Discover how to turn used newspapers into a creative and sustainable bag with this innovative technique. Using recyclable materials is not only good for the environment, but it can also become a source of income. Follow this guide to create your own newspaper bags and add a unique and personalized touch to your pieces.
Necessary Materials
To create your bag, you will need the following materials:
- String (3 meters)
- White glue
- Hot glue
- Small screwdriver
- Pliers
- Scissors
- Utility knife
- 1 barbecue stick
- 130 newspaper straws
- 35 x 29 cm cardboard form
- 1 piece of 5 cm pipe
- 2 75 cm strips of leather
- 8 pendants to attach the strap
Preparing the Straws
Start by joining two newspaper straws together to form the base. Use white glue to secure the seams and ensure the straws are secure. Make approximately 130 straws, adjusting the number as needed as you go.
Bag Weaving
- Beginning of the Plot: Start weaving from one of the corners of the sides of the cardboard form. Alternate the straws, passing one under and one over, creating a solid base for the bag.
- Formation of the Sides: Continue weaving the straws along the side of the cardboard form. Keep the count at 15 straws on the front and back and 3 on the sides. Make sure the weave is tight and even.
- Finishing the Ends: Cut the thicker ends of the straws and apply glue to join the ends of the fixed ones, ensuring that the length is uniform.
- Closing Braid: Use one of the ends to make the closing braid. Pass it under the first ring, leaving one ring open. Repeat the process, passing it under the first, over the second, and cutting the end under the third. Finally, pass the last end through the ring left at the beginning and close it. Tie all the ends to the inside and secure with hot glue or white glue.
Finishing and Unmolding
Once you have completed the weaving and closing braid, unmold the bag. First remove the middle section and then the sides of the cardboard form. Make sure the structure of the bag is firm and well defined.
Bag Customization
For an added touch of finish, you can paint your bag. Use latex or any other type of paint, but be sure to apply a marine or acrylic varnish to protect the paint. If you prefer to leave the newspaper exposed, apply a Liqui Base craft varnish. This varnish protects the newspaper from yellowing caused by exposure to sunlight, but it does not provide waterproofing.
Additional Tips
Making bags from newspaper straws is not only a great way to recycle, but also a way to create unique and personalized pieces. The technique can be adapted to different sizes and styles of bags, offering endless possibilities for creative expression. What’s more, the process is affordable and can be a great opportunity to develop new skills and explore the potential of recycled materials.
This craft project not only provides a creative way to reuse paper, but also contributes to sustainability by demonstrating that what is often discarded can be transformed into something valuable and functional. Explore the technique, experiment with different finishes and enjoy the satisfaction of creating something beautiful and useful from recycled materials.
Learn how to make other arts by recycling, Click here.
Check out interesting facts about recycling clicking here.
