Foam Wallet Crafts
Craft foam is a lightweight material that can be glued or sewn to make many projects. One project children and adults can enjoy is a foam wallet. There are many types of wallets, ranging from change-purse styles to traditional folding designs. You can use craft foam to make a photo wallet or, for a girl, a wallet and purse combination. Craft foam is available in different thicknesses and colors at craft and hobby stores.
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Envelope Wallet
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Glue an envelope wallet using craft-foam glue. Use an envelope template and size it to your desired size on your computer (see Resources). You only need the envelope body rectangle and the triangle flap, so cut away any template side flaps. If you don't have a template, draw a 4-inch-wide by 8-inch-long rectangle onto paper and cut it out. Fold one 4-inch wide rectangle end up 3-inches so there is a 2-inch portion above it. Cut the corners away from the 2-inch portion to form a triangle flap. Trace the template onto craft foam. Cut out the foam wallet. Fold the foam into an envelope shape. Squirt a line of glue between each side. Fasten paper clips over the side edges while it dries. Stick adhesive hook-and-loop tape beneath the flap and on the front of the wallet. Fold the flap over, and it will stick closed.
Folding Wallet
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To make a traditional folding wallet, begin with a piece of 7-inch-wide by 8-inch-long craft foam. Fold the foam in half horizontally, aligning the edges. Use a hole punch to punch four equally spaced holes along each 3 1/2-inch end. Lace vinyl or leather cord or yarn through the holes, sewing the ends together. Or, squirt craft-foam glue between each 3 1/2-inch end, put paper clips over the edges to hold the foam together and allow the glue to dry. Fold the wallet in half vertically like a traditional wallet. Use a hole punch to punch a centered hole 1/2-inch from the edges (through four layers of foam). Tie the wallet shut with cord inserted through the holes.
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Photo Wallet
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Make a photo wallet from 4-inch-wide by 12-inch-long craft foam, craft-foam glue, a hole punch and a plastic photo wallet insert. Purchase photo inserts at craft and discount stores. Place the craft foam onto a flat surface. Fold the 4-inch-wide ends in toward the center 2 1/2-inches to form two folded "flaps" at each end. One flap is for the photo insert, and the other flap is for your money. Squirt craft foam glue between the foam at the top and bottom of each flap. Use paper clips to hold the edges together while the glue dries. When the glue has dried, fold the wallet in half vertically and slide the photo insert into the desired flap. If you want to make a closure for the wallet, punch a centered hole about 1/2-inch from the outside edges with a hole punch. Feed yarn, ribbon or cord through the holes and tie the wallet closed.
Wallet/Purse Combination
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Make a wallet/purse combination for a girl with craft foam. Use a piece of 4-inch-wide by 12-inch-long craft foam, craft-foam glue, a hole punch, cord or ribbon and adhesive hook-and-loop tape . Place the foam on a table so the narrow ends are at the top and bottom of the rectangle. Fold each end toward the center, folding the foam into three equal sections. Open the top flap. Squirt glue between the edges on the right and left sides. Use paper clips or clothes pins to hold the sides together while the glue dries. To make a strap, punch a hole about 1 inch from each outside edge in the fold of the opening flap. Cut a 36-inch long ribbon and tie an end through each hole. Press adhesive hook-and-loop tape beneath the flap and onto the front of the wallet/purse in matching positions. Close the flap by securing the hook-and-loop tapes.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Thomas Northcut/Photodisc/Getty Images
