Sep 19 2008
Halloween Grab Bags
by Sirena Van Schaik
People often say, “Halloween, it’s just about the candy,” and although I often agree with them on some level, I don’t really think it is a bad thing. To me, Halloween is one of the truly whimsical holidays around. There is no deep meaning, although there is a history, and children and adults alike, can simply enjoy the day.
Okay, maybe not the adults since Halloween is not only filled with ghouls, goblins and other costumes but it is filled with candy. Lots and lots of candies and whether you are simply handing out some candy at night or stocking a classroom with some well-deserved treats, chances are you are thinking about the presentation as much as what you will be giving up.
Over the last few years, I have really seen an increase to the number of items that you can now purchase for grab bags. There are boxes, envelopes, stamped bags and the usual plastic bags. You can find them pre-stuffed or empty and chances are your grab bag will probably be different from all the rests.
The only problem that I really see with store bought grab bags is not being able to create them myself. If you are a crafty type of person like me, then chances are you feel the same way. There is nothing as enjoyable as making a grab bag for your child’s and seeing the overjoyed look on his face as he carts them out the door.
Since most of us don’t have much time, the key to creating an excellent fun and fright-filled grab bag is to find one that is easy to make. Enter my ghoulishly delightful grab bags. These are fast, easy and you don’t need to be the craftiest of people to make them, although they do allow for some changes and you can make them as complicated or simple as you like.
So let’s kick off Halloween right with these cute little grab bags that will have all the kids screaming, “TREAT!”
Halloween Grab Bags
What you need:
• Sandwich bags (You can use freezer bags or snack bags but you will need to measure the width of the bag and change the cardstock dimensions.)
• Black, Orange and White Cardstock (Halloween Colors)
• Stamps (I used the Stampin’ Up stamp set called Booglie Eyes)
• Black Stamp Ink
• White Craft Ink
• Straight-edged cutter
• Glue stick
• Orange Pumpkin Ribbon
• Embellishments (I used a paper clip but you can use just about anything)
• Stapler
Directions
Before I get into the directions, I just wanted to mention that you don’t need to create the exact same grab bag as I did. Follow the basic size directions but after that, the night sky is the limit. One of the secrets to creating nice homemade projects is layering. If you layer the paper, then you have a more 3 dimensional style grab bag. If you don’t have stamps, just use stickers or color Halloween Printouts that you find on the internet.
1. Measure your baggie. If you are using a standard sandwich baggie, then the measurement should be 6.5 inches wide.
2. Cut the black cardstock into 7” x 8” strips. Fold the cardstock in half so you have a folded strip that measures 7” x 4”. Set aside.
3. Cut the white cardstock into 2” x 2” squares. Also cut additional black cardstock into 2.25” x 2.25” squares. Finally, cut the orange cardstock into 2” x 5” strips. Set aside
4. Take one of your stamps and the white craft ink (or some stickers) and cover the front and back of your folded black strips with images. Don’t line the images up; simply throw them on in a haphazard manner.
5. Stamp the saying into the middle of the orange strip.
6. Stamp the Halloween ghouls onto the white cardstock. If you mess up an image, don’t worry, simply turn over the card and stamp the other side.
7. Glue the white square in the center of the black square.
8. Put the grab bag tops together. To do this, align the orange cardstock onto the center of the black folded cardstock, glue into place. Glue the ghoul cards onto the orange, leave a little of an overhang on the outer edges.
9. Tie a small piece of pumpkin orange ribbon onto the paperclip.
10. Slide the paperclip onto the grab bag. Make sure it overlaps one of the ghoul cards and the orange strip.
11. Attach to a filled sandwich bag by placing each side of the folded card onto either side of the bag. Staple to secure to the bag and close the card.
And there are your cute, fun and, most importantly, easy grab bags.
(NC)-If you are looking for a ghoulish Halloween activity everyone can enjoy, why not create a peanut-free Haunted Gingerbread House? Decorated with Nestlé Fav*rites peanut-free treats, it’s not only safe for children who have peanut allergies, it’s also spooktacularily fun to make!
Haunted Gingerbread
1 1/2 cups shortening 375 ml
1 1/2 cups sugar 375 ml
3 eggs 3
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