The costumes have been put away, the pumpkins have morphed into a much creepier state, and the kids have now turned their attention on writing that list for Santa. But, most of that big bucket of candy will probably stick around until next year. Here's a treat that's just as sweet, but will keep the cavities away. We won't tell where the candy ends up (in mom's hips, or in the trash) but either way, keep the colorful wrapping and try making this with your kids.
What you need:
-Candy wrappers
-Pliable cardboard (we are re-using a 5x7 cardboard photo mailer)
-Painter's tape (1" or wider), glue, staples, hot glue (keep a bowl of water nearby for accidental burns)
-Black electrical tape (or your choice for trim), matching thread, needle
-Scissors or blade and straight edge
-Mod Podge or puzzle sealer
-Small brush or sponge
-Your choice of closure (i.e. sticky back hook and loop or magnet strips, snap buttons, elastic loop)
How to:
Trim cardboard to 9" long by 6" - 8" wide. (For the photo mailer, pry sides open then trim excess at bottom, and keep the original top flap.) Measure 4" from bottom and fold up. Then fold the remaining 1" down for a top flap. You should now have a 4" deep wallet/envelope shape. Set aside. Cut a fan shape 4" at it's highest point to its bottom tip. Fold equally in 3 parts, like an accordion. Set aside.
With painter's tape, neatly cover all prepared cardboard pieces (including fan-shaped pieces) front and back. Trim excess. Set aside. Select candy wrappers and smoothen out as best you can. Come up with a pattern or select same type of candy or go with same colors or size. You can also cut whatever wrappers you like into small uniform squares. This is just to achieve some kind of order. Before gluing, lay out your candy wrappers on the taped-up cardboard to plan out where to glue them on. If it is important to your pattern, make sure letters and logos are right side up where they're supposed to be . Just picture the wallet when it is held. Take a picture of your pattern for reference while working.
Spread glue evenly an area at a time. Glue on candy wrappers one by one, keeping your pattern in mind. Gently run thumb over to make sure entire piece is glued down with little to no bubbling. You can cover the accordion pieces, but for this project we have left it the color of the tape. Once covered, take the black electrical tape (or your trim of choice) and apply on edges. Not only will this frame your pattern nicely, but it also covers any unfinished edges. Affix fan pieces along inside face of wallet with glue (this is for expansion) and let dry.
Prepare work surface and spread your wallet pieces open. Brush entire wallet with a light coat of Mod Podge or puzzle sealer and let dry for about half an hour. Brush on a second coat and let dry for a few hours. Leave it open and expanded while drying or sealer will stick together.
Stick together a 12-inch length of your trim (here black electrical tape is used). Fold over lengthwise and crease well. Sew a running stitch all the way down its middle. Fold into a loop. Glue onto the inside of the flap and secure with a few discreet stitches with thread matching the trim.
Affix your enclosure. Here, we used a sticky-back hook and loop. Be sure to affix one side at a time to be sure that they match when closed. Reinforce with staple or it will peel off the sealer. Conceal staple on front flap by hot-gluing a button or a pretty rhinestone. An alternate enclosure is to hot glue an elastic hair tie the same color as your trim. Conceal with button or rhinestone where the hair tie was hot glued. Slip hair tie around wallet to close.
Now stuff that wristlet with coupons, personal items, or moolah and go. Wear it by itself, or hang it off your purse. Just don't let it spend too much time inside your purse or you'll miss out on the compliments.
Crazy about handmade useful objets d'art while supporting local businesses? Check out uber cool Practical Art in Phoenix at their brick and mortar shop at 5070 North Central Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85016. Skip the drive and save gas; pedal over or take the lightrail which stops a block away. If you're just too far (or too lazy) to make it during their convenient store hours (everyday from 11-6, Fridays 11-9) visit www.practical-art.com. You can read their story, browse, shop, and find out about kids' classes.
If you want more 'practical art' to enjoy with your kids, click on the Subscribe link next to the author's photo to get new projects delivered straight to your inbox. Then Share and Like it on Facebook.
Comments