Sunday, May 20, 2012

Leather-like brown paper bag origami wallet




I think that right up there with Tacky glue, my favorite craft supply has to be one that I get for free right in my grocery store.  To what can I be referring?  Brown paper bags of course. To make this surprisingly durable origami wallet just cut a standard sized 8 ½” x 11” piece of brown paper bag, crinkle it up, stain it, and fold. It’s really quite easy, just take the origami steps slowly and follow the photos. This wallet is fantastic when I am traveling with a small purse and just want to carry some money and a credit card.


You will need:

Large brown paper bag, single layer

Ruler, pencil

Scissors

Acrylic wood stain

Mod Podge decoupage gloss finish

Small paintbrush

Paper to protect work surface

Paper towels

Bone folder (optional)

Make your brown paper leather-like:

1.     Measure and cut a piece of brown paper bag 8 ½” by 11.”  Roll it into a ball and then smooth the wrinkles out.  Brush on some acrylic wood stain and wipe off the excess with a paper towel.  Let dry.






2.     Spread some gloss decoupage finish on the stained brown paper piece and let dry.  This will give it a slight shine.

Fold the origami wallet:

3.     Fold the piece of paper in half. Unfold.


4.    Fold again to the fold line.  Repeat on the other side.



5.       Open up paper.  Turn paper and fold in half.




6.     Working horizontally measure ¾” up on each of the three fold lines and cut to that mark.  Do the same on the other side.




7.     Turn and fold to the first fold line, (The long end will be facing you) then fold in half.




8.     Fold the corner up (closed corner) and cut the triangle off with the scissors.  Open up.  There will be a triangle cut out in one section.  Fold up the 3/4"flaps in the section with the triangle on both sides.  Skip one quadrant and fold up the 3/4"flaps on both sides of this end as well.



Open paper

Turn and fold up flap

Skip one quadrant and fold up flaps


9.     Fold both sides over to the center line, and then fold again.  Fold in half with the diamond shape to the inside.  You will have two flaps on each side.  Working on one end, tuck each flap into the pocket of the opposite side.  Repeat on the other side.

Fold to center line on both sides


Fold in half

Fold in half with diamond to the inside


Tuck in flaps on both ends



These thin leather-like wallets are great to stick in small purses.  







14 comments:

  1. I have seen brown paper bag wallets for sale before. And also ones made with duct tape! Clever. :)

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  2. One, cool, funky wallet! Excellent!!!

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  3. Wow - this is such a great idea!! I love crafts using things you already have on hand. :)

    Thanks for linking up at Romance on a Dime! I'm pinning and tweeting this.

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  4. Genius! I have pinned it to my DIY crafts board. And I would love to have you come by, link up and show off this project at the Creative Corner Hop. The linky party begins every Monday and stay open all week.

    Sandy
    Cherished Handmade Treasures

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  5. What a great way to reuse something we all already have! Very clever! Thanks for sharing at {Homemade By You}

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  6. This is truly a WOW project. Thanks for linking up to the Creative Corner Blog Hop. Now following on GFC.

    Holly
    http://hollysstampingaddiction.blogspot.com/

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  7. Hi! I'm visiting from Freedom Fridays. Fantastic idea--will make a fun summer project for my son and I. Thanks!

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  8. I just couldn't believe it was made from paper! The possibilities are endless for this. Great tutorial and super cool idea. Thank you for sharing at Freedom Fridays. Have a marvelous week and see you again on Friday (if not several times before)

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  9. I can't wait to try this!

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  10. Hey there! Thanks for stopping by Bowdabra and linking up your cool craft! Stop by again next week and link up some more awesome projects!

    Have a wonderful week!
    Susie@bowdabra
    http;//bowdabrablog.com

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  11. It turned out real cute. I made it for my grandson's birthday money gift.

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Thanks for your lovely comments!