Fusing Plastic Bags is highly addicting!

I've fused plastic bags before and made some whimsical things, but due to the new Craftster challenge #20, I am becoming an addict!

Here is a picture of some target bags I have fused together.I plan on making a very functional tote bag out of them. The fused bags makes such a sturdy fabric that I am even considering making some clothing from it.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/twistedstitches/740018729/

Hopefully I will have enough fabric to make this tote bag as awesome as I think it will be! I will post the finished project here when I am done. For those of you who have never fused plastic before here is a little tutorial:


Flatten out a plastic bag and cut off the handles as well as the bottom seam. Next, turn it inside out, because the ink will run if it is ironed. Fold the single bag 3 times to make it 6-8 layers thick. Ironing layers thicker doesn't really come out well. Place folded bag between two sheets of wax paper and put your iron on the setting between cotton and rayon. Make sure that you keep the iron moving as you run it over the bag. Do this about 10 seconds each side.

It's awesome how great the fabric turns out. Experiment with different colors, and textrures of plastic bags.

 

You are one creative chickie! I love the idea. Be sure to post a pic when you've finished making the tote.

 

Oh yes please post pictures when youre done! This sounds so awesome!

 

i made some awesome stuff with fused bags in my day. ill post some pics when i get a chance.

 

thanks so much for the tutorial! I'll have to try this when i get home.

 

I am updating this thread with pictures of my not yet finished project.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/twistedstitches/?saved=1

 

oooh, think im going to try this! im moving into a dorm with a community shower (oh...joy.) and i need a "shower bag". this is perfect! few questions:

1. can i use freezer paper instead of parchment paper? (wax on one side, paper on the other)

2. does it gunk up the iron at all, or is it safe to use my mom's 'good' iron? (i use good loosely, mostly its the only one she has that still gets hot enough)

3. is it smelly, or can i save my incense?

thanks a bunch dear! by the by, fantastic bag!

 

it wont mess up your iron if you use wax paper. and the wax paper itself wont mess up your iron either.

also, it doesnt smell.... i couldnt smell anything at least.

 

awesome, thanks willy wonka!

 

I use my good iron and the wax paper does not gunk it up. Do it in a well ventilated area, because even though you may not smell anything, fumes are let off when you melt plastic. I think freezer paper will work as well.

 

WOW u got some talent! Love the bag! and all the other stuff !

 

holycow!! that's so freakin' awsome! I've never even heard or such things. I've go to try this. My sister's gonna die. She loves stuff like this.

 

Are you Lydia the Strange? I know you are because I am totally looking at this bag on the craftster challenge!!

 

I am in fact Lydia the Strange on Craftster!