Gift bags for the eco-artist

I recently read that "if all American households used recyled materials to wrap just three gifts, it would save enough paper to cover 45,000 football fields."  I just love stumbling upon facts that give even more meaning to the artful endeavors I've attempted throughout the years.  For instance, I've been reusing paper gift bags (as well as carryout bags, shopping bags, etc..) for many Christmas' already.  It started with a collage art infatuation.  Before having kids, I used to sit around with old picture books, scalloped scissors and collectable stamps I'd bought on ebay and make my own greeting cards.  This evolved into very ellaborate gift bag decorating, it was really fun!  Once I learned how to effectively use Modge Podge, it was a new and limitless world! 

However, these days it seems that there is a shortage of mommy-attention in this house.  (The dishes and laundry seem to be crying the loudest.)  So, my endless hours of cutting and pasting whilest singing along to repitions of Natalie Merchant's Tigerlilly CD, have given way to a quicker simpler method for last minute decorating.  During the year, I save all paper bags that find their way to me, many of which I've given away in past years and have been given back!  (I love that!)  I also save all the Christmas cards and any other pretty postcard photos we come across.  Then at Christmas I just get out my trusty glue stick and paste a lovely postcard photo over the logo on the paper bag.  Sometimes I'll tie a little scrap of ribbon on the handle, add a bead or two... seriously this stuff is so simple.  Finally, I coat the image in Modge Podge with a paintbrush.  When it dries it has that glossy, brush stroke finish to it that exuberates !art!!

Pet Peeve: The aisles in the craft store that sell "scrapbooking materials".  I know this stuff is cute and all, but I think it actually mutes some very beautiful inate qualities, like being able to gather some old junk and  turn it into something lovely.  Women have a strong gathering instinct, and a strong creation-drive (keep it in the kitchen, girls).  Making your own Christmas gift bags this year is a simple, eco-friendly way to satisfy your creative impulse.