Old Jeans into New Scenes

This is a cute, easy way i learned long ago from a friend on how to make a binder out of an old pair of jeans. Not having much money growing up, we had to make due with what we had, and sometimes alter and "fix up" old things and make them new again. Plus they are fun to write on, durable, weatherproof and also make a unique fashion statement that will have everyone wanting something you can make for practically nothing. Saves you and your parents alot of money And your school chums will never have to know! :) This is also good if you want to turn a boring-old , colorless school binder into something artistic and fashionable!! ^_^

First, find an old pair of jeans of course. Preferably ones that have rips in inappropriate areas, are not even worthy to make into shorts, not re-patchable, and are pretty much falling apart. Something you would not even donate to Goodwill/sell at a garage sale, and are ready to toss. On average , its going to take you about one pair of adult jeans or four pairs of toddler jeans to make one binder cover. If you don't have any, go to a garage sale or thrift store, garage sales are usually cheaper and sell clothing for $2 or less per, sometimes down to ten or fifteen cents. Being a thrift store junkie and a garage sale veteran myself i know when the garage sales and best thrift store deals usually run, most thrift stores offer discounts on weekends for certain tags, most garage sales only run on weekends when busy people are home, so weekends are a great time to get a good buy.

Next, your gonna want to rescue that old binder. The trick here is, to turn something old into something new without having to start over and put the old binder in the tosser. So find that binder that is on its last leg, ready to fall apart or your sisters discard that you are stuck with and grab it. Doesn't matter if it has stickers on it, a torn cover, ripped pockets or writing, just make sure its in a good enough condition to use. If the pockets are torn , just use a pair of scissors and simply cut them out and throw the bits away. Just make sure the binding isn't ripped beyond belief. If it is, just find or buy yourself a cheap one.

The rest is simple but takes a little work: Cut the first leg off your jeans and cut down the seams completely (cut in half). If you are using adult jeans, just lay open the jean leg on the counter and place the binder inside to make sure the length is accurate. Next, cut the second leg of your jeans in half, and fold the sides in to ensure a "good fit." If you are using toddler jeans, simply sew the pairs together to get your desired length and width.

It would be really cool to pick out jeans that don't look exactly the same, some with writing or designs on the pockets add artistic variation to your creation. The more different the better. Shades of jeans also compliment this nicely. Mix and match. Make it fun!

Now sew edges together around your binder, and wow a new specialized folder with pockets in the inside, and material easy to design if your kids want to add writing, stickers, gems, ect.

Enjoy your new binder and your school year! ^_^