Etsy's Handmade Blog
Etsy Finds: Fused Plastic Bags
Story by anda
Published on April 22, 2008 in Spotlight 		Photo by Anda

It's been almost a year since I wrote up a tutorial on the old Etsy Labs blog on fusing plastic bags. Since then, we've taught tons of people to iron their trash into fun fake tyvek and even made a video or two about it.

And we weren't the only ones experimenting with this upcycling technique — I searched the internets and found plastic fabric (SLiK nonwoven textiles by Karin Carter), wallets (both via Vestal Design), plastic bag upcycling artists, conceptual works, beads, and bags. And more bags.

Since I last had a look for fused plastic bags, the amount of cool stuff on Etsy has tripled. Here are some of my favorites:


Recycled Fruit Bags Peekaboo Clutch Wristlet Pouch

Made from those clear bags you fill up with produce at the grocery store. By SoSheSews, $7.

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Funky Cuff - Fused Plastic

Wear your upcycling pride on your sleeve. By fookadesigns, $3.50.

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Custom PCEnLUV lunchbag, lined with fused plastic, delicious and eco...

Fused plastic makes a great, easy-to-clean lining material. By nectorgirl, $26.

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Go Green Recycled Plastic Bag Wallet

Made from fused plastic bags "sammiched" in between layers of clear vinyl. A big fat reminder to recycle everytime you take out your wallet, too. By CatzillaCrafts, $18.

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I just need to be held laptop bag

I like it when people use a million different bags and start getting these nice abstract designs in their work. By curiousdoodles, $55.

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Re-purposed Plastic Wallet

Straightforward zipper purse. These make awesome makeup bags, too. By Catherinette, $15.

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THE JUNKIE tote . empty chairs, John Locke and beer . slutbag

Made from plastic bags and recycled olive leather. By slutbag, $40.

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Plastic Bag Plastic Bag Necklace

I love this. A pendant made of fused plastic bags shaped into a....plastic bag. So cute! By Bemyshark , $7.

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Fused Grocery Bags

Upscale upcycled purse. The scales idea is so good. By mssmo85, $8.20.

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P.S. Happy Earth Day!

fused plastic rainbonnet
Tags Esty Finds, fusing plastic, plastic bags, recycling, shopping, SPOTLIGHT, upcycling
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21 comments     Login to add your own!

April 22, 2008 at 9:18 a.m. cozycottagecreations

What GREAT items! It's incredible what you can make from a plastic bag. That bonnet is adorable (and the baby, too!)

April 22, 2008 at 9:30 a.m. yaelfran

Anda, your baby is... terrific, wonderful, beautiful!!!!!

April 22, 2008 at 9:42 a.m. jessicajane

very cool finds, and your baby is too adorable!

April 22, 2008 at 9:46 a.m. pouch

what a cute baby :)

April 22, 2008 at 10:06 a.m. Nesabugg82

I have been saving plastic bags for quite some time and now I Know why...... TO make recycled bags! Thanks so much!

April 22, 2008 at 10:27 a.m. CatzillaCrafts

thanks for including my wallet! I still have loads of plastic bags and ideas brewing. . .

April 22, 2008 at 10:57 a.m. punkahontas

This stuff is great. I've been saving my bags (my husband hasn't quite grasped the "bring your own bag to the store" concept) and have been wanting to try it out since I watched the how-to video. It's really inspirational to see what others have been doing with this crazy recycled material.

April 22, 2008 at 11:16 a.m. chakrapennywhistle

ALL OF THESE ARE AWESOME! I just bought one of the cuffs from fooka! So excited to get it.

Thank you so much for these finds:)

April 22, 2008 at 11:59 a.m. almitra

you're the best person i know.

April 22, 2008 at 12:18 p.m. tanisalexis

heehee! That bonnet is pretty darn sweet. the little person wearing it is even sweeter tho. ;)

I found a fused-plastic 'maker' on etsy named inbal.
she is a fantastic artist and she combines her funky style with really arty pieces.
she's also in Israel and that makes for some very COOL plastic bags...hebrew anyone??
love it!
:)

April 22, 2008 at 1:08 p.m. ArgyleWhale

Wow! i'm so impressed with peoples skills with the bag fusing. my attempts were sloppy. Sidonie is looking darling in that bonnet too!

April 22, 2008 at 2:51 p.m. nectorgirl

I'm so honored to be featured here! All of these artists have great skills. Plastic fusing takes lots of patience.

Please check out my earth day sale in my shop if you get a moment!

PEACE AND LOVE,
nectorgirl

April 22, 2008 at 3:41 p.m. designedbyDiana

sidonie is adorable!

April 22, 2008 at 4 p.m. Betsy4Etsy

Thank you so much for posting this! I missed out on the plastic fusing info the first time around, and now I'm so excited to try it out for Earth Day!

(p.s. these items are awesome, and I may end up buying if my attempts fail. :)

April 22, 2008 at 4:40 p.m. carataylor

Thank you for featuring one of my bags in this great post! Happy Earth Day everyone!
Cara

April 22, 2008 at 5:26 p.m. slutbag

thanks for the feature! fused plastic is the new black.

April 23, 2008 at 1:32 a.m. angforce83

Is there any way to add color to the bags that isn't already there? I have a TON of Safeway bags, but I don't especially like the color. Can I change it?

April 23, 2008 at 9:33 p.m. thecreativejar

I do fused plasic as well with clear plastic bags that I recycle or upcycle from my work - I incorporate fabric, yarn and bubblewrap.

Sept. 15, 2008 at 6:37 p.m. TudorDesigns

thanks for posting this, I was totally inspired and had fun making some new stuff for my shop! love the different textures and the incredible strength of this material!

Aug. 10, 2009 at 8:32 a.m. SissysArt

This is such a great idea! I'm always overwhelmed by all the plastic bags when I grocery shop.

Oct. 21, 2009 at 8:15 p.m. LondonParticulars

I remember that article and I keep meaning to try this...thanks for the reminder!

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