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Create a Gift Bag from an Old Calendar

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Instead of just recycling old calendars, join us in exploring a creative approach to repurposing them into a unique and practical item to help cut down on waste: a gift bag! Follow the steps below to transform your old manatee calendars into a functional gift bag.

Thank you again to all our wonderful photographers who have contributed their stunning photography to our calendars!

Materials Needed:

  • Old Save the Manatee Calendar 
  • Twine or Ribbon 
  • Scissors 
  • Glue or tape 
  • Single-hole punch (optional) 
  • String, twine, or ribbon (optional)
  • Shredded newspaper (optional)

Instructions

Remove the center staples of the calendar and cut along the fold. Pick out your two favorite pictures.

Stack the pictures on top of each other.

Flip the pictures over and fold down the top about ½” to create the top of the bag.

Fold the left side of the pictures by about 1/3 of the page to create the side of the bag.

Fold this new flap in half. Fold the right side of the pages about ½”.

Fold the bottom of the pages up anywhere from 1-1 1/2’” to create the bottom of the bag.

Separate the pages.

Glue or tape the small flap from one picture to the large flap of the other picture by tucking the small flap into the side of the larger flap.
 
Repeat with the other side.

Using your scissors, make 4 cuts on the bottom corners up to the fold you previously made.
 
Glue or tape the folds down to create the bottom.

Lastly, be creative! You can use ribbon, twine, or maybe recycle something else to make the handles. You can also use shredded paper scraps or newspaper in lieu of purchasing new tissue paper.

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