GCD Studios: Let's Head To the Beach

I am amazed at the many things we can create with paper. The possibilities are endless. Since it’s the summer month, I decided to push the envelope a little and try to create a beach bag from paper. I’ve sewn bags before so I used that experience to put this project together. I made a few changes since the paper cannot be turned over after stitching and at the end, I found that nothing is impossible with paper and a dose of the right inspiration.

Instructions:

1. Cut a 3” wide strip from 12x12 paper. Score the two long ends on the ½” marks and fold. Repeat the process on another strip.

2. Sew the strips on two 12x12 sheets of identical papers. To connect all strips, sew a stitch on the last fold and then adhere the edge to the paper. *Since this is paper and cannot be turned over to its right side so you will create the look of sewn edges without actually sewing the last strip to the bag.

3. Cut another 3” wide strip and score the long ends on the ½” marks. Add adhesive to the folded parts and adhere on the bottom of the bag. Add a die cut border on the front side of the bag.

4. Cut 4 1 ½” strips from 12x12 paper. Score the one of the strips on the ½” mark, fold and overlap two together. Connect the strips with some machine stitch. Repeat the same process on the other two strips to create handles.

5. Round corners of the handles and place on the top center of the bag. Attach some big buttons on both ends with embroidery floss.

6. Decorate the front of the bag with paper, flowers and stickers.

*This bag is for decorative purposes only. Using it near or in water will damage the bag.