Wrapper bags make a comeback

July 27th, 2008 in restyle, paper crafts

Lilly Campbell, contributor

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This weaving design makes for colorful, collage-like combinations: my favorite!

Pairing designed wrappers with solid colors makes for a pattern that is fun but a little less overwhelming.

This design was made using chocolate wrappers: yummy!

This weaving design makes for colorful, collage-like combinations: my favorite!

Photo: Raquel Frondoso of "craftjunky"

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This technique, known as wrapper weaving or Mexican weaving, has multiple names but a distinctive look. When I saw a girl carrying one of these purses around the grocery store the other day, I could not believe that I hadn’t thought to mention it sooner. After all, when it comes to creating a bag with recycled materials, this is a classic design. The best part is that you can use any kind of recycled paper for these bags: wrappers, magazine pages, foil... the possibilities are endless!

For those who didn’t have one of the trouble-making creative types sitting in the back of the classroom showing them how to make paper-chains with this method in elementary school, Mylinda offers a great tutorial and samples of bags made with her instructions on her blog: http://www.candywrapperpurse.blogspot.com/. I also had way too much fun watching this quick Google video of the process from the company that has taken this method into the corporate sphere: Nahui Ollin. Their purses and accessories really transform this technique into an artform, so I would highly recommend visiting the site just to check out their awesome designs. If you’re looking to purchase and they are out of your price range though, visit sellers hopehouse and craftjunky on Etsy. The Hopehouse products are made primarily by single moms and teens in a refuge in Mexico - you can also read more about their program on their Etsy profile.

If you make one of these bags, don't forget to enter it in our Tote-ally Crafty Bag Challenge - time is running out!

posted in: restyle, paper crafts, tote, handbag, alternative, clutch, wallet

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Comments (5)

artlikebread writes: They are very popular here in Mexico. They were selling them for upwards of $120 USD at the Smith College Art Museum Store a few years ago.

In Mexico they're muuuuch cheaper. I posted some pictures on nmy blog at http://artlikebread.blogspot.com/search/label/puebla.
They're really fun! Posted: 3:16 pm on July 28th

trusk4u writes: These are so cute! I had no idea that they were "in" again. Funny how things come back 'round again! Posted: 8:31 am on July 28th

SusanElizabeth writes: For great prices on these cuties, check out Joselita on Etsy. Posted: 4:07 pm on July 27th

SusanElizabeth writes: I think these wrapper purses are just the cutest. On my recent trip to Mexico, I first saw them and just had a fit over them! :) Posted: 4:02 pm on July 27th