Gum wrapper bags or purses can be made from long flat stick gum wrappers or from other recycled materials. The name itself refers to the folding method and not what type of material is used to make the bag. They are known as “green” bags because the gum wrapper bag or purse can be made from recyclable household plastic, paper or aluminum foiled type item. Very colorful gum wrapper bags or purses can be made from an assortment of chip bags.
Things You’ll Need:
20 cleaned chip bags
Rotary Cutter
Rotary Cutter Mat
Rotary Cutter Ruler
Darning Needle
20-pound Fishing Line
Scissors
Bag Preparation:
Step 1 – Collect 20 large potato chip bags. Wipe out the inside of each bag.
Step 2 – Place the potato chip bag on the rotary cutting mat. Cut each bag into pieces measuring 2 by 4 1/4 inches.
Step 3 -Check the back of each strip to make sure they are clean.
Folding Instructions:
Step 1 – Fold one strip in half width-wise to form a 1 by 4 1/2-inch strip. Fold the strip a second time so the dimensions are 1/2 by 4 1/2 inches.
Step 2 – Fold the two long ends together and crease. Open the fold. Take one end and fold it into the center crease. Press the fold line. Take the other end and fold it into the center crease. Press the fold line.
Step 3 – Bring the two ends together and refold on the center fold line. Repeat the process with the remainder of the cut strips.
Wrapper Linking:
Step 1 – Gently open the side arms of one of the links just enough so the next link can be added. Place the second link so the single folded edge is facing down through the openings on the first link. Repeat until 60 links have been created.
Step 2 – Unfold the arms on the last link. Connect the last link to the first link by placing the arms to the outside of the bottom of the first link. Gently open the bottom of the first link. Fold the arms of the last link down and pass them through the opening. Refold the creases to ensure a tight lock.
Step 3 – Repeat the process until the last 60 links remain. Link the 60 pieces together but do not connect the first and last piece to form the circle. This will be used for the handle.
Assembling the Bag:
Step 1 – Place a 3 foot piece of 20-pound fishing line through the eye of a darning needle. Using a single thread, insert the needle through the back of one of the squares. Secure the fishing line using a square knot.
Step 2 – Sew the second row in place by fitting the points of the second chain into the “v” depressions in the first chain. Thread the 20-pound fishing line back in forth between the squares around the entire circle. Repeat the process with every row. Tie the 20-pound fishing line together with a square knot when more is needed.
Step 3 – The bottom of the bag is sewn together using the 20-pound fishing line. Tie the end off with a square knot.
Step 4 – Sew the remaining strip of gum wrapper links to the bag for a handle. Tie the 20-pound fishing line to the bag at the desired handle point. Connect to the strap two or three times to ensure strength. Do the same process on the other end of the handle.
Step 5 – Any fishing line ends should be woven into the squares on the inside of the purse. Cut off any small tails.
References:
Green Cotton: How to Make Candy Wrapper Bags
How To Make Candy Wrapper Purses Part 1 Family Crafts: Wrapper Purses – Made completely from recycled potato chip wrappers
Candy Wrapper Purse
