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Reuse Plastic Bags

Learn how to reuse plastic bags by turning them into fashionable accessories.

By , About.com Guide

Let's face it. Right now there's nothing more fashionable than recycling. You can work the green trend into your wardrobe while saving the planet with these clever ways to reuse plastic bags.

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1. Fuse Plastic Bags

Fused PlasticRain Blanken
A great way to recycle all those plastic grocery bags is to fuse them together to make a flexible material. This material can be used in lots of jewelry and accessory projects, giving everything it touches a futuristic look.
Get the Full Tutorial

2. Plastic Bag Braclet

plastic Bag BraceletRain Blanken

You can create bracelets for yourself or your whole group in a matter of minutes by recycling colored plastic bags. It's a green way to get into the spirit of things.

See the photo tutorial.

3. Make Plastic Bag Yarn, or 'Plarn'

Make PlarnRain Blanken
Did you know that it takes a grocery bag more than 1000 years to decompose in a landfill? Instead of trashing those bags, you can make 'plarn' to turn them into reusable totes and futuristic jewelry.

Learn how to make your own plarn for crochet and knitting projects. Plarn is easy to make and it is a simple way to recycle those plastic bags.

Learn How to Make Plarn

4. Plarn Project Examples

Plarn NecklacesArny
Check out these styles from plarn stitchers who have turned plastic bags into earrings, baskets, purses and more. You'll be amazed that these accessories were once mere shopping bags.
See all the plarn jewelry and accessories.

5. Video: Make a Reusable Grocery Bag

Grocery Bag VideoDIY Fashion

By using the same grocery bag over and over again, you can reduce waste and help the environment. See how to make a green, reusable grocery bag from discarded plastic baggies.

Watch the step-by-step tutorial.

6. Fused Plastic Project Examples

Forever 21 Fused Plastic HatTracie of RadicalRecycks

Need some inspiration? Check out all you can do with fused plastic, just like these talented artisans did. Here you can find bags, bookmarks, coffee cozies, coaster, hats, purses and more.

See all the fused plastic accessories.

7. Make a Grocery Bag Caddy

Grocery Bag HolderDebbie Colgrove
Need a way to store all those bags you intend on reusing? Our Guide to Sewing will show you how to make a quick & easy grocery bag caddy.
Get the sewing tutorial here.

8. Plastic Bag Crafts for Kids

Have more bags than you could ever wear? Try making a parachute for an action figure or a Halloween ghost with these projects from our Guide to Family Crafts.
See all the children's crafts.

9. More Sweet DIY Fashion

Cassette Tape WalletRain Blanken

Easy Clothes to Make:
How-To Pants . How-To Skirts . How-To Dresses . Recycle Your Clothes . 10 Clothing Repairs You Should Know . Beginner Sewing Projects . T-Shirt Surgery . Stencils Library . Top 10 Hippie Clothes . Punk Clothes to Make

Bracelets, Earrings, Necklaces and More:
Junk Drawer Jewelry . Decoupage Jewelry . Make Bracelets . Jewelry Making . Hemp Jewelry

Bags, Hats, and More Accessories:
Free Hat Patterns . How-To Bags . Make Scarves . College Student Accessories . Index of Accessory Projects . Gloves and Wristbands

Related Video
How to Make a Reusable Grocery Bag
How to Make a Reusable Grocery Bag
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