Turn an ordinary bag into a memorable gift with a personalized bag topper you can make for any occasion. These simple toppers are an easy way to add a handmade finishing touch to gifts, craft-show packaging, product bags, or party favors and you can customize them to match any theme.

All you need is heavier scrapbook paper cut to the width of your bag and folded in half, plus a few punches or nested dies. Create fancy edges with border punches or edge dies, or use decorative scissors. Keep the corners simple with a tag-style cut or dress them up with a fancy corner punch.

The secret is the punched-out center that creates a frame. Circles, ovals, squares, and rectangles work well; just use two graduated sizes to create the opening. The heart design requires nesting dies, but don’t stop there. Look at the nesting dies you already have—an arch, fancy frame, tag, or other open shape may work just as well. If you can create a frame, you can probably turn it into a bag topper. Specialty bag-topper dies are a good source for discovering new shapes and decorating ideas.

Now for the fun part: personalize your topper with whatever embellishments fit your theme. Try paper, lace, fabric, beads, sequins, stickers, or anything else in your stash. A few simple supplies can turn a plain bag into thoughtful packaging that’s creative, and completely your own.

Make your next gift, craft-show packages, product bags or party favors showstoppers!

Happy paper crafting!