Embossed Custom Brand Paper Gift Bag

A rectangle is pressed into the panel, so the front carries a frame rather than a print. Inside the frame the paper is left blank, and a small line of type sits in the middle. Because the frame is a relief, it is seen when light crosses the panel. There is no colour block anywhere on the bag, so the frame is the only pattern.

- The cord: a black paper cord, flat rather than round.

- The width: wider than a standard cord, so it sits flat in the hand.

- Against the bag: the black cord is the only dark line on off white paper.

- The ends: both go through the top edge and are fixed inside.

- The hang: the two loops stand up above the mouth.

- The feel: paper cord, not ribbon, so the bag stays plain.

The print is one colour, set on a blank face instead of on a coloured block. A brand mark and a line of type are enough for the front. The side panel can carry a block of small lines, where a shop puts its details. Because only one colour is used, the bag stays calm next to clothing.

The cord ends meet the bag at two points on the top edge. Under each point the mouth is folded over twice, so the edge is two layers thick. Because the two points sit apart, the mouth keeps its line while the bag is carried. The mouth is cut level, so the bag stands up straight when it is put down.

- The size: set from what the bag has to hold.

- The paper: matte art paper is standard, and a thicker board can be used.

- The print: one colour is standard, and a second can be added.

- The handle: a black cord is standard, and another colour can be cut.

Our factory starts with the flat sheet: one colour is printed across it, and the frame is pressed into the panel while the paper is still flat. Because the print and the relief are both done on the flat sheet, they land in the right place once the bag is folded. The sheet then goes under the die, where the fold lines are pressed and the shape is cut. The bag is folded by hand along those lines, the side is glued, and the base is folded into a square. The paper cord is threaded through the top edge, and both ends are fixed inside, out of sight. Every bag is stood up once and opened out, so a bag that does not sit square is taken out before packing. The bags are then counted by size and packed flat, with the count written on the carton.