How to Make a Pop Up Pocket

If you’ve been saving paper bags from gifts or small purchases today is the day to put them to good use! One of my favourite things about paper crafting is finding creative ways to transform everyday items into something beautiful, and paper bags are perfect for that.

In today’s video, I’m sharing how to create a fun pop-up pocket using a lunch bag style paper bag. It’s a simple project that adds both interactive interest and extra storage to journals, scrapbook layouts, mini albums, and even handmade cards – think gift cards:)

You can use almost any size paper bag or gift bag for this idea. Whether it’s a tiny boutique bag, a lunch sack, or a decorative gift bag, the same basic idea works beautifully.

Don’t Waste the Leftover Piece

One thing I always try to do when crafting is make the most of every piece of paper. After trimming your bag to create the pop-up pocket, you’ll be left with an extra section (see video linked below for how to cut your bag). Instead of tossing it into the recycling bin, I share a simple way to turn that leftover piece into a little journal.

One Paper Bag…Three Projects

In this tutorial you’ll learn:

• How to create an interactive pop-up pocket.
• What to do with the leftover piece after trimming the bag.
• And I’ll share an additional paper bag project that gives even more life to materials you might otherwise throw away.

I love projects like this because they stretch your supplies and inspire you to look at everyday items a little differently.

Perfect for Using Your Paper Scraps

This project is also a fantastic excuse to pull out those patterned paper scraps you’ve been saving. Instead of cutting into a brand-new sheet, decorate your paper bag with leftover pieces from previous projects. Mixing coordinating scraps creates beautiful layers while helping reduce the ever-growing pile of offcuts many of us have tucked away.

More Paper Bag Inspiration

If you enjoy crafting with paper bags, be sure to check out some of my other tutorials. I’ll link them below so you can discover even more ways to transform inexpensive materials into beautiful handmade projects. Whether you’re creating junk journals, mini albums, scrapbook pages, tags, or handmade gifts, paper bags are incredibly versatile and worth keeping in your craft room.

Paper Bag Mini Album/Journal

Paper Bag Ornament

Paper Bag Mini Album

Watch the Tutorial

In the video, I walk you through each step so you can easily recreate these projects using supplies you already have.

If you give one of these ideas a try, I’d love to hear about it! Leave a comment below and let me know what kind of paper bags you’re using and how you plan to incorporate them into your own projects.

Until next time,

Product List

Click on any of these images to shop my Canadian online store or to find out more information about any of these products. In addition to these, I also used an envelope punch board, TAB punch and paper bags.