Make a Briefcase
Briefcases provide both a stylish and functional way to carry around documents for the office and personal items for outside the workplace. While they can be expensive to buy, with only a few materials it is possible to craft your own to a specification and design that fits your requirements. Your handcrafted briefcase can be customizable in size, color and strap length and will possess a bit more personality than a store bought case.
Instructions
1. Determine the size that you would like the briefcase to be and trim the boxes to the same exact height using the knife and cutting board. Use a metal ruler to ensure a clean accurate line and to save your fingers from coming into contact with the blade. Hold the ruler firmly in place while cutting.
2. Rip the newspaper into strips. The strips will be used to pad the briefcase and provide the outside with protection.
3. Mix the white glue with equal measures of water until it reaches a thin consistency. Submerge the newspaper strips in the paste and completely cover the surface of the two halves of the briefcase. Build up several layers and use one final top layer of white paper. Repeat with a single layer on the inside of the briefcase. Let the briefcase dry thoroughly for 24 hours.
4. Cut two rectangles of cardboard out of a separate sheet (approximately 1 1/2 inches by 1 3/4 inches) and fold directly down the middle. Glue into place joining the two halves of the briefcase together at the bottom of the case (if it was standing in an upright position). These will be the hinges. Let the hinges dry overnight.
5. Punch four holes in the top of the briefcase where the straps will be attached using the hole puncher. Punch holes roughly 3/4 inch from the top of the case, 2 inches apart from one another and use a ruler to measure and mark the punch spots to ensure they are identical on both sides.
6. Thread the nylon strapping through each set of two holes and adjust the handle size to one that you feel comfortable with. Tie firmly in a double knot and place the knot tucked away on the inside of the briefcase.
7. Punch another two holes in the middle of the top of the briefcase, one on either side, in between the handles. Thread another piece of nylon through and tie in a tight bow to fasten the suitcase when carrying it. Simply unfasten the bow to open the suitcase.
8. Fill your briefcase with all your professional and personal items.
Tags: halves briefcase, inside briefcase, Make Briefcase, personal items, size that
