Valentine Mailbags

I've tried many different valentine card holders over the years: white bags decorated with markers, cereal boxes wrapped in paper and decorated with various embellishments, shoe boxes decorated with fun stuff, and so on.   I liked them all, but I seem to be addicted to changing things up. All. The. Time.

This year, I gave the kids some brown bags, paint, and stickers which they used to create a fun card holder.  I like how they turned out, so I thought I would share the idea.  But, you'll have to read to the end to see the finished product.  Hehe.

For this project you will need:
  • brown lunch bags
  • tempera paint
  • corks
  • stickers/foamies
  • ribbon
  • hot glue gun
First, we used the tempera paint and corks to stamp some polka dots on our bags.


Once the bags were dry, I gave the students some time to go crazy with the stickers and foamies.  Some of them really did get a bit crazy, but hey, it's their bag, they can decorate it however they like!


Once the students finished their part of the project (painting and stickering...yes, I just made up a new word), they gave it to me so that I could hot glue some handles to the inside.


This may not be the most lovely looking of projects, but it's child created.  I love that the finished product looks like it was made by a child.  After all, it was made by a child, so it should look that way.  While I really like seeing all those perfectly assembled mailbags on Pinterest that are fashioned to look like monsters or owls, there is something refreshing about the eclectic and wild presentation of projects like this one.  Plus, the kids had tons of fun!

Do you have a  favorite card holder project?
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11 comments:

  1. Aimee, this is so simply cute! I love it! I think I might make it a homework project since we just have a half day! One question, how to you have them display their names? Or do you put it on their desk?

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    1. Thanks! I had the students write their names on the bottom of their bag. They will set them out on their desk during the exchange so the other students will know where to put their cards. Great question!!

      Aimee

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  2. FANTASTIC! I usually spend a fortune on those white paper bags with the handles in craft stores. I almost did yesterday, but couldn't get myself to do it. I'm going to use those bingo dopper thinggies instead of the corks...no mess! Thanks for the terrific idea and inspiration.

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    1. Thanks! I was close to buying those same bags!! Then, I decided that I would find a way to use what I had on hand. The bingo markers are a great idea!! I wish I had thought of that one! Have a great weekend!

      Aimee

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  3. What a fantastic idea! Thanks for sharing!!!

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    Replies
    1. I'm glad you like it! Thank you for commenting, and have a Happy Valentine's Day!

      Aimee

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  4. I love the idea of using the ribbon at the top to make handles. I usually have my students decorate a white paper bag. This year I think I'll add the ribbon. Thanks for the great idea!

    Amy

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    1. I'm glad you can use the idea! I love the ribbon handles; not only are they cute, but they will make it easier to carry the bag home at the end of the day. Thanks for stopping by and commenting!

      Aimee

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  5. Your bag look terrific! And yes your right, it should look like it was made by a child. I love the idea of using the corks to paint with and the handles really added a nice finishing touch!Thanks for sharing.

    Kelly @ I'm Not Your Grandpa, I'm Your Teacher

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  6. Super cute bags Aimee! What a great idea to use corks to dip in the paint! We are going to be decorating our bags this week. I usually write their names with black marker in fancy letters on the front and then let them get creative with all my crafting supplies. Can't wait to see how they turn on this year.
    -Jaime
    Bright Concepts 4 Teachers

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  7. Your bags look great Aimee. I too think child made projects should look like they are done by ACTUAL children! :) I love the ribbon handles, it's a cute touch!

    Cindy
    Granny Goes to School

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I'd love to hear what you have to say!