Recycled Content

I have not made much lately, which accounts for my lack of blog posts. I have, however, been reading about a number of craft projects which excite me. Each of these craft projects recyles materials that would otherwise be trash. So here they are, in no particular order.

The first project, or more exactly, technique, is fusing plastic bags. This technique produces a thick, bendable piece of plastic that can be sewn. I have seen fused plastic bags turned into tote bags, pencil cases, a dress, and even a raincoat. So here is a tutorial from Etsy Labs which describes how to fuse those ubiquitous plastic bags. I have spent time these past few days ironing ("fusing") plastic bags and have discovered that the plastic Target bags work really well. The thicker chain store bags such as Stride Rite or Old Navy also work well. I did not have as much luck with thin plastic bags or grocery store bags. They shriveled and wrinkled up too much. But I know that other people have had luck using these sorts of bags.

Next come beads made of newspaper. Take a look at this beautiful blog to read how to make beads from mushed up newspaper.

Finally, want to know how to create gift bows from colorful catalog or magazine pages? Take a look here.