If you’re looking for a simple way to personalise gifts for your guests, look no further! It’s a lot of fun to think of creative and thoughtful gift ideas for your bridesmaids or guests at your bridal shower, just don’t forget the wrapping!

If you’d like to make these on a larger scale (for example, your wedding!), it’s a fun project to work on with those in your bridal party. Those that aren’t confident with their lettering skills can still take part with other tasks (or filling the kettle!), and you’ll have loads of fun coming up with ideas for each individual guest.

You can find pre-made calico bags at most craft stores, I found these at Kmart. If you’d like to dye the bags a colour to match your theme (which is a brilliant idea!) do this before you paint them. There are so many options for decorations; you can write guests names on the bags, or words that have a special meaning for you. Have a practice on some paper first so you know what it will look like, and then get painting!

What you will need:

  • Fabric paint in your colour of choice
  • Calico bags (you could also use acrylic paint and paper bags)
  • Paint brush
  • Wax paper (baking paper works well)

What to do:

Step 1. Cut some strips of waxed paper to place inside your fabric bags. This will stop the paint from seeping through to the other side.

Step 2. After you’ve practised your lettering on some paper (you can find stencils online if you are stuck!), begin writing directly onto the fabric bags. Start with a rough outline, which you can then go back and fill in.

Step 3. Once the paint has dried and you’re happy with your lettering, follow the fabric paint instructions on how to set your design. Some may need heat setting before they are washed.

Once the bags are dried and set, you can fill them with goodies for your guests and pals, and wait to see their delight as they discover not only a gorgeous gift, but a beautifully wrapped one at that!

 

Ms Chinoiserie Says: What a gorgeous idea; such a lovely “package” to receive – and then to keep as a memento!

About Nicola Goring – I’m Nicola, the florist and crafter behind rubyandjoy. I’m a gardening, fabric loving, mint tea drinking, brownie baking, book obsessed maker! I love a good adventure having just moved back from five years in Scotland (with my lovely Scottish husband).