Recycled Woven Gift Wrap Vest

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Intro: Recycled Woven Gift Wrap Vest

What should you do with all your used Christmas gift wrap? Make an ugly sweater vest out of it!

STEP 1: Keep Your Paper

This project requires a stack of large sheets of used gift wrap. Try to carefully unwrap your presents so that the paper doesn't tear. Resist the urge to tear open your presents!

STEP 2: Cut Your Paper Into Strips

Cut the paper into 1 inch strips. The longer the pieces, the better.

I cut my strips on a large cutting mat, using a T-square and a rotary cutter.

STEP 3: Weave Your Strips

Align your strips vertically so that they are touching side-by-side. Tape one end to a sturdy flat surface.

Next, weave strips through horizontally.

You will need one sheet of woven paper for each side of your vest.

STEP 4: Glue a Lining to Your Woven Paper

Flip over your woven paper. Apply glue to the white side of the paper with a paint brush (I used Mod Podge and a foam brush). Then put a large piece of used paper over top of the glue. This will give your paper a little more strength and help to prevent your weaving from coming undone.

STEP 5: Cut Out Your Vest Pieces

Use a vest you already have or sketch out pattern pieces for your vest. Then, tape your pattern onto your sheet of woven paper to keep it in place while you cut out your pieces.

STEP 6: Tape Your Pieces Together

Overlap your sides by one inch and tape them together. Next tape your shoulder pieces together.

STEP 7: Decorate Your Vest

The last step is to decorate your vest any way you like. I punched holes along the middle and laced up my vest with used ribbon and added a used bow.

8 Comments

I really like this. Reminds me of those Mexican purses that are made out of foil gum wrappers...pretty, and sustainable! Nice work.

I love it, it reminds me of the purses and bags woven out of recycled junk food wrappers. You could also make a cute version with a good choice of colors although I realize this wasn't your objective for this contest!
Cool. I see a fringed motorcycle vest version of this. You could also weave in some patch pockets.
i really don't get this one :P
Ahhhhhhhh! This is so great. I love it :D
Thanks! :)