A Native American inspired satchel made from a paper lunch bag is the perfect fall project for a group of young children. When they’re done making their bags, they can fill them with shells, feathers and beads that they can trade with their friends…
![Family Chic Native American Paper Satchel www.family-chic.com](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%2066953%20100000'%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Six simple steps turn a paper lunch bag into a Native American inspired satchel.
![Family Chic Satchel www.family-chic.com](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20149358%20100000'%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Simple drawings like this are easy for kids to follow - it's basically a lot of straight lines.
![Family Chic Satchel Project www.family-chic.com](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%2066953%20100000'%3E%3C/svg%3E)
A jute draw-string is embellished with craft beads.
![Family Chic Paper Satchel Project www.family-chic.com](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%2066953%20100000'%3E%3C/svg%3E)
To begin, cut the bottom off of the paper bag.
![Family Chic Paper Satchel www.family-chic.com](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%2066953%20100000'%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Next, fringe the bottom inch of the bag.
![Family Chic Paper Satchel www.family-chic.com](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20149358%20100000'%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Open the bottom and rub a line of glue along the inside and press down to seal.
![Family Chic Paper Satchel family-chic.com](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20149358%20100000'%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Using a thin black or brown marker, draw a simple design in the center of the bag.
![Family Chic Paper Satchel www.family-chic.com](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20149358%20100000'%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Fill in the design with colored markers and crayons.
![Family Chic Paper Satchel www.family-chic.com](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20149358%20100000'%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Fold the top of the bag over and make four cuts into the fold (make cuts about 1/2-inch apart from each other).
![Family Chic Paper Satchel www.family-chic.com](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%2066953%20100000'%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Flatten bag and pull a strand of jute through the slits in the bag. Add beads to the ends of the jute, tie a knot to secure and fray the ends to create small tassels.
Alessandra
October 25, 2012 at 9:42 pm
Really nice!!! I just pinned it on my “crafts galore” pin board!!
Thank you, xxxx Alessandra
camilla
October 29, 2012 at 8:37 pm
Thanks Alessandra! 🙂