Pocket Bag Books: A Mixed Media Project Born from Paper Lunch Bags
Proof that even an old paper bag has something to say
There’s something about a simple paper lunch bag that has always sparked something in me. The texture, the foldability, the everyday-ness of it. Nothing fancy. And yet full of potential.
This project actually ties back to one of the earliest things I ever created when I started my business – something called “Club Fragments.” If you’ve been around since the early 2000s, you might remember it! Each month I’d fold up brown paper bags in different ways, 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 project feels like a full-circle moment in the best possible way.
Introducing the Pocket Bag Book
Two simple lunch bags. Painted, collaged, stitched, and layered with fabric scraps for warmth and texture. Flaps and fold-outs. 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. Whether you’re just getting started or you’ve been creating for years, this one is all about the process.
What Makes This So Inspiring:
~ 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
There’s something quietly magical about turning the most ordinary materials into something you’ll want to hold onto. That’s what this project is all about.
