Farewell Week – Gift Bag Punch Board. So then, although the last couple of weeks have featured a few retiring items, this week is going to look at quite a lot more. As an example, I am starting with the Envelope Punch Board’s little brother, the Gift Bag Punch Board. This amazing tool can turn a piece of patterned paper into the most amazing gift bag in just a few minutes.

So, it is a while since I last used this, I had to reintroduce myself to it, but once you get into the swing of it you can get a conveyor belt of bags going. You just need a piece of Designer Series Paper cut at 10″, 11″ or 12″ by at least 4″. This is a great way to use up those pieces of paper that you like, but don’t love quite enough to put on a card. Just follow along with the instructions on the board, it really is that simple. There are a few things to keep in mind. For example, if you have a paper with a design that runs in an obvious direction, remember that you are punching the BOTTOM of the bag, so get the paper oriented correctly.

The board even punches the holes in the top for the ribbon. I chose the two ribbons that co-ordinate with the papers, neither of which will carry over. Namely, The Granny Apple Green/Coastal Cabana Ribbon and the Calypso Coral Satin Ribbon. They are both great, but my favourite is the Reversible Ribbon. I decided to use some of the Pins & Tags, which work well with both papers. These are such and easy way to add a cute Tag. Some quick Fussy Cutting gave me the embellishments

As our Designer Series Paper is (mostly) double sided, you can take advantage of this by folding the top so the inside is on the outside adding some contrast. By the way, if you are doing this, do bear in mind that the pattern on the inside must be upside down when you are making the bag, so it can be the right way up once folded to the outside.