DIY Plastic Crafts

By throwing away plastic, we are all contributing to the amount of non-biodegradable material in our landfills. While many of us are trying to avoid plastic bags at the supermarket and bottled water, you can also learn how to re-use the plastic that does come into your home. As you look for ways to re-use plastic, you will certainly be more aware of much plastic we encounter in our daily lives. This articles shares eight ways to craft with plastic and thus reduce your household plastic waste. Best of all, crafting with plastic trash provides materials for a fun activity at no cost.

Plastic Bag Tags

Bread Tag Jewelry- Yes, even bread tags can be saved and used for a craft project. Paint the bread tags with black acrylic paint, let dry and decorate with metallic dimensional paint. These can be turned into a long necklace, earrings or a charm bracelet. Kids will also love this craft.

Plastic Jewel Cases (CD/Computer Software/Etc.)

Jewel Case Picture Frame- Turn jewel cases into picture frames. Pull a jewel case apart into two pieces and use ribbon to create a frame around the outside edges. Ribbon fits conveniently into the inside tabs and can be held with a small amount of glue at the corners. Decorate with buttons, flowers and/or other embellishments. You can also make a 2-part hanging picture frame with both pieces of a jewel case.

Plastic Bags

Crochet- Crochet a plastic bag door mat. Cut the bags into 2 inch strips and tie them together, leaving about a 2-3 inch tail. Use a J hook and chain the width, then double crochet in each chain, chain three and turn. Crochet each row the same until an acceptable length. Pull all the tails to one side of the mat, so that the rug has a shag look to it and the other side is flat. When it gets dirty, you can wash it by just spraying it with water.

Fusing- Fuse plastic bags into a sturdy sewing material. Select three to four plastic bags. Turn the plastic bags inside out and layer one on top of the layer. Sandwich plastic layers between pieces of parchment paper. Run a hot over the top, moving the iron constantly. Quickly iron one side, including the edges, flip over and iron the other side. Carefully feel back the parchment to make sure the plastic has fused into one layer. You can use this sturdy material in sewing projects, including reusable tote bags for shopping.

Flowers- Lids or adults can create flowers by cutting circles out of plastic bags, for decorating art or accessories.