(photo: Coffee Sac Fabric Box, Crafting a Green World)

Our readers know how much we love, love, love a good craft. Now we may not be the craftiest people, but we sure do enjoy learning from others who are. As spring arrives very shortly, we are thinking there are a few peeps out there who will need a wee bit more storage for those small items. You could of course go to a store for some little bags, but we hope you will take some time out to craft one up on your own. Becky from Crafting a Green World has graciously shared with us a fun craft for fabric remnants, craft materials and any other trinkets you have. When done with this project, be sure to check out their website for other sustainable  projects and ideas (they are quite fabulous).

• Coffee Sac Burlap (or feed burlap)
• Lining – cut two inches longer on sides “a” than burlap for folding down the top edges.
• Fusible web – Which may be eliminated if you’re creative and find other ways to make burlap stiffer.
• Thread
• Scissors
• Lace – optional

Step #1: When you fold along the dotted line, all sides should meet evenly.


Step #2: Then, sew the two outer sides, 3 and 4. Then, gather the top corners 1 and 2 and then, sew the remaining two sides.


Step #3: Keep the box wrong side out and fold down on the wrong side, an inch from the top and then fold down again, one inch.


Step #4: Iron the folded edges.

Steps #5-8

Next, place box with lining top edges folded down.

If you are going to decorate the outside panels of the burlap, like adding lace, this is the time to do it. Iron fusible web (follow instruction on the package) to the wrong side of the burlap. Then, sew the edges of the burlap, same as the lining.

Turn the box right side out.

Step #9: Insert the lining inside the burlap box, right side in (the wrong sides of the lining and the burlap should be touching each other), and pin the edges of the lining over the top edges of the burlap. Then sew all around the folded edges.