Recycled bags are quickly becoming all the rage, but crafters don’t have to be “green” to appreciate this colorful project. What a great gift idea for that chic, environmentally-conscious friend!
Instructions for Cutting the Candy Wrapper Links:
The first step in creating a candy wrapper bag is hand folding hundreds of links that will connect to form a woven chain. This simple design was possibly derived from the traditional Mexican art of paper folding. The art is still alive and well today. Case in point, tourists to Mexico often return with recycled trash clutches under their arms and expensive handbags stored away in their suitcases.
To make the links, crafters will need a rotary paper cutter. They will cut chip bags, soda bottle wrappers, or any other waterproof packaging into 2” x 4½” strips.
Next, crafters will also cut thin magazine pages or newspaper pieces to the same measurements. These will not be seen but provide additional thickness to the links by being folded inside. The links should not be too thick though, or connecting the chains becomes difficult.
How to Fold Candy Wrapper Links
Crafters form a link by laying one of the cut chip bags or candy wrappers on a flat surface horizontally and front side down. They will lay a magazine piece on top to fold in and give the wrapper added thickness. To make a link:
- Fold the bottom corners horizontally to meet the corners on top. This creates a narrower strip.
- Repeat this by folding the crease just made up to meet the top corners. This strip is now one-fourth its original width.
- Fold the side corners together to make a vertical crease in the middle.
- Open the sideways fold.
- Fold the right and left sides in to meet the middle crease.
Now crafters have their first candy wrapper link. Once they repeat the process to make a stash, they’re ready to form a chain.
How to Make Candy Wrapper Links into a Chain:
To make a colorful chain of candy or chip bag links, crafters can connect the links by inserting the folded ends into each other. They should make sure each link added is situated so its open end (not its closed end) is ready to accept the next link.
The size of purse or tote a crafter wants will determine the length of the chain. For a child’s purse or wallet, a chain of 36 candy wrapper links will do. For a clutch or pencil bag, crafters can connect 52 links.
How to Turn Candy Wrapper Chains Into a Purse
To connect the candy wrapper chains into a purse, crafters will need some embroidery thread and a blunt, plastic tapestry needle. They will use the large needle to weave their thread in and out of the chain’s folds.
To begin, crafters will take two of their chains and stack them one on top of another. There are two options for doing this. Some place the chains so the zigs and zags interlock leaving no space between. Others align the chains so the points meet to form a lattice pattern.
Finishing Touches for Making a Candy Wrapper Purse
To finish the candy wrapper purse, crafters can form a chain to serve as the handle. To give this added strength, they can use their tapestry needle and embroidery thread to weave through the chain and tie it on to the bag.
Crafters can finish off their candy wrapper bag with a zipper. This is accomplished best with a blunt sewing needle and thread. The needle does not need to pierce the wrappers, only the material alongside the zipper. To connect the zipper to the purse, crafters again thread in and out of the folds of the links.
The vibrant colors of foil chip bags and candy packaging are endless. Once friends see the finished product, they’ll be happy to contribute. With a little time and creativity, what once was land fill fodder will be transformed into a fashion statement.
GOG101
Marcy Paulson - From the moment Marcy Paulson picked up a recorder in fourth grade music class, she was hooked. Since then, her passion for music has ...
