Inside the Roben's Nest: A Peek at Pocket Bag Books
Proof that even an old paper bag has something to say
When I was dreaming up this Art Mini for The Roben’s Nest, I kept coming back to something simple… Paper lunch bags. They’re not fancy. But there’s something about their texture, their foldability, their everyday-ness that always sparks something for me.
This project actually ties back to one of the earliest things I ever created when I started my business called “Club Fragments.” (If you’ve been around since the early 2000s, you might remember it!)
I used to fold up brown paper bags in different ways each month, adding pockets, layering in ephemera, and tucking in all kinds of little goodies. It was like sending out a handmade care package to other creatives.
That project (and my deep love for paper bags) ended up inspiring the name for my first company - Paperbag Studios. So this month’s project feels like a full-circle moment in the best possible way.
Introducing the Pocket Bag Book
Inside The Roben’s Nest, I’m sharing how to take two simple lunch bags and turn them into a soft, stitched, pocket-filled book. It’s the kind of project that feels easy to start and incredibly satisfying to finish.
We’ll paint, collage, and add in scraps of fabric for warmth and texture. You’ll create flaps and fold-outs, stitch along the edges, and build in tiny pockets to tuck in notes, gift cards, or small treasures. What I love most is how approachable it is. You can easily complete one in an afternoon, but there’s plenty of space to slow down and let it evolve, too. Whether you’re just getting started or you’ve been creating for years, this one is all about the process.
Why I Loved Making This Project:
It’s built from humble materials you probably already have
There’s freedom to stitch, paint, collage, and just play
The pockets make it feel interactive and personal
The finished book has a tactile, layered feel that’s so satisfying
It’s giftable ~ but also totally worth keeping for yourself
Want to Create with Us?
Each month inside The Roben’s Nest, I share a fresh Art Mini that’s easy to dive into, designed to help you build creative momentum—and made to fit into real life.
Whether you’ve got 10 minutes or an hour, there’s always room to make something. We’d love to create alongside you.
And now, let’s take a peek at what members inside The Roben’s Nest created this month.
The variations are so unique, and it’s always exciting to see how each person puts their own spin on the process.
Pocket Bag Books Created By The Roben’s Nest Members
