Sometimes I get an idea in my head and I just have to see if I can make it a reality, like this paper backpack project! Like many people, my daughter and I love the Loungefly backpacks, especially the Disney themed ones, so that was the inspiration behind this project.
By the way, this post contains Affiliate Links to companies I have partnered with, such as Amazon. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. You can think of affiliate links like tipping your waitress, only it does not cost you anything extra! Thank you for shopping with my links!
As I mentioned, I have had the idea of trying to create a paper backpack for a while, but it was not until I saw a paper purse project that I really felt confident that I could create something like this. I did borrow some concepts from the paper purse project file, but I added my own twist on the project.
This entire project, except for the USC logo, was created with free shapes found in Cricut Design Space. When you create a project and only use Cricut images, fonts and shapes you can make it shareable with others, so I am including the links to my Loungefly Inspired Paper Backpack for you to use below.
To start with, I designed a large version of the backpack because I knew that putting the pieces together and working out the design would be a lot easier on a large scale. The finished project is approximately 8 inches wide, 9 1/2 inches in height, and 4 inches deep. This size would be perfect for a gift bag, or as a centerpiece for a table display!
Once I had the design perfected for the large version, I deiced to also make a mini version. The finished dimensions for the mini backpack are approximately 4 inches wide, 5 inches in height and 2 inches deep. This smaller size would be perfect for holding a gift card or smaller gift, or to use as a party favor. The best thing about this project is that you can customize it for any theme just by changing out the colors and the logo or design you put on it.
Loungefly Inspired Paper Backpack Project Links
In order to make your own paper backpack, just click on the link below and open the project in Cricut Design Space. Before you click Make It, you can use the Save As option in Design Space to save this project to your personal Design Space account.
Large Loungefly Inspired Paper Backpack
Mini Loungefly Inspired Paper Backpack
Project Supplies:
Here are some links to product supplies to make shopping nice and easy for you! The products I used in creating this project include
Adding the Logo
In order to create the USC logo for this project I first had to find an image that I liked online. A simple Goggle search for the terms USC logo SVG brought showed me that on the Wikimedia site there was a downloadable version of this logo. When you are looking for logos for any team, college or business I highly recommend checking out Wikimedia to see if there is a downloadable SVG file of the design you are looking for.
If you have never used a true SVG file, please take a minute to read my information on SVG files HERE. Not only do I explain what a SVG file is, how it is different from a simple image and how to upload a SVG file to Cricut Design Space, but I share a list of places where you can get free svg files!
But what happens if you cannot find the logo you want in a svg file format? There are ways to create a layered cutting image in Cricut Design Space. One of them is to upload your design once for each color in the design. I have a full tutorial on that topic HERE. I also show this same process for a USC spirit wear shirt project that you can reference HERE.
Loungefly Inspired Paper Backpack Assembly Video
After you have cut all of the pieces out, the first step I like to do is fold all of the pieces on the score lines. I have already done that before the start of this video. Since this project has a lot of little pieces, you will see that I glue on some pieces and then set things aside before gluing additional items to that same piece. This allowed the glue more time to dry on one item before I moved on to the next part.
I plan to make more of these backpacks, and do different themes. I would love to see what you create so make sure to tag me on social media if you are sharing your take on this backpack project. If you don’t already follow me on your favorite social media platform make sure to find me through the links below!
Disney Paper Backpack Variations
Since the time I originally created this post I have made some variations inspired by Disney movies. The first one I did was this Mulan inspired variation for a dear friend who loves all things Mulan. Since this was created with all Cricut images I was able to save the Project File that can be used in Cricut Design Space HERE.
In honor of the Disney Pixar movie Lightyear that comes out in June 2022 I created a Buzz Lightyear inspired version of this backpack too! The video for how this all came together can be seen HERE and the Cricut Design Space Project File can be opened HERE.
Paper Backpack Craft Uses
Not only are these paper backpacks cute, but they can be used for a variety of things! Are you obsessed with Loungefly backpacks but cannot afford to purchase all of the ones you want? Then make paper versions of your favorite designs to display on a shelf!
If you are giving a teacher an end of the year gift, why not put it in a cute little paper gift bag in the colors of the school they teach at! You can even add the school logo to the front. There is a backpack for every size gift bag you might need!
These would also be adorable as a centerpiece for a graduation party or end of the year sports banquet. For graduation parties, you could put the logo of the school on the largest of the paper backpacks and have people drop their cards in the bag.
If you find my tutorials helpful join my Facebook Group at
Teach Me Cricut Design Space Facebook Group
You can also follow me on social media, and I even have a one stop link that can connect you to me no matter what platform you are on. Just click HERE
Some of my most used social media links are also listed for you below
ShawnMosch.com Facebook Page and I have a group HERE
Instagram
YouTube
TikTok
Pinterest
LinkedIn
