Introduction: Juice Purse

So I was inspired after seeing those bags made out of the juice pouches, I was curious as to how strong they really were. I mean, come on, it's a juice box! Well, i was rather surprised at my findings. Using things most anybody has access to, i made this change purse / bag that so far has lasted a year so far! Please rate it and feel free to comment!

This is my submission to the Pocket Sized Contest, so please vote!

Step 1: Gather Them Materials!

This is a really short, and rather tasty supply list!

2 Juice pouches
Adhesive Velcro
Scissors
And, a Gutter Punk's thread of choice, DENTAL FLOSS!!!

Not pictured, but also good to have:
A Pushpin
Your blade of choice, a sharp pocket knife or exacto is fine

Normal thread could work too, sure. But, dental floss has a few great advantages over thread.
1. It's braided, as opposed to twisted. This adds to it's strength.
2. It's waxed, so like sinew, it can easily slide through the multiple thick layers of denim, canvas, or in this case, metal and plastic!
3. It's nylon, so it has that nice, synthetic strength aspect to it. Also, you don't have to worry about it getting all fuzzy on the tips, as you can fuse the ends with a lighter when you're done!

Step 2: Prep the Pouchies

Obviously, one can't suck all the juice out of one of these darned things, and I'm pretty sure we've all tried to...
So, we can drink it through the straw, pour it in a cup, or eat it as a slushie (a personal fave) but we have to clean it before we start to construct.
The simplest method I've found is to slice out the bottom, just cut it out with your knife. The picture will hopefully explain.
At this point, wash it out with soap and water. No it's not on the material list, but I didn't deem it needed to put it on a list of stuff one may need to buy.

*Hmmm, need to buy more dish soap...*

Nevermind.

Step 3: How Much Coin You Got?

Personal preference dictates a decent sized purse, mainly because I use a Laundromat, and ride the bus. You can make yours as big as you like. One piece is going to be bigger than the other to allow for the flap, so keep that in mind, don't make it too big.

Step 4: Trim the Flap and the Front

The only real use for the scissors. These juice pouches have a nice curved line along the bottom, so why not accentuate it? Trim it down, but don't take too much off. Leave some silver along the edge. The main reason is, it is the original seam for the pouch, so it's a little thicker. This will be important when it comes time to sew.
Also take your front piece, and cut off a straight line. We are simply trimming it down to allow the flap to close.

Step 5: Punchy Time!

Grab your two pieces, and line them up. use your pin to punch holes along the edge. Take the two layers apart, and punch the flap and the top of the front. I'd say 8 to 10 holes per inch is plenty.
The reason we aren't using a sewing needle for this project, skipping this step, is the eye of the needle will make the holes bigger than we want them to be, and unlike fabric, this won't shrink back around the thread.

Step 6: Stitch. My, Name, Stitch.

Go ahead and line up your two parts and whip stitch all the way around. You don't want to pull your stitch too tight, this is plastic and metal. It will pucker and tear if you pull too hard. Don't worry about the strength, we are using the mighty floss here. The braided thread is waxed so it slides easily through the holes. Once you make it all the way around, double back to reinforce the stitch. On top of being stronger, we get this nifty little triangle pattern thing going!

Step 7: Looking for Closure

At this point in the game, we have a pouch, cute and shiny, but it doesn't close very well. I've experimented with a couple of different methods to secure it shut, attempting a button hole, a snap closure, even a zipper, but the simlest and most effective method was peel and stick velcro. I don't know what it is about the adhesive on these little things, but they work wonderfully!

All you want to do is make sure the little srares line up right. Easiest method I found for that is just stick the little peices of velcro together and squish. The only reason I say get it right the first time is the adhesive on these thigs sticks great the first application, not so great the second time. I have a completed one I have been using for over a year, and the velcro has held strong since day one. (this sounds like an ad for 3M, it's not.)

Step 8: Owarimashita!

That's it. You now a have a chic, shiny coin purse that is guaranteed to grab attention. I pull it out at stores, and cashiers almost always ask where I got it. When I tell them I made it, they are amazed. This little guy has made me some friends!

As always, feel free to rate and comment!

This is my submission to the Pocket Sized Contest, so please vote!

Pocket-Sized Contest

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