Potato Chip Quilt Block to Mini Wallets

Remember the Croatin potato Crisp (chip) bag quilt block? I wanted to try to create a clutch purse with the remaining chip bags that I had but wasn't sure how to protect those "bags" after they were sewn together for durability. Some artist friends suggested using clear vinyl for the "outside" of the clutch.

Over the weekend, I started playing with the vinyl & look what happened!! I figured I'd start small & work up to the clutch.

© 2009 Tracy Borders

© 2009 Tracy Borders

A friend of mine had commented on how she had such a hard time finding a mini wallet, so I made one for her. After I put my biz card in the clear pocket, I realized, "hey, why not a clear sleeve for your ID?"

© 2009 Tracy Borders

© 2009 Tracy Borders

This wallet was made from some fabric that I had left over from another project (LOVE that color) :) This time, I added the clear sleeve for the ID & an extra sleeve behind it for credit cards/cash, etc. The fabric is hand dyed bamboo, hand stamped with Lumiere, Angelina Fibers, Misty Fuse, machine stitching & hand dyed cheesecloth.

By then, I felt comfortable sewing with the vinyl so I ventured on with some scraps left over from the chip bags (I really liked how it turned out)!!

© 2009 Tracy Borders (front)

© 2009 Tracy Borders (back)

© 2009 Tracy Borders (Interior)

Since I liked how well this turned out, I tried the one below. I brought it in to show co-workers & sold it in 10 minutes!!

© 2009 Tracy Borders (front)

© 2009 Tracy Borders (back)

© 2009 Tracy Borders

If you'd like to see the others that I made with Dr Pepper bottle labels, other cheetoh wrappers & hand dyed fabrics, they're posted in my Etsy Shop. (I haven't gotten around to making the clutch yet since I'm having so much fun making the mini wallets!!)

I try really hard to not be a pack rat, but now, since I've discovered these mini wallets, I'm saving chip bags, soda bottle labels, beer labels, etc. I hate the idea of collecting trash, but look what wonderful things can be done with something that you'd just normally throw away. I've asked my friends to start saving me their trash, otherwise, I've informed my DH that we're going to have to start eating more junk food (just for the wrappers) & we really don't want to do that :)

(think of me the next time you throw away that empty Dorito's bag) :)