Candy wrapper handbags are increasingly popular–with their bright colors, high quality designs, and very appealing eco-friendly characteristics.
While some are made locally in the US, most come from overseas including parts of Mexico, the Philippines, Indonesia and elsewhere. The two I am most familiar with are Nahui Ollin and Ecoist. Both of these companies are fair trade and work closely with local indigenous populations to make hand woven, high quality designer bags. Each company fairly employs local workers, supporting them to weave while also providing greater access to education and health care. Ecoist even plants a tree for every bag purchase. All wrappers used are diverted from landfills and/or incinerators directly at factories, which makes them attractive environmentally but also from a consumer point of view since there will be no chocolate or cookie crumbs found in any of the bags.
Despite what some internet bloggers may suggest, these bags are not easy to make. They may be fun to make, but not super fast. The techniques used to weave these bags are similar to what many of us did growing up– making necklace chains and other adornments out of Juicy Fruit wrappers and other gum wrappers. However, while making gum chains is a piece of pie, as you will soon see, making entire designer purses out of candy wrappers is a much more challenging feat. This is why many interested parties rely on skilled artisans to do this intensive work. Triple bottom line companies seems to be the newest and hottest trend in retail: helping the environment, helping communities and artisans worldwide, while also being very stylish, modern.
Nahui Ollin bags for example, are woven inside and out and contain no other materials other than the buckles and handles (which are also recycled) aside from the candy wrappers. Even the smallest bags (coin purses) contain approximately 150 wrappers. Zippers and other attachments are all hand-sewn (not glued) adding more handi-work to each piece. Probably the easiest way to make a handle is to wrap two candy wrapper “threads” together and make a handle but this is also perhaps the least stylish way to finish the bag.
We’d like to share with you some resources we found on the web about how to make these purses out of candy wrappers so that those inspired can try it at home—or if you have more information to share to the discussion, please chime in!
Mylinda has kindly gone into great detail on her blog with instructions on how to make the bags - step by step (thank you Mylinda! Your bags are great!):
In addition, we can see a Nahui Ollin professional weaving in action through this short, light hearted video on You Tube:
Tell us about your experience in making candy wrapper bags.
Autumn has always been my favorite season, especially when it comes to shopping. Growing up, I actually looked forward to summer’s end; to me, dropping temperatures meant it was time for a new wardrobe! My yearly back-to-school shopping fest was a chance to completely reinvent myself.
Now that I’ve graduated, I no longer have school as my excuse to create a new wardrobe every autumn. Throw in the economic recession, and I know I’m not the only one scaling back my fall shopping plans. Budgeting can be tough, but that doesn’t mean you can’t stay on top of fall trends— and be eco-chic!
The six following items are swoon-worthy finds: perfect for fall, eco-friendly, and priced under $99!
Del Forte Calla Jeans
These dark blue, organic cotton slim fit jeans will work for any season; they just happen to be on sale for $57 at shopenvi.com. Pair them with your favorite cardigan and chic ankle boots.
Terra Plana Bronte Bootie
You can count on sustainable shoe company Terra Plana for the perfect pair of eco-friendly shoes. They even have vegetable-tanned leather ankle boots—exactly on-trend for fall. Even better? They’re on sale for $69. Shopenvi to the rescue, again!
Red Angel Dress by Jonano
This irresistibly soft ecoKashmere Angel dress shirt is a marvel. Made with organic cotton and bamboo, you will not want to take this number off. Perfect with leggings, denim or just “as is” (eg for all you lucky people in California), the dress or shirt, if you will has limitless uses. The avocado wrap top is also a deal at $72 (featured top). Both are available at juteandjackfruit.com for only $80 and in black too.
Urban Renewal Fair Isle Sweater Vest
Yes, you can shop vintage at Urban Outfitters! I’ve been a longtime fan of the Urban Renewal line: scraps of vintage fabrics are reworked into eco-chic masterpieces, assembled right in the U.S.A. The Fair Isle Sweater Vest would look beautiful over summer-light jersey dresses or turtlenecks. And for $58, it’s practically a steal!
Circle of the Sun Absolutely Alpaca Scarf
This handknit Bolivian scarf is fair trade, organic and chemical-free. It will only set you back $35, and the proceeds go back to the artisan family that crafted it. Purple Candy Wrapper Bags
OK, so we know that purple is in this fall, so lets just get right down to it. The perfect way to pop that color into any outfit? You guessed it, accessories. The very hot (and eco) Nahui Ollin candy wrapper bags have a gorgeous purple collection—all of which are under $99. You might try the Itsy Bitsy coin/credit card purse (just $24) or the larger camera bag ($36) for outings, and for those dolled-up nights on the town, try the Grand Ball ($90).
Eco-fashionistas know that shopping for organic, fair trade and sustainable clothing can be pricier than settling for conventional clothing. But with a little savvy and a nose for sales, you can find gorgeous clothes and accessories that help protect the environment and support communities for reasonable prices. And if you want to splurge on investment pieces, like wool coats or sturdy leather bags, remember that you can find eco-luxe goods that are just as fancy as designer brands—but are actually committed to social and eco-consciousness. Have you found some other fabulous fall finds? Let us know if so, and stay tuned for next week’s sequel with more recession-proof, trendsetting items.
