Gift Handbags
These witty gift boxes, cleverly cut and shaped like handbags, are reminiscent of the flirty 1950s fashion. The color scheme is continued in shades of lilac and aquamarine card and can be constructed in differing sizes to accommodate small gifts. Each is customized with a grosgrain bow, initial, floral lining and a card or ribbon handle.
Materials:
220gsm colored card
Colored photocopies
Grosgrain ribbon
Thin satin ribbon
Tracing paper
Cutting board
Craft knife
Metal safety ruler
Pencil
Bone folder
Scissors
Double-sided tape
Spray adhesive
Hold punch
Directions:
1. Using the template on page 129 as a guide, cut out the handbag from colored card, to fit either an A4 or A3 size, using the rule, pencil, cutting board and craft knife. Cut slit as marked for the front fastening. With the bone folder, and the wrong side of the card facing you, crease along the fold marks as indicated on the template, turning the card toward you. Also, crease the side pleats as marked on the template.
2. For the optional lining to the handbag, photocopy a picture of a favorite flower from a magazine or photograph. Spray adhesive on the backside of the photocopy and position over the top half of the handbag. Press in place, then cut around the out edge of the photocopy using the craft knife so the sizes of the lining and bag match closely.
3. To form the handbag shape, start with the inside of the bag facing you. Cut double-sided tape and attach it to the side flaps, on the right side of the card. Fold the front flap upward to join the side flaps and press in place. Crease the side pleats once again to give the handbag its shape. Fold the lid over to fasten it.
4. Using the template* provided, cut out the handle, using the ruler, pencil, cutting board and craft knife. Fold the handle as marked on the template at each end and fasten to the lid of the handbag using double-sided tape. Make a grosgrain bow, matching the ribbon color to the bag. Attach it to the front of the bag, just below the front slit.
5. For an alternative handle, punch a hole in each side of the lid, as marked on the template. Thread the length of grosgrain ribbon, through each hole then knot each end on the inside of the bag.
Source: Wedding Papercrafts, Ann Brownfield & Jane Cassini, Photos by Caroline Arber, ©CICO Books 2009
*Template should be adjusted to desired size of handbags.