When the treats are gone...

When the treats are gone and all that remains are the wrappers, get crafty!

From Kiwi Magazine:

Trick or Tote
Treat your little goblin to a goody tote that’s as much snack as it is sack.
by Vickie Howell

Wasted wrappers are an unfortunate byproduct of snacking, but no more, my crafty friends. No more. With a few tools, some basic sewing skills and the will to recycle, those sweet or salty treats can be your kiddo’s gateway to an eco-friendly carryall.

Materials
Assorted snack wrappers
1 roll silver adhesive-backed contact paper
Ruler or quilters square
Scissors
Rotary cutter & self-healing mat (optional)
Sewing machine
Coordinating thread
Heavy-duty needle
1 yd. white webbing, cut in half
Paperweights (empty glass bottles work well)

Finished Size: 8”x10”x3”

No-Sew Tip
Sewing not your gig? No problem! Get yourself a fine-point hole puncher, some needle nose pliers and a bunch of o-rings. In the same places you would have sewn pieces together, punch holes every ¼” and use o-rings to link those pieces together. Instead of the webbing handle, create holes with a large hole puncher and then tie on some twine or attach chain handles.

Directions

Snack Attack!
1. Determine the most visually interesting portion of each snack wrapper, cut out into rectangles and squares. Cut out a few extras in case ripping occurs. Set aside.

2. From the contact paper, cut out the following pieces: (2) 9”x11”; (2) 4”x9”; and (1) 6”x10”.

3. Starting with one of the 9”x11” pieces, lay contact paper out on a table (with adhesive side up) and carefully pull-off backing. Since the paper tends to curl in onto itself, it’s helpful to place paperweights on all four edges of each piece.

4. Leaving a little less than a ½” border around the edges of the contact paper piece, lay out different snack wrappers next to each other as if you were putting together a puzzle. Use your fingers to smooth down any air bubbles. (Note: If you choose to overlap any wrappers, you’ll need to glue down those areas, otherwise, the contact adhesive will be enough to hold down the whole piece.)

5. Use scissors to snip off ½” squares from all four corners of the contact paper. Then, fold over each side ½” onto the side with wrappers. This will create a clean, finished edge.

6. Repeat steps 3 through 5 for remaining 9”x11” (back) and 4”x9” (sides) contact paper pieces. You’ve now created the “fabric” for your bag. Yay!

7. Remove backing on 6”x10” piece and fold it in half lengthwise, creating a double layer for the bottom of the bag.

Simple Seam
1. Using machine, heavy-duty needle and ½”seam allowance, top-stitch the top edges of the front, back and side pieces.

2. With wrapper sides out and ¼” seam allowance, sew the front, sides, back and bottom together. Take it slowly—the contact paper can be a wee bit slippery.

3. Now for the handles. With the front side facing you, measure 1½” in from each top corner. Using one piece of webbing, place the ends on the inside of the bag at the measured spots. Top stitch on the “right” side. Repeat on the back side with the second piece of webbing.

Now your little monster is ready to go trick, er…I mean, politely ask for some Halloween treats. Happy Haunting!