Paper crafts for kids: Paper Purse tutorial

 

In this class I will show you how simple it is to turn a single sheet of patterned paper into an adorable little purse!  These purses make cute accents to your scrap area and can also be used as gift or party favor bags, notecard holders, etc.

 
Example using Chatterbox paper

Variations to try:  You can use a sheet of 6x6 paper instead of 12x12 to make a mini purse. 
You can also use two patterned papers, as you'll see I did in the example.  Simply substitute the second paper for the 6x4" section to make the sides. 

You will need the following supplies:

• one 12 x 12" double sided patterned paper or cardstock
• paper trimmer
• scoring tool, such as a bone folder
• adhesive
• pencil
• optional decorations: brads, faux flowers, ribbon, buckles, charms

Directions:

• Cut a 1" strip from the 12x12 sheet and set aside. This will be the strap.

• Cut a 7x11" piece. Score on the 11" side at 4 1/2" and 6 1/2" on the underside of the patterned paper.  

• On the 7" side, make a small mark at 1 1/4" and 5 3/4" on both sides.   the mark will not be noticeable once the purse is assembled

• Score paper at an angle from one end of the center score line to the nearest small mark. Repeat for each corner. Set aside.   the paper will resemble a diamond shape once you fold each of the angles upward

• Cut a 6x4" piece from the remaining paper.  On the 4" side, score 3/4 from one end - this will be the bottom.  Score 5/8 from the other end - this will be the top.  Cut this piece in half to make two 6x2" pieces.   Notice in the image below how the bottom section folds under and the top section fold over.   all these measurements make it sound difficult but hang in there, you're nearly done

• Adhere the bottom part of the 6x2" piece to the 2" strip down the center of the 7x11" piece.  

• Fold up the sides of the purse and the angled sides will overlap.  Fold down the top part of the 6x2" piece overtop and adhere.  Repeat for the other side.   your purse is taking shape now

• Position the strap as desired and adhere or secure with brads.  You will have a square of patterned paper leftover which you could use to accent your purse.  Your purse is now finished - decorate as desired using faux flowers, ribbons, buckles, charms, etc. 

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Paper crafts for kids: Paper Purse tutorial

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Paper crafts for kids: MAKE YOUR OWN ENVELOPES, origami tutorial

Paper crafts for kids: MAKE YOUR OWN ENVELOPES, origami tutorial

You will need:
An existing envelope, (any shape and size you wish).
Your favourite HB pencil
Coloured card, (you could have each one a different colour if you like).
An inlay sheet, printed from the downloadable template
Spray glue, double-sided tape and scissors.

Step 1: Firstly gently undo the glued sides of an existing envelope, careful not to tear them and cause too much damage. Lay the template flat on to some coloured card of your choosing and trace around the shape with a  pencil then cut out.

Step 2 + Step 3:
Carefully fold in the bottom and two side corner flaps of your new envelope to give it the basic shape. Leave the top one flat as this will be easier to trace when placed onto your inlay paper. With a pencil trace around your envelope shell onto your downloaded inlay paper and cutout. You will now have the exact size of the outer side of the envelope. This is not ideal as it will be too snug when the sides of the envelope are folded in so the inlay needs to be trimmed.

Step 4:
With a pencil and ruler mark about a 3 mm border from the edge at small increments all the way around the inlay. Then with a pair of scissors carefully follow the guide you have made and cut off the 3mm border.   Trim any rounded corners to neaten.

Step 5:
Place the inlay against the base of the envelope and check if you are happy with the size and border/rim shown by the envelope. Spray glue and return to the envelope, centering the inlay by lining it up with the bottom fold of the envelope. For a smooth and solid finish run your hand over it to eliminate any bubbles that could appear left between the inlay and the envelope.

Step 6:
Gently fold all the sides of the envelope back together again including the top flap and make sure you get a clear, crisp fold on all the edges. Use your double-sided tape to stick town the sides with the bottom flap.

Step 7:
With some white ink and a calligraphy pen, write your desired address and adorn with some pretty stamps and whatever else you like and it’s ready to go.

Cute aren’t they?!  I love how you could really personalise the liner to match your day!  How about using old comic book pages for a quirky retro wedding? Or maps for a travel themed celebration?  You could use old book or newspaper pages for a literary-inspired invite, or if you’re not worried about fraying edges how about trying it out with fabric?  What would you use to match your wedding?!

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Easter gifts: Origami bunny tutorial

Paper crafts for kids

Lovely and simple illustrated tutorial for you and your children to pass over the sunday afternoons creating beautiful bunnies.



Found on:

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Heart gifts: fold a heart page marker

 

Paper crafts

This is simply too easy not to make!

1. Use a square piece of paper.
2. Fold in half. Crease.

3. Half again. Crease.
4. Open up.

5. Fold bottom portion to the middle crease line.
6. Turn over. From the edge on the left, fold a triangle.

7. Repeat 6 on the right.
8. Turn over.

9. Bring point C to the top.
10. Turn over.

11. Use finger to make an opening.
12. Flatten to form triangle.

13. Repeat step 12 on the left side.
14. Fold a triangle from the edge for both sides.

15. Fold a tiny triangle from each peak.
16. Turn over. Fold the areas behind the dotted lines.

This origami model is simple but versatile because it’s also able to become a 4-leaf clover or a flower by grouping 4 together, hide a small item (like a ring) in front and even stand on its own by making an easel with the back flap.

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Paper crafts for kids: Pinwheels tutorial

  

You are going to love this next feature. Remember the incredible editorial shoot that we featured a few weeks back, designed by the forever talented Carter & Cook? Well, we had so many requests for more information on the adorable pinwheels that posh paperie crafted, we’ve put together a pretty great DIY feature. Elizabeth, the genius behind the detail, was sweet enough to give us perfect step-by-step info, along with really easy to follow pictures, beautifully captured by Jackie Wonders.

Step #1: Supplies.

Pick your paper and buttons. *Hint*: text weight paper works best. Choosing coordinating patterns and colors for the paper is fun, and choosing different sizes and shapes in the buttons is cute, too. Choose scissors or a paper cutter, and adhesive. Cut 2 strips of paper, equal length and width, depending on the size of the pinwheel you want (thicker strips = larger pinwheel).

Steps #2 and #3: Folding + Combining.

Evenly fold (like an accordion) the 2 strips of paper. Make sure the widths match! (Note: smaller folds make tighter pinwheels. Larger folds are more loose and show more of the pattern. We like to make several of each size – makes for an adorable display). Line up one end of the folded accordion with the end of the other accordion. Fit together and adhere securely. Permanent adhesive squares work nicely, and lie flat.

Step #4: Securing.

Pull the loose ends of the accordion strip around towards each other and adhere securely. The pinwheel will look like a cardstock “circle” (similar to the coffee sleeves they give you at Starbucks). You will need to pop the pinwheel out and push it down (work with it until it looks like a pinwheel should look), holding it in place with your fingers. In the photo, the paperweight is doing the job of holding the pinwheel in place.

Step #5: Finishing Touches.

Choose your button and secure *tightly* with glue dots (you may need to use several!). Note: we recommend weighing the pinwheels down for several hours once they are fully assembled). This will help to ensure that they are secure.

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