Scripture Case

By request from Shayla, here is the scripture case I made at a RS activity years ago.  Emma used this for a couple of years and now Jordyn is using it.  I am surprised at how well this has held up.  It is definitely showing signs of aging around the edges, but it still holds quite a bit of stuff even though it is made with paper and held together by ribbon.  Jordy carries a huge set of scriptures and a notebook and several little dolls and things.  It is stuffed and heavy every Sunday. 

 So, here's what you need:

1 set of handles....  you can find them at any craft store.  

4 pieces of 5x7 paper in 2 complimentary patterns, so 2 of each for a total of 4.

4 pieces of 4x6 paper..same as above

2 pieces of 4x8 paper 1 of each kind.

4 grommets 

ribbon

hole punch

heavy duty laminate sheets... I have a laminator but you can take it to a copy store to have them do it for you

You want to take 1 color of each of the 2 colors of paper and stick them together right sides OUT and laminate them together with the heavy duty laminate sheets ALTHOUGH,  now that mine is coming apart it looks like each piece was laminated 2x with a thinner laminate on the inside and a very thick one on the outside? Play around with it until you get the sturdiness you desire.  Leave a nice little edge around all the sides when you cut them to size and round your corners.  If you are doing 2 "coats" of laminate make sure you trim up each coat individually.  You should end up with 5 pieces to assemble the bag.  

Next you need to punch the holes around 3 sides of each of the pieces. All of your pieces are a bit bigger now because of the laminate and the holes can go on the edge of the paper that's inside.  Just make sure you have the same amount on each connecting piece and they somewhat line up with each other. 

Now you need to get ready to assemble.  The 1 4x8 piece in your bottom piece.  You also need to decide if you want the outside of the bag one color or if you want to mix it up like I did with the end pieces and the bottom piece reversed.  

Next you are going to "sew" them together.  You will want to measure out ribbon that will criss cross down 1 side and along 1 bottom edge or you will end up with a lot of useless ribbon.  Start the ribbon on TOP OUTSIDE of one of the corners and make your way down the side criss crossing your ribbon.  Think of lacing your shoes.   Then you can start along the bottom BUT put a secure tie in there at the corner.  When you reach the end of that you tie it off.  Then you start at the top of the next corner with a new piece of ribbon and repeat 3x.  All of your ties will be on the inside of the bag in a bottom corner.  Just knot them good and clip the ends.  

Last you tie on the handles.  You want to leave some slack in the ribbon so that your handles can rest on the inside or outside of the bag.  Knot and then make a nice bow.  Now fill it with stuff and be on your merry way.  :0)  Does any of that make sense?  I hope so.  I don't think I will be getting a job anytime soon writing instructions  ;0)