Making pouches from fused plastic

I love fusing household plastic (shopping bags, product packaging, newspaper bags) to make a new fun material to work with. In the past I've used fused plastic to make fun flower buttons and magnets, but I'm ready to take the next step and move on to something bigger. Bigger sheets of fused plastic can be used just like fabric to make wallets, pouches, and purses; but first I've got to learn how to sew on it. Here are my first attempts:






I learned a lot along the way, but still have some tinkering to do before I come up with a final design I'm happy with.

Wow me Wednesdays - fused plastic

This week for Wow me Wednesday I focused on upcycling plastic bags. Pretty much everyone I know has a big pile of grocery bags either under their sink or in the pantry or garage. It seems like they are everywhere. Even since I made the switch to reusable bags I still end up with bunches of them. I've been experimenting with fusing the plastic and making flowers from them. But here are a few neat-o things that other etsians are doing with their bags:

A knitted plarn Barrett by Stick to your Knittin Kitten

Eco-friendly wedding ware (it looks so delicate!) by VieModerne

These unique wired leaves by Emily Grace and the Yellow Suitcase

And this cutie owl coin purse by So She Sows

Craft 365 of the Month - March

This photo featuring my starburst wrapper coin purse is winning my award for best Craft 365 of the month for March. Taken in my new photo box with a snazy new fabric background thanks to the upcycle exchange the colors really pop. I used this photo to enter an upcycling contest over at Sublime Stitching. The Starburst coin purse is available on etsy here.