Gather your materials
To make a paper bag with newspaper, you’ll need a few basic materials:
- Newspaper
- Scissors
- Tape or glue
- Ruler
- Pencil or pen
Once you have these materials ready, you’re good to go!
Prepare the newspaper
Start by laying out a sheet of newspaper on a flat surface. You can choose any size you prefer, but a standard newspaper page is a good starting point. Smooth out any wrinkles or folds in the paper to ensure a clean finish.
Fold the bottom edge
Take the bottom edge of the newspaper and fold it up by about 1-2 inches. This will form the bottom of your paper bag, so make sure the fold is crisp and clean. Use the ruler to help you make a straight fold, if needed.
Make the side creases
Next, fold the newspaper in half lengthwise, bringing the two shorter edges together. This will create a long, narrow strip of paper. Use your ruler and pencil to mark the creases for the sides of the bag. The width of each side will depend on your personal preference, but a good rule of thumb is to leave about 2-3 inches on each side.
Once you have marked the creases, fold the paper along the pencil lines and press firmly to create a crisp fold. You can use the ruler to help you make straight, even creases.
Secure the sides and handles
After making the side creases, unfold the paper and flatten it out. Apply tape or glue along the outer edges of one of the shorter sides. This will create the side seam of your bag. Then, fold the paper in half lengthwise again, aligning the edges and pressing firmly to secure the tape or glue.
To create handles for your bag, fold down about 1-2 inches from the top edge of the bag on each side. This will form the handles. Secure the folds with tape or glue, ensuring that they are sturdy enough to hold the weight of the bag.
Once you have finished securing the sides and handles, your paper bag is complete! You can now use it to carry groceries, books, or any other lightweight items. If you want to add some decorative touches, you can paint or draw on the bag, or even attach ribbons or stickers.
Remember, making a paper bag with newspaper is a fun and eco-friendly alternative to using plastic bags. Give it a try and enjoy the satisfaction of creating your own reusable bag!
