Choose paper bags that are not torn. You can use paper bags of various sizes, but lunch bags are easier to fold and to handle as a book, unless you are using the book as a photo album, scrapbook or oversized book for children. Paper bags that measure 12 inches by 6 inches will create an album around 6 inches by 6 inches. You can use larger or smaller bags as necessary. Use bags that are 3 inches by 3 inches to make mini-albums.
Collect four or five paper bags that are all the same size. The number of bags will vary with how many pages you require. Two paper bags will give you 8 pages and four pockets to decorate. Three bags will give you 12 pages and six pockets to decorate.
Arrange the collected bags in a stack that alternates the open and closed ends of the paper bags. Fold the bags in half and crease the bags at the folds.
Bind or staple the bags about a quarter-inch out from the seam. For alternatives to staples, use materials such as ribbons, stitching, rings or metal brads. Punch holes about a quarter-inch out from the seam if you want ribbons, rings or brads for binding. Be aware, however, that these alternative bindings to staples or stitching may not last because the holes might tear.
Cut and glue scrapbook paper on the paper bag pages if you want to create a scrapbook. Cut and glue lined paper on the paper bag pages if you are using the books for teaching children to write or if the children are using the books for holiday gifts with quotes, stories or poems for loved ones. Decorate the paper bag with sequins, markers, colored pencils, glitter and other embellishments.