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DIRECTIONS :Gift wrap paper could be used but it is
well suited to an easy stamping project.
Stamp an 8 1/2 x 11" sheet of copy paper on one side. Cut
or tear it in two so that you have two pieces 5 1/2 x 8
1/2".
Fold the top down about 3/4 ". Fold the bottom up 1 1/2".
Fold over the left side 1/2". Open these out and crease
(score) with fingernail, straight edge or bone folder.
Divide into 5 equal sections (measuring from first top
to bottom crease--or see "guesstimate" method below*) and
score.Paste the left flap under the outside of the right
hand side of the rectangle. Top cuff can overlap to stabilize.
Cut the five vertical folds on the bottom from edge to
first horizontal fold. Overlap these and paste or tape to
form bottom of bag.
Turn in the top "cuff" and paste or tape if necessary.
The eraser end of a pencil is helpful in pressing the pasted
flaps together from the inside. If you need to strengthen
or stabilize the bottom, cut a pentagon shape (trace around
bag) from a shirt cardboard (you do save all the cardboards
that come in hosiery/lingerie and other packaged items,
don't you?) and insert into completed bag/box.
THAT'S IT! YOU ARE DONE!
If you like, you can press the "points" together with your
fingers and crease lightly from top edge about half way
down the bag--this forms a nice "Christmas Star" top.
* Alternate method: Fold 1/2" lap (approximately) along
short side. Fold this (short) edge over to form first side
of bag. Needs to be no more than 1 1/2"--a tad smaller is
probably safer. Crease/score sharply. Fold over doubled
piece and crease again. Repeat until reaching end of paper.
If there is a slight overlap, trim it with a scissors.
Change height to use as nut cups on your holiday table.
This is such a versatile pattern/procedure it is unlikely
you will be able to "play" with it without devising your
own shortcuts and adapted versions.
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