DIY Wax Paper Bags: Easy to Make Any Size for Crafts, Food & Gifts

Why Make Wax Paper Bags?

Sometimes store bought bags aren’t the right size, or let’s be honest, they just aren’t as fun. Making your own wax paper bags means you get to choose the size, design, and decoration. The best part? You probably already have wax paper in your kitchen, so this project is budget friendly and quick.

If thrifty, clever storage ideas are your thing, check out my Inexpensive Sugar Dispenser Twine Container.

Watch the Video Tutorial

See the full step-by-step process in my video:

Supplies You’ll Need

• Wax paper – cut to the size you need. It must be wax paper, not parchment or freezer paper, which behave differently in crafts.
• VersaFine Ink pad – I’m using Onyx Black
• Rubber Stamps – I’m using Joy’s Life Tag You’re It One & Two and It’s All Fall Puns.
• Washi tape – I used Freckled Fawn, but any will do.
• Paper crimper – finishes edges with a professional touch.
• Adhesive – I used ScraPerfect’s Best Glue Ever in the video (now discontinued), but a few replacements are Art Glitter Glue (Dries Clear), Bearly Art Precision Craft Glue or Beacon 3-in-1 Advanced Craft Glue, or try an adhesive tape runner or ATG gun.

Keep in mind, none of the adhesives are food safe, so consider heat sealing (which I have not tried even though I have a heat sealer (still in the box, lol). This may be the most reliable method for forming a durable seal. The heat from a craft sealing tool or a low-temperature iron will melt the wax on both surfaces. Use a barrier to protect the iron and your ironing board cover from the melting. I use teflon sheets.

Need more organizing inspiration? Don’t miss my Fabric Scrap Storage Ideas.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Wax Paper Bags

Cut and Fold

Decide the size bag you want. Cut a rectangle of wax paper and fold it into a simple bag shape.

Seal the Sides

Use a tape runner or adhesive along the edges to hold the sides in place.

Stamp Your Design

Stamp directly on the wax paper using your favorite designs. I used my Joy’s Life stamp sets, and the ink holds nicely for one-of-a-kind patterns.

Add Washi Tape Accents

Decorate and reinforce with Washi tape. It gives your bag extra style and durability.

Finish with a Crimper

Run the top edge (or sides) through a paper crimper to give your bag that polished, store-bought look.

Love creative ways to repurpose supplies? See how I turned a Wine Rack into Vinyl Storage

Creative Uses for Wax Paper Bags

These bags are more versatile than you’d think:

• Gift wrap: Unique, handmade packaging for birthdays, holidays, or just because.
• Party favors: Fill with treats for guests.
• Craft storage: Perfect for fabric scraps, trims, or sewing notions.
• Food packaging: Cute wrapping for cookies, snacks, or baked goods.

For another DIY home project, check out my Beadboard Bookshelf Backs.

Your Turn to Try It

With just WAX paper, stamps, Washi tape, and a crimper, you can make custom bags in any size. Don’t swap it with parchment or freezer paper—it has to be WAX paper for the bags to fold, stamp, and seal correctly. These bags are quick, affordable, and completely unique. Once you try it, you’ll never look at a roll of WAX paper the same way again.

You Might Also Like

• How to Make a 2-Liter Soda Bottle with Gifts Inside – A fun way to turn a soda bottle into a surprise gift container.
• Simple Sour Cream Candy Containers – Quick and clever treat holders made from paper.
• Turn Used Candle Jars into Pretty Bathroom Storage – Upcycle candle jars into stylish storage for your home.
• Fabric Scrap Storage Ideas – Smart ways to tame leftover fabric and keep your sewing space organized.