How to Make a 3D Bow Gift Bag with a Decorative Tag

Turn a simple handmade gift bag into something extra special with a layered 3D bow and personalised tag. This elegant project is perfect for birthdays, thank-you gifts, and everyday celebrations, and you can easily adapt it with different papers, colours, and sentiments.

What You’ll Need

Step 1: Cut Your Tag

Choose a design from the 12 x 12 Scrapbook Memories Paper Pad and use your guillotine to cut a piece measuring 2.5" x 5".

Position the Everyday Tag die at the top of the paper and run it through your Gemini Mini to create the shaped top and hanging hole.

Step 2: Stamp the Sentiment

Place the tag onto your stamping platform and choose your sentiment from the Everyday Tags Set.

Ink the stamp with black ink and press it onto the tag, applying even pressure for a crisp finish.

Step 3: Create the 3D Bow

Die cut the individual bow pieces from white cardstock.

Shape and assemble the pieces with Collall Tacky Glue, layering them together to form the dimensional bow. Attach the finished bow to the front of your tag.

Add three small white gems around the design for an extra decorative finish.

Step 4: Add the Ribbon to the Tag

Take your 7" piece of white ribbon, thread it through the hole at the top of the tag and secure it in place.

Your coordinating gift tag is now ready to add to the finished bag.

Step 5: Cut the Gift Bag Panels

Cut two pieces of white cardstock measuring 10" x 10".

These will create the front and back sections of your gift bag.

Step 6: Score the Bag

Score each 10" x 10" piece on three sides at 2.5".

On the remaining side, score at 1.5". This 1.5" score line should be positioned at the back/top of the bag to create the folded edge.

Use a bone folder to burnish all of the score lines firmly.

Step 7: Trim the Front Bag Panel

Take the piece that will become the front of your bag.

With the bag facing you, remove the two 2.5" x 2.5" squares from the bottom corners.

Work along the remaining scored sections, trimming across the horizontal score lines where needed to form the tabs that will allow the bag to be assembled neatly.

Repeat the necessary corner trimming on the second panel so both pieces can fit together.

Step 8: Cut the Decorative Paper Panels

From your Scrapbook Memories patterned paper, cut:

Two strips measuring 1 1/8" x 4 7/8"
One panel measuring 4 7/8" x 4 7/8"

Adhere one narrow strip to the folded-over section at the top of the bag.

Attach the second narrow strip and the 4 7/8" square panel to the front section of the bag, arranging them to create your decorative design.

Step 9: Assemble the Gift Bag

Fold the scored flaps into position.

Adhere the back panel to the front, allowing the back section to overlap neatly where required. Glue the side flaps to the back of the bag, then secure the remaining base and side sections together.

Press firmly along each glued area and allow the adhesive to set before filling your bag.

Step 10: Create the Ribbon Handles

Make two small holes approximately 1" in from each side near the top of both the front and back bag panels.

Take your two 12" pieces of white ribbon and thread one through the holes on the front panel and one through the holes on the back.

Secure the ribbon ends firmly on the inside of the bag.

Step 11: Add Your Finished Tag

Attach your completed 3D bow tag to the front of the gift bag, using the ribbon to tie it around one of the handles or securing it directly to the bag.

Your handmade gift bag is complete!

Make It Your Own

The beauty of this project is how easily it can be personalised. Swap the soft vintage papers for bright birthday colours, elegant metallics or seasonal prints, and change the sentiment to suit the occasion. From birthdays and anniversaries to thank you gifts and little surprises, this 3D tag idea is a simple way to make your handmade packaging feel just as thoughtful as the present itself.