gift Tag

Reusing kraft paper bags is the perfect way to keep gifts wrapped without spending much money. They come in various colors and patterns, so you can find one that matches your decor.

You can make a gift tag from a kraft bag by cutting it into squares or ovals and tying a ribbon around it. You can also create tags using extra wrapping paper you have lying around.

Make a Cover for a Book

Paper bags are an inexpensive and environmentally friendly alternative to plastic. They take about a month to decompose in a landfill, whereas plastic bags can take up to ten years to break down.

They are also a great way to add a little decor to your home while saving money and the environment at the same time. Book covers are entertaining to make out of kraft paper bags as they look super cute and can be easily personalized for the recipient.