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These Paper Bag Gingerbread Houses are a fun holiday craft that kids can make on their own—perfect for decorating, gifting, or building a cozy gingerbread village that won’t crumble! Click over to see how to make your own festive creations with just a few simple supplies.
This Paper Bag Gingerbread House is an easy, creative project that lets kids design their own “gingerbread” house—without the mess of frosting or candy! With just a few basic materials—brown paper bags, a white paint pen, and some festive red ribbon—you can transform plain brown paper lunch bags into charming little “gingerbread houses.” These adorable gingerbread-themed bags are budget-friendly, easy to customize, and can double as gift bags or holiday decor. Let’s get started!
HOW TO VIDEO:
Materials Needed: Paper Bag Gingerbread House
To get started, gather these simple materials:
- Brown Paper Lunch Bags
- White paint pen or acrylic marker for drawing designs
- Red ribbon for decoration (optional but adds a nice touch- you can use whatever color you love)
- Tape and glue to secure the ribbon and folds
- Scissors for trimming edges
- Gingerbread House Example Guide
These items are likely available at your local craft store or online. Once you have everything, you’re ready to start crafting!
How to Make a Paper Bag Gingerbread House Gift Bag
Step 1: Prepare the Roof
We had two options for creating the roofs on our gingerbread house.
- Option One: Fold the top corners inward to form a triangular roof shape. Secure the folds with a bit of tape on the inside to hold them in place.
- Option Two: Fold the part of the bag downward. We folded about 2-3 inches. Fold the bag inward so that it creates the look of a roof.
Step 2: Start Drawing Your Gingerbread House Design
- Using the white paint pen, begin drawing details on the bag to resemble a gingerbread house. Start with the basics: draw windows, doors, and any other structural elements. Don’t worry about perfect lines—gingerbread houses are supposed to be whimsical and charming. Try to keep a steady hand and avoid lifting the pen too much for smoother lines.
Step 3: Add Decorative Details
- Once the basic outline is done, add playful details to bring your gingerbread house to life. Draw scalloped edges along the roof, little hearts, swirls, or dots around the windows, and a wreath or two by the doors. Feel free to get creative—no two gingerbread houses are alike! If you need inspiration, try looking at real gingerbread houses or use this free example guide as a starting point!
Step 4: Attach the Ribbon
Finish off each bag with a touch of festive ribbon. Cut a small piece of red ribbon, tie it into a bow, and glue or tape it to the top of the bag. This simple addition makes the bags look even more like little gingerbread houses and adds a polished, festive flair.
Crafty Tips:
Creating these kraft paper gingerbread bags is simple, but here are a few tips to make sure your bags turn out beautifully:
- Use One Continuous Stroke Where Possible: If you lift the paint pen too often, it can be tricky to line up the strokes again, which might interrupt the flow of the design.
- Keep Designs Simple: While details make the bags look festive, too many can make the design look cluttered. Stick to basic shapes and patterns, especially if you’re making multiple bags.
- Let the Ink Dry Before Handling: White paint pens can smudge if they haven’t dried fully, so give each bag a few minutes to dry before adding the ribbon or stacking them.
- Try Different Roof Styles: Folding the bag tops in various ways adds variety. Experiment with different shapes and sizes to make each “house” unique.
These paper bag gingerbread houses are an easy and fun way to make holiday gift-giving extra special. Not only do they look adorable as home decor, but they’re also a wonderful way to add a handmade touch to your gifts without spending a lot of money. Plus, they’re a hit with kids and adults alike—perfect for family crafting sessions or holiday party favors.
So, grab your brown paper bags, paint pens, and some ribbon, and let your creativity run wild! With these festive gingerbread bags, you’ll have your gifts wrapped in style, bringing smiles and holiday cheer to everyone who receives one. Happy crafting!
