How to Weave Crafts From Candy Wrappers

Save those gum wrappers to make fun, funky crafty items

Gum, candy and even scraps of magazines and other shiny paper can be made into fashionable crafts with a couple of basic folds. Some items that a wrapper enthusiast can create are bracelets, necklaces, chains to decorate a frame, or hang along the wall, and even purses. The possibilities are actually limited only by your own imagination.

Things You'll Need

• Gum or candy wrappers
• Optional:
• Needle
• Clear nylon thread
• Scissors

Instructions

1. Save the wrappers from chewing gum, Starburst candy and other small candy or gum wrappers. Once you've collected at least a hundred wrappers, you can start creating the chains.

2. Folding a wrapper for the interlocking chain isn't difficult. Start with a gum wrapper, or other wrapper of similar size. Tear the wrapper in half down the center. You can make two links from one wrapper.

3. Take one of the halves, and fold in half lengthwise. Next fold one side inward so the edge meets in the middle. Fold the other side over as well so that both edges meet in the middle. You now have one narrow strip.

4. Fold the strip in half. Fold both edges down toward the middle. Set aside and fold several more in the same manner, following Step 1 through Step 3.

5. Fit the two links together by inserting the two prongs of one wrapper into the slots of the second wrapper, making a zigzag chain. Consecutive wrappers will continue to be fit in by inserting prongs into the slots of the previous link.

6. Connect rows of chains to make purses or other thicker crafts using a needle and string.

References

• Gum Wrapper: How to Make Your Own Gum Wrapper Chain; Gary Duschl