i would like detailed instructions on how to make a woven candy/foil
wrapper purse.  i have searched through endless message boards, craft
sites, etc. and cannot find the instructions. there are some pictures
on this website of what i am looking for:
https://www.globalcraftsb2b.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=21_84

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Request for Question Clarification by bobbie7-ga on 27 Feb 2006 18:10 PST

Morrigan,

This is the best I could find.

Materials 

"All outer materials are 100% recylced chip bags (same as bags in
states), they are folded together and then united with fishing line.
The ONLY materials in the bags are chip bags, fishing line, and zipper
with string to fasten it."

"Christian collects bags off the streets, and he and his mother cut
them and wash them inside and out. Aminidab and Belki work on the
folding process and produce final products."

Basura Bags: Construction
http://www.basurabags.org/construction.php

Does this material help?

Thanks, Bobbie7

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Clarification of Question by morrigan-ga on 28 Feb 2006 19:14 PST

sorry Bobbie, i guess i was supposed to post a clarification.  the
pictures on that website (the link that you provided me with) are
exactly what i am looking for, but there aren't any instructions. i am
REALLY hoping to find actual directions for folding, weaving, sewing,
etc. them together.  thanx!

peace,

morrigan

Here's what I've found:
http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf451164.tip.html

http://www.wwvisions.com/craftbb/gencraft/11349.html

and here's an askjeeves search that was really helpful:
http://www.ask.com/web?o=0&qsrc=6&q=Purse+Crafts

thank you marytoad. i searched those sites previously and never found
the instructions.

peace.

Morrigan,
I am sure that you have searched more than I have for this.
The technique is common in many parts of the world, basically related
to weaving palm frond mats in the areas of the Pacific, or using other
broad flat fibers.
But for the life of me, I couldn't find anything about this, though
there must surely be books on the subject.
I would buy a small purse and take it apart, keeping some notes.  I
expect that they start by weaving a flat piece with the diagonal as
long as the length of the bag, fold it on this diagonal and weave the
sides together, finishing the top edge in some way that you could
discover.
You would also discover the way the foil strips are folded and
additional pieces added to increase their length.  I expect that they
do this as they work, probably without any adhesive, but a little glue
probably would make things easier for a beginner.

Good luck, Myoarin

I've spent a while trying to figure this out as well. I haven't
actually made the entire purse yet, but I experimented a little, and
this is how i'm planning on constructing mine. Start off by making the
zigzag chain:\/\/\/\/\/ http://www.gumwrapper.com/build.htm
Make it as long as you like, and then make several more. I think the
secret to attaching them and asembling the purse is to sew them
together with fishing wire. If you go to http://www.ecoist.com
they zoom in really close on the product, and you can see that where
each zigzag chain meets, it is not actually woven. It just appears to
be. I hope this helps.

thanx for the links, Bobbie. those ARE the purses i am asking about,
but i was hoping to find some actual instructions SOMEwhere about
assembling the purses. i know how to make a chain (like out of gum
wrappers or starburst wrappers), but i am not sure if the chains are
simply sewn together or if they are actually woven together as they
appear to be.

peace.

morrigan

apetitoburrito:

i think you're on the right track. they probably ARE made of chains
that are sewn together...i will try some experiments of my own, and if
i ever find ACTUAL instructions, i would happy to send them to you!

peace.

morrigan

hi Myoarin,

thanks for your advice! i think you are right--i may have to get my
hands on one of the purses and take it apart just to see how it is
done! your comment about "weaving palm frond mats " makes me want to
try THAT next...i don't think i could find any palm fronds around
HERE, though...;-)

peace,

morrigan

Morrigan, Here is the link for a website with instructions.
http://wiki.ehow.com/Create-a-Candy-Bar-Wrapper-Purse. Hope this is
what you are looking for.

i believe that i figured it out and i'll do my best to explain.  you
just make all of the strips slanted to the right (or left) three
squares long and all of the strips slanted in the other direction two
squares long.
if you don't understand, maybe these picutres i made will help.

http://www.freewebs.com/tpslider/purse.JPG
http://www.freewebs.com/tpslider/purse2.JPG

good luck!

go this web site i have been looking so hard and with the help of my
friend tim i think we have found it http://www.tramp-art.com/folk,
they have a copy of a gum wrapper sculpture book with instruction from
the 60's