How to Make Products from Recycled Plastic

Recyclable plastic is an often overlooked, but readily available, craft supply. Old plastic bags, pop bottles, milk jugs, and even take-out containers can take on a whole new life when incorporated into a crafts project. As a bonus, recycled plastic is one of the easiest crafting mediums to work with. The more advanced crafter can gather old plastic grocery bags and fuse them together to sew a reusable grocery bag or tote. Even a novice can make recycled coasters or belts.

Things You'll Need

• Cutting board
• Utility knife or rotary cutter
• Ironing board
• Iron
• Plastic grocery bags (at least 4)
• Plain paper
• Ruler
• Pencil

Instructions

1. Lay one plastic bag on your cutting board. Smooth it out as much as possible.

2. Decide on a size to cut your recycled plastic. You will be fusing together eight pieces of plastic, all the same size. Using your ruler and rotary cutter or utility knife cut out your first two pieces. Repeat with all bags.

3. Set your iron to the medium heat setting, without steam. Place a sheet of plain paper on your ironing board. Place the eight pieces of plastic on top of the paper. Smooth the pieces out. Place your second piece of plain paper on top of the plastic.

4. Beginning in one corner, iron slowly in a circular motion over the plain paper. You will want the iron to remain on top of each section of the plastic for two to three seconds. Continue until all areas of the plastic have been heated.

5. Allow the plastic to cool for a few minutes. Remove the top sheet of paper and inspect the plastic. It should be one complete piece. If some sections are not fused completely, place the paper on top of the plastic and touch up with the iron.

6. Use the fused plastic as is, cut it into circles to use as coasters, or sew it with more pieces of fused plastic to make bags, wallets or belts.

Tips & Warnings

• To add character to your fused plastic, use seven sheets of the same color and one patterned sheet.

• When sewing, use the longest stitch length possible.

• Do not use steam.

• Fusing plastic will create fumes; if the odor is intense, the plastic may be burning. Stop ironing and open your windows until the room airs out. Resume with new plastic and a lower heat setting.

References

• Recycle This: Reuse Water Bottles
• Green Living Tips: Reuse Plastic Bags