Day 2 - A big backpack and hello post it note easel

This is quite a big backpack and measures 6” tall, 4 ½” wide and 2 ½ deep so I put in a water bottle, composition book, pens, EOS lip balm stick, a gift card and a greeting card.   I wanted a backpack for teens/college students and my friend wanted a teacher gift and I think it works for both!

All the measurements are in inches.  I cut and score all the cardstock at once.  

Here’s my cutting tip:  The front panel uses nearly a whole sheet of cardstock.  For the second sheet of cardstock,  cut the back panel 8 ½ x 4 4½ first, then cut a strip 1 5/8 x 8 1/2 and cut in half (so 4 ¼ x 1 5/8) for the inside back panels, then with the remaining pieces cut the front pocket, front flap and post it note panel.  If you have used my instructions before you know I use tear n tape to show you where to adhere but this time I really recommend using tear n tape for the whole project!

The front:

Cut the front 8 ½ x 10 ½ score at ½, 3, 7 ½ and 10, score it at 2 ½ along the bottom

On the front sides, score in between the 2 side sections in the middle to about 5” down as this makes it easier when folding in the sides 

Cut the front pocket 4 1/4 x 4 7/8 and with the short 4 1/2 side at the top score at 3/8 from either end with the long side at the top score at 2 ¼ and 2 5/8”

Cut the pocket flap 3 ½ x 2 ½, score at 1 ¼ and 1 ½

Cut the DSP 4 ¼ x 1 ½ and 3 ¼ x 1 for the front flap and pocket flap

Make the front of the bag first by first trimming the tabs along the sides (mitering the edges) and make it into a box, see right hand photo.

The back:

Cut the back 4 ½ x 8 ½ and score ½ , 6 ½ and 5 5/8

Fold on all 3 score lines and yes 2 are very close together so fold gently then use a bone folder

Corner round the designer paper strip and the edge of the panel. Add the DSP to the front with corner rounded edges.

Punch 2 holes at the top (I used the 1/8” punch with 3/8” ribbon).   My holes are about 1” from the edge, see photo at right.  Insert the 6” ribbon. 

With tear n tape secure the 6” ribbon down.  Now punch 4 holes for the 9” straps, I punched 2 holes wider apart at the top (about 1” from the edge) and 2 closer together at the bottom (about 1 ¾ from each edge).  Thread the ribbon into the back.  My holes were ¼” as the burlap is harder to thread than soft ribbon.  Secure the straps with tear n tape on the inside of the back panel. Yes it looks messy but don’t worry!

Cover the ribbon ends (secured with tear n tape) with 2 small piece of cardstock so the inside looks nice, there are 2 pieces left with your cardstock 1 5/8 x 4 ¼ these are perfect) 

Now put a piece of tear and tape on the bottom of the bag along the edge to secure it inside the front “box” of the backpack.

Now add the back to the front with tear n tape on the lower edge of the back panel.  I start with the bottom flap and then do the sides of the backpack.   The photo shows the bottom flap secured and then I added the 2 strips of tear n tape, and folded the back up the front sides.

Fold the front flap over and squeeze the bag (now you are glad you scored those side panels J)  Pinch 2 Velcro dots together, add to one side of the flap, then squeeze the backpack shut and the other Velcro dot will be in the right place.

Now make the front pocket.  

 Cut and trim the tabs, fold into a box, secure with tear and tape.  Make the front pocket flap, round the corners, add the designer paper with rounded corners and secure outside the box, then secure to the front of the backpack.  Add the Velcro dot for a closure.   I made this pocket large enough to hold a gift card.  

It took longer to write instructions vs making the backpack!!  

If you would like the complete set of 7 back to school projects in a PDF, just place an order in either August or September and I’ll email you the full set of projects. 

Happy back to school week to you all, MaryKate