Paper Bag Portfolios: A Functional & Fun Back-to-School Art Project (PDF + Video)

📌 Teach students to create their own art portfolios using paper bags! This simple, high-impact project includes a PDF guide + quick demo video. Perfect for grades K–5.

📝 Looking for a creative and useful first-week art project? This Paper Bag Portfolio lesson is a student favorite! With just a few simple materials, students will design and build their own portfolio to hold and organize their artwork all year long.

Whether you’re kicking off the school year or preparing for an art show, this lesson helps students take ownership of their work and express themselves from the very beginning.

🎨 What’s Included:

- 1-page PDF lesson plan (materials list, step-by-step directions, reflection prompts)

- MP4 demo video (under 5 minutes)

- Teacher prep tips for setup and display

- Portfolio label ideas and decoration examples

📚 Subjects Covered:

- Art & design, personal expression, organization, classroom routines

📦 Grade Levels:

- K–5 (can be adapted for older grades)

🏫 Why You'll Love It:

- Easy, affordable setup

- Encourages responsibility and ownership

- Students love decorating their portfolios

- Great way to start the year or prep for an art show

✨ Created by an experienced art educator who uses this project every year with students of all ages.