DIY Coffee Filter Crafts: Sustainable Packaging for Small Gifts (Part1)

Looking for an affordable and eco-friendly way to package small items like mini soaps, candies, and chocolates? Why not try making your own packaging using coffee filters? This low-cost idea for 'Coffee Filter Treat Bags' was originally published in GreenCraft Magazine (Spring 2014) and 'The Basics of Beer Soap' in Willow and Sage Magazine (Summer 2014), is not only sustainable but also food-grade and durable.

To create a basic package, all you need to do is fold a coffee filter, stamp it with a design, and add a jute cord. But if you want to get creative, you can add more materials to make it fancier. In this video (part 1 of the coffee filter craft series), I'll show you how to create your coffee filter packages using stamps.
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All you need are some simple materials and tools to get started, and it's good to have a variety of stamps on hand to personalize your packages for each recipient. With just a little bit of effort, you can create beautiful and practical packaging for your small gifts. I hope you enjoy your new crafts!

​Materials:
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• #4 coffee filters
• Jute cord
• Hole puncher
• ​Scissors
• ​Stamp and ink
• Small soap, candies, etc

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DIY Coffee Filter Treat Bags

1. Take one #4 coffee filter
2. Fold both sides inwards towards the middle. 
3. Fold the top of the coffee filter inwards.
4. Flip it over. The folded sides and top should be on the back.
5. If desired, use a stamp and ink to add a design or message to the front of the coffee filter.
6. Use a hole puncher to create a hole in the center of the folded portion of the coffee filter.
7. Open the top of the coffee filter and put small soap or candies into the bag.
8. Cut a piece of jute cord to approximately 7-8 inches in length. Tie a knot at one end of the jute cord and thread the other end through the hole in the coffee filter.
9. Loop the jute cord through the end with the knot and pull it to secure the cord in place.

Repeat the above steps to create as many coffee filter treat bags as desired.