In The Bag - Make a "TimHoltz-like" paper bag by yourself

Hello everybody!

I'm sure we are all in love with Tim Holtz' products! He is genius and there are so many products of his brand that we wanna have! Sometimes, though, especially when it comes to cutting dies, we may easily make  the same template on our own, without spending any money, but only some time and creativity.

I've been looking at this die - "In The Bag", which creates a mini gusseted bag perfect to fin in a few ATC's or photos. It's not tricky at all to find the exact measurements of the shape which is cut with the die. They are: 3" x 4 3/4" x 3/4".

So, friends, I've spent some time and prepared a template with all the necessary measurements and today I would like to share with you a simple process of creating this small cute paper bag.

Cut the paper of your choice at 7 3/4" X 5 3/8 ".
Use the following template as a guide:

 (Note: If you want to make some decorative border - make it first, and then cut the paper according to the stated size).
Score the paper as follows:

Make the cuts:

If you want to distress the edges, do it now:

Add a scor-tape:

It's possible to add some designer paper, to make the bag look more interesting. You'll need 2 pieces of the following sizes: 2 3/4" X 4 1/4".
(Note: These measurements may vary... To be on the safe side, measure your bag before cutting designer paper).
Mark holes for future eyelets. Use your crop-a-dile to cut the holes.

Place the eyelets:

Add handles (you may use baker's twine, lace, ribbon etc.):

*** Try to make both handles of the same length. 

Now you're ready to assemble the bag. Remove the scor-tape and adhere the sides:

Fold the bottom pieces of the bag like so:

The bag is ready! (I haven't embellished it yet, but I'll figure something later and post a picture of the result).

Have fun creating!
Hope you've enjoyed this little tutorial.