• Home
  • About
    • About Crafts by Amanda
    • Visit Our Recipe Site
  • Work With Us
  • Join
    • Free Newsletters
    • Join our Facebook craft group
↑
  • Tutorials
    • Tutorial Index
    • Adult Crafts
    • Crafts for Kids
    • Crafts for Seniors
    • Recycled Crafts
    • Seasonal Crafts
    • Holiday Crafts
    • Free Printables
    • Craft Collections
  • Adult Crafts
    • Bath & Body
    • Beach Crafts
    • Clay Pot Crafts
    • Crafts for Seniors
    • Decoupage Crafts for Adults
    • DIY Gift ideas
    • Garden Crafts
    • Home Decor Projects
    • Kitchen Crafts
    • Light Bulb Crafts
    • Luminary Crafts
    • Mason Jar Crafts
    • Needlework
    • Photo Display Ideas
    • Recycled Crafts for Adults
    • Wearable Crafts for Adults
  • Crafts for Kids
    • Animal Crafts for Kids
    • Back to School Crafts
    • Beach Crafts for Kids
    • Camp Crafts
    • Cardboard Tube Crafts for Kids
    • Decoupage Crafts for Kids
    • Easy Crafts for Kids
    • Nature Crafts for Kids
    • Other Kid’s Crafts
    • Paper Plate Crafts for Kids
    • Recycled Crafts for Kids
    • Slimes, Doughs, & Clay
    • Wearable Crafts for Kids
  • Holiday Crafts
    • 4th of July Crafts
    • Christmas Crafts
    • DIY Gift ideas
    • Earth Day Crafts
    • Easter Crafts
    • Father’s Day Crafts
    • Halloween Crafts
    • Memorial Day Crafts
    • Mother’s Day Crafts
    • New Year’s
    • Other Holidays
    • Patriot Day Crafts
    • St. Patrick’s Day Crafts
    • Thanksgiving Crafts
    • Valentine’s Day Crafts
  • Seasonal Crafts
    • Winter Crafts
    • Spring Crafts
    • Summer Crafts
    • Fall Crafts
  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Crafts by Amanda

crafts for adults and kid's crafts

  • Tutorials
    • Tutorial Index
    • Adult Crafts
    • Crafts for Kids
    • Crafts for Seniors
    • Recycled Crafts
    • Seasonal Crafts
    • Holiday Crafts
    • Free Printables
    • Craft Collections
  • Adult Crafts
    • Bath & Body
    • Beach Crafts
    • Clay Pot Crafts
    • Crafts for Seniors
    • Decoupage Crafts for Adults
    • DIY Gift ideas
    • Garden Crafts
    • Home Decor Projects
    • Kitchen Crafts
    • Light Bulb Crafts
    • Luminary Crafts
    • Mason Jar Crafts
    • Needlework
    • Photo Display Ideas
    • Recycled Crafts for Adults
    • Wearable Crafts for Adults
  • Crafts for Kids
    • Animal Crafts for Kids
    • Back to School Crafts
    • Beach Crafts for Kids
    • Camp Crafts
    • Cardboard Tube Crafts for Kids
    • Decoupage Crafts for Kids
    • Easy Crafts for Kids
    • Nature Crafts for Kids
    • Other Kid’s Crafts
    • Paper Plate Crafts for Kids
    • Recycled Crafts for Kids
    • Slimes, Doughs, & Clay
    • Wearable Crafts for Kids
  • Holiday Crafts
    • 4th of July Crafts
    • Christmas Crafts
    • DIY Gift ideas
    • Earth Day Crafts
    • Easter Crafts
    • Father’s Day Crafts
    • Halloween Crafts
    • Memorial Day Crafts
    • Mother’s Day Crafts
    • New Year’s
    • Other Holidays
    • Patriot Day Crafts
    • St. Patrick’s Day Crafts
    • Thanksgiving Crafts
    • Valentine’s Day Crafts
  • Seasonal Crafts
    • Winter Crafts
    • Spring Crafts
    • Summer Crafts
    • Fall Crafts
Craft Tutorials | Holiday Crafts | Halloween Crafts | Big Paper Bag Luminaries

Big Paper Bag Luminaries

Author by Amanda Davis on October 23, 2010 Updated on July 17, 2019

No ratings yet
Jump to Project
209 shares
  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Flipboard
  • Email


 

One day while surfing around I found some awesome looking luminaries on grandinroad’s website. When they were they were $99.00, now they are $129! Ouch. I wanted to see if I could make something similar using my Silhouette machine and good ole paper grocery bags. This was a fun addition to my Halloween decor and would make a great entrance for a Pumpkin Painting Party!

My inspiration: from grandinroad

They came out pretty cool I think.

The only thing that honked me off was the seam line that goes up the center of the bag. When the light is on inside the bag you can see the seam, ugh. You’re probably thinking “Duh, why didn’t you use the front of the bag where there’s no seam?” Well, because the grocery store logo was plastered all over the front :-P

The other issue I had was that it was hard to find anything bright enough to actually illuminate these bags! Who know grocery bags would be so impenetrable! I ended up going to Home Depot and buying four of these bad boys ($7 each):

I found some cool Halloween fonts that look like blood, though I couldn’t find the one that grandinroad used. I printed them on black vinyl and stuck them to the bags.

Then I measured where I wanted my fonts to be and marked with a pencil.

After applying the vinyl to the bags, I used antiquing gel to stain the outer edges of the bags.

Using a rag to wipe off the excess and smear it around a bit.

 

Then I mixed some black paint in with the stain…

Then blotted it on with a rag, darkening some of the edges.

 

Then they were done!

After putting the lights in, I did fold down the tops of the bags to keep as much light inside as possible.

Print Project
No ratings yet

Big Paper Bag Luminaries

Author: Amanda Formaro

Supplies

  • paper bags
  • Sylvania Dot It lights
  • vinyl
  • ruler
  • pencil
  • rag
  • black paint
  • Halloween fonts

Instructions

  • I printed them on black vinyl and stuck them to the bags.
  • Then I measured where I wanted my fonts to be and marked with a pencil.
  • After applying the vinyl to the bags, I used antiquing gel to stain the outer edges of the bags.
  • Using a rag to wipe off the excess and smear it around a bit.
  • Then I mixed some black paint in with the stain…
  • Then blotted it on with a rag, darkening some of the edges.
  • After putting the lights in, I did fold down the tops of the bags to keep as much light inside as possible.

 

 

  • Author
  • Recent Posts
Amanda Davis
Amanda Davis is the crafty, entrepreneurial mother of four children. She loves to bake, cook, make kid's crafts and create decorative items for her home. She is a crafting expert and guru in the kitchen and has appeared online and in print publications many times over the years.
Latest posts by Amanda Davis (see all)
  • Birdcage Flower Planter - July 15, 2025
  • Recycled Plastic Lid Windchime - July 11, 2025
  • Rainbow Tie Dye Shirts - July 4, 2025
209 shares
  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Flipboard
  • Email

Filed Under: Halloween Crafts, Luminary Crafts Tagged With: adult, adult craft ideas, adult crafts, adults, crafts for adults, holidays, luminaries, luminary. luminaries, paper bag, paper crafts, recycle crafts

Reader Interactions

Free CraftsBy email every week

Latest crafts straight to your inbox!

Comments

  1. Anna Etemadi says

    February 6, 2013 at 5:48 am

    Great job! I liked grandin roads too. How about plain white or orange gift bags from the dollar store? Might take some hunting for the colors but hopefully no seams.

    Reply
  2. jules says

    October 28, 2012 at 8:45 pm

    I love this idea, you should’ve flipped the bag inside out so no seam issue or ads!

    Reply
    • Amanda says

      October 31, 2012 at 12:32 pm

      There are seams on the inside as well unfortunately. :(

      Reply
  3. Crystal Hayward says

    October 31, 2011 at 6:01 pm

    I’m not sure if they are still made but use to the large grocery bags were 2 plly and you could take the inside one out and it had no writing on it.

    Reply
  4. Julie says

    September 28, 2011 at 3:17 pm

    Love this! I’m sure trick or treaters will get a kick out of it. And it looks so easy.

    Reply
    • Amanda Formaro says

      September 29, 2011 at 2:46 pm

      Thanks Julie!

      Reply
  5. Amanda says

    November 5, 2010 at 8:24 pm

    Thank you Laurie! I hope you'll let me see if you make them next year! :)

    Reply
  6. laurie says

    November 5, 2010 at 2:27 pm

    I saw those too and thought about making them, I think you did a much better job than I would have and now I plan to copy you next year! Thanks!

    Reply
  7. Amanda says

    October 30, 2010 at 3:47 pm

    Thanks so much everyone! :)

    Reply
  8. heidi says

    October 30, 2010 at 3:43 pm

    Pretty cool! (visiting here from "My Romantic Home's Friday post)
    Heidi

    Reply
  9. Natasha says

    October 30, 2010 at 7:29 am

    What a brilliant idea. Your version is heaps better than the original. Great job!

    Best wishes,
    Natasha.

    Reply
  10. ~ ~ Ahrisha ~ ~ says

    October 29, 2010 at 7:59 pm

    Amazing! Yours are better than the originals.
    ~ ~Ahrisha~ ~

    Reply
  11. mustard seed memories says

    October 29, 2010 at 12:54 am

    I love these! They are super fun and I am tucking the idea away for next year!

    Reply
  12. Cierra Larsen says

    October 28, 2010 at 7:25 pm

    Hey there! Im your newest follower! Follow me back at http://craftycierra.blogspot.com/ Make sure to check out my halloween giveaway! Let me know if you are interested in doing a swap with me! Thanks!

    /Cierra
    [email protected]

    Reply
  13. Deanna Jane (cullenkidsmum) says

    October 28, 2010 at 12:12 pm

    Very cute, they look great!

    Reply
  14. Amanda says

    October 27, 2010 at 7:22 pm

    Thanks sara! Yes, watch out for those Thanksgiving crafts! LOL!

    Thanks everyone!

    Reply
  15. Catch A Falling Star says

    October 27, 2010 at 4:08 pm

    Way cute!
    Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  16. she wears flowers says

    October 27, 2010 at 1:07 pm

    I love these!

    Reply
  17. Sew says

    October 27, 2010 at 12:43 pm

    OMG! These are amazing! Please make sure you stop by SewWoodsy.blogspot.com to link these up & enter in a chance to win some spray blood!!!

    Reply
  18. creativejewishmom/sara says

    October 27, 2010 at 9:50 am

    great project as always, and thanks so very much for being a regular on Craft schooling Sunday, I really appreciate it and look forward to seeing what you've been up to! all the best and have a great Halloween….then I guess we'll be seeing a whole lot of turkeys and Indians from you?

    Reply
  19. Amanda says

    October 26, 2010 at 7:55 pm

    Thanks everyone! Thank you for the featured Stephanie and Patty!

    Reply
  20. Corinna says

    October 26, 2010 at 5:14 pm

    These are fabulous!

    Reply
  21. Madigan at madiganmade says

    October 26, 2010 at 1:47 am

    Just darling! Love the idea of using the dot-its, too.

    Reply
  22. Courtney {a thoughtful place} says

    October 25, 2010 at 11:28 pm

    Those are adorable. i don't think the line takes away from them at all. Super cute!

    Reply
  23. Jenglamgirl says

    October 25, 2010 at 11:19 pm

    WOW love them! well done, super cute!

    Reply
  24. Laura says

    October 25, 2010 at 8:56 pm

    How cute!

    This week is my blog anniversary and I'm hosting a week's worth of great giveaways. Feel free to stop by if you'd like!

    Reply
  25. Nike@ChooseToThrive says

    October 25, 2010 at 8:44 pm

    These turned out great! Love it.

    Reply
  26. Patty says

    October 25, 2010 at 6:34 pm

    I love this! I am featuring you on my blog this week! Can I use some of the pics on your blog as part of your feature?
    Email me at [email protected]
    You have great ideas!

    Reply
  27. Stephanie Lynn @Under the Table and Dreaming says

    October 25, 2010 at 3:17 pm

    Amanda, These are super cool! Love them glowing. I'll be adding this idea to next years list – TFS! I'll be featuring this today – stop by and grab a featured button if you like. Thanks so much for linking to the Sunday Showcase – I greatly appreciate it. Hope you have a wonderful week! ~ Stephanie Lynn

    Reply
  28. PriceLess Digi Designs says

    October 25, 2010 at 1:55 pm

    These are really cute! Even with the seem!!
    http://www.itsapricelesslife.blogspot.com

    Reply
  29. Amanda says

    October 25, 2010 at 12:36 pm

    Thanks Trisha and Becca!!

    Reply
  30. Becca says

    October 25, 2010 at 12:34 pm

    What a fun project !! You did a great job !! *Becca*

    Reply
  31. Trisha says

    October 25, 2010 at 12:34 pm

    I have seen these on Grandin Road and thought they were so awesome but not worth the price! These are great!

    Reply
  32. Amanda says

    October 25, 2010 at 12:08 pm

    Thank you ladies!

    Reply
  33. tishA says

    October 25, 2010 at 12:02 pm

    Love these! Great Job!!

    Reply
  34. Cindy says

    October 25, 2010 at 11:46 am

    i think that is a fabulous redo. i love expensive inspiration to cheap dyi….great job!!

    Reply
  35. Amanda says

    October 25, 2010 at 12:52 am

    You guys rock, thanks so much for your great comments!

    Reply
  36. Kristin @ Daydream Designs says

    October 25, 2010 at 12:38 am

    I LOVE this idea! I was going to make some luminaries for our Halloween party next weekend and I just found my inspiration! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  37. Its So Very Cheri says

    October 25, 2010 at 12:35 am

    What a darling project.

    I would love to have you enter this on my party at ItsSoVeryCheri.com and then over at our other site theDIYClub.com We have a weekly DIY Living party over there.

    Cheri

    Reply
  38. Lorie says

    October 24, 2010 at 11:44 pm

    So cute (as always!) I am having a fun time trying to guess which project on CWTS is yours! I can't wait to see if I am right! ;D

    Reply
  39. Hello! says

    October 24, 2010 at 11:07 pm

    this is a great idea! i love it! thanks for sharing!!!

    Reply
  40. Kristyn says

    October 24, 2010 at 12:28 pm

    Love this! Thanks for sharing!!! :)

    Reply
  41. Jenn says

    October 24, 2010 at 6:01 am

    Those look amazing! Great job!!

    Reply
  42. [email protected] says

    October 24, 2010 at 2:09 am

    They came out super cool! And I love how easy they are. Thanks so much for this, I'll be linking.

    Reply
  43. smilemonsters says

    October 23, 2010 at 9:54 pm

    I think they look pretty awesome.

    Jo @ http://smilemonsters.blogspot.com

    Reply
  44. brandy-son Zen master flash says

    October 23, 2010 at 6:23 pm

    Those are super cool! I mean it. I am going to have to make them when I have a house some day! I found you via Be Different Act Normal and will def be following.

    Reply
  45. ♥Fran♥ says

    October 23, 2010 at 4:26 pm

    WOW…pretty cool ur blog,tHE halloween hand print Ghoul Banner and the Jack O'Lantern TV
    are just awesome,love it!Gongratz!

    Reply
  46. allison @ itstoilegood.blogspot.com says

    October 23, 2010 at 2:16 pm

    totally awesome! love how some simple and affordable supplies can make such a fabulous project!

    Reply
  47. Jennifer @ Muse Lodge says

    October 23, 2010 at 2:07 pm

    These are really awesome! They look just like your inspiration.

    Reply
  48. Michele Pacey says

    October 23, 2010 at 1:33 pm

    pretty cool looking Amanda! and such a simple concept (which is the best kind of craft)!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Rate This Project




The maximum upload file size: 640 MB. You can upload: image, video. Links to YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and other services inserted in the comment text will be automatically embedded. Drop files here

Primary Sidebar

Hi! I’m Amanda and I’m the founder and head designer of Crafts by Amanda. I have spent over 25 years creating projects to share, but it’s not just me anymore! It’s turned into a complete family affair. Come and meet the Creative Team!

Free CraftsBy email every week

Latest crafts straight to your inbox!

All Time Favorites

Learn to make these adorable ladybug painted rocks. use special outdoor paint for this adorable garden craft so you can keep garden ladybugs all summer!

Ladybug Painted Rocks…

These colorful little ladybug painted rocks are the ... Go To project

snowy pinecone candle jar luminaries

Winter Luminaries: Snowy Pinecone…

Make pretty winter luminaries that appear to be covered ... Go To project

Make this wonderful deco mesh pumpkin wreath to hang on your door this fall!

Deco Mesh Pumpkin Wreath…

Adorn your door this fall with a pretty deco mesh ... Go To project

Reuse those empty prescription pill bottles in all sorts of ways. From organizing to making cookies. Yes, cookies! See how to use your empty pill bottles!

20 Uses for Prescription Pill…

You've been collecting prescription pill bottles for ... Go To project

Meet the Family

Amanda

Founder and Designer

Kristen

Editorial Manager

Lindsay

Social Media Manager

As seen on:

Footer

Favorites

  • Jar Photo Frames
  • No-Sew Roman Shade
  • Paper Flowers
  • How to Make a Scrunchie
  • Mermaid Slime

About

  • Home
  • Meet the Creative Team
  • Work with Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • Contact Us

Images/text copyright Amanda Formaro 2020. To feature a post from Crafts by Amanda, you may use one photo credited and linked back directly to the project post.

Free CraftsBy email every week

Latest crafts straight to your inbox!

Copyright ©2025, Crafts by Amanda. All Rights Reserved.
Design by Pixel Me Designs

Rate This Tutorial

Your vote:




To share a photo with your comment click here!

A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required