Categories: Shopping & Fashion

Recycled Newspaper Purse or Handbag Instructions

Make a recycled newspaper purse or handbag using the same process used to create a gum wrapper chain. The process involves folding rectangular pieces of paper into attachable links. The name given to the folding process is called a gum wrapper fold. Prior to starting the process, cut 80 rectangles 2-by-4 ½-inch from black and white or colored newspaper.

Things You’ll Need:

400, 2-by 4 ½-inch newspaper rectangles
Darning Needle
20-pound Fishing Line
Scissors

Folding Instructions:

Step 1 – Place a 2-by-4 ½-inch newspaper rectangle on a flat work surface so the long edge is on a horizontal axis. Match the top and bottom edge and fold. Crease firmly along the fold line. Repeat this process one more time to create a strip ½-by-4 ½-inches.

Step 2 – Match the left end to the right end. Crease firmly along the fold line. Open the fold.

Step 3 – Fold the left end to the center fold line. Crease firmly along the fold. Fold the right end to the center fold line. Crease firmly along the fold.

Step 4 – Match the left end to the right end and refold along the center crease line. Crease the fold firmly. A newspaper link is created.

Step 5 – Repeat Steps 1 through 4 on the remaining 79 rectangles of newspaper. Set aside.

Hold the link between your thumb and forefinger so the center crease is on the bottom. Open the top to form a V shape. Gentle put pressure on one arm of the V shape. Notice the paper will separate between the fold on the arm and the center crease line. This is how you connect the links.

Wrapper Linking:

Step 1 – Gently squeeze the arms of one link while inserting the arms of a second link through the opening. Turn the second link so the so the folded edge of the arms is facing down. 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 40 links have been created.

Step 2 – Carefully unfold the arms on the last link in the chain. Insert the arms through the first link then refold. Refold and press the creases firmly.

Step 3 – Repeat the process until the last 40 links remain. Link the last 40 pieces together but do not connect. This strip is the handle.

Assembling the Bag:

Step 1 – Cut a piece of 20-pound fishing line 4-feet long. Thread the fishing line through the eye of a darning needle. Use a single strand of fishing line while sewing.

Step 2 – Insert the end of the needle through the arm of one newspaper link circle. Secure the fishing line to the newspaper link with a square knot.

Step 3 – Position a second row of newspaper links so the V shapes fit inside one another. Weave the fishing line back and forth through the V shapes to connect the two strips together. Repeat the process for the remaining rows.

Step 4 – Position the bottom row of the newspaper handbag together so the V shapes fit together. Weave back and forth through the row to connect the bottom of the purse. Use a square knot to secure the fishing line.

Step 5 – Position the handle on either side of the purse/handbag. Connect the strap to the handbag with 20-pound fishing line. Secure the fishing line to the bottom 2 V’s of the strap and two to three of the top V-links of the purse/handbag. Repeat the process on the opposite side.

Step 5 – Weave all fishing line ends through the newspaper links. Cut off any excess fishing line.

Spray the completed newspaper handbag/purse with clear acrylic spray sealer. The sealer will help protect the new creation from water.