Recycle your grocery bags into unique faux leather gift bags, add some color and design with stencils for a super easy yet stunning result.

You’ll need some heavy grocery store bags, watercolors, stencils and glue for basic materials. Blending brushes help but you can stencil with a sponge.

Begin by cutting your bag to size. Choose a stencil and align it on top of your bag using tape to secure. Choose a color and with a slightly damp blending brush, pick up some color and begin stenciling. Once dry, color wash with dark brown watercolors to get the desired shade. The watercolor should not bleed too much although edges might soften. Use a quality watercolor for best results. 

Construct and glue your bag like a simple flat shopping bag.

Aleen’s Tacky Glue from Dollar Tree or Walmart will give your bag a leather like sheen. Just cover each side with a thin coat and allow to dry completely. 

If you don’t have stencils you can still draw or color designs on your faux leather with alcohol markers either before or after applying the Aleen’s Tacky Glue. 

If you want to add string handles, strengthen your holes with a hole reinforcer.

Create some stunning faux leather paper for gift bags and make your gifts extra appealing.

Happy paper crafting!