Origami style flannel shirt with bolo tie key chain

  

I think that there are just not enough craft projects for men.  With Father’s Day right around the corner you can make this mini (faux flannel) shirt key chain for dad.  Use scrapbooking paper in prints to personalize. You can add or leave the bolo tie off as desired.  This project even looks great in a camo print paper if you are making it for a hunter.  This origami style project is easier than you may think, just follow the instructions and use the photos as a guide.

You will need:

Scrapbooking paper in a plaid or camo print

Clear contact paper

Ruler, pencil, Scissors

1/8” hole punch

Ball chain key chain

Glue gun and glue sticks

Optional bone folder or wooden ruler

For bolo:

4 inches 1/8” black ribbon

One small gold flat back bead or button

Note:  If you have bone folder or a wooden ruler run it across all the folds to make sure they are crisp.  Using contact paper makes the keychain more durable, but if you desire you can eliminate this step.

1.     Cut a piece of scrapbook paper 6” x 2 ½.”  Cut a piece of clear contact paper the same size 6” x 2 ½”.  Remove the backing from the clear contact paper and carefully cover the front (printed side) of the scrapbook paper. Smooth out any wrinkles. 

2.     Place the prepared paper print side down and fold in half lengthwise.  (See photos A, B)  Open the paper and using the center fold line as a guide fold one side to the center.  Repeat for other side.  (Photo C, D)  Turn over and fold top edge down ¼”. (Photo E)  Turn over.

Photo A

Photo B

Photo C

Photo D

Photo E

3.     Fold each side at an angle meeting the points in the center to make the collar. (Photo F)

Photo F

4.     Fold up the bottom edge about 1 ¾” of the way up. Fold again right to the collar and insert bottom edge under collar. (Photo G)

Photo G

5.     Cut a 4” piece of 1/8” ribbon. Open the shirt and working on the back, add a dab of Hot glue on the back of the collar and attach the ribbon centering on each side. Turn over and put a bit of hot glue at the neck area on the center front and fold back.  (This will keep the shirt folded.)  Bring the two sides of the ribbon around to the front and cross.  Attach with some hot glue and a small bead or flat button over the top of the ribbon to resemble a bolo tie.  Use an 1/8" hole punch to punch a hole in the top center of the collar and attach a ball chain key chain.  (See photos)