craft project: “roll up to-go” cutlery stash
a meditation group here in NYC that i like–interdependence project--started a back to the sack campaign last year. the idea being that we NYers should carry our own bags as a way to combat all the plastic ones about town. it’s a cool movement and they have inspired LES shop owners to help minimize giving out bags with purchases.
the city itself has gone great lengths to get plastic bags under control by forcing stores who use them to also offer recycle bins for savvy customers to return them.
but despite our best efforts the little suckers remain, so what to do with them?
thank the stars for etsy labs. those super craft-minded folk came up with an ingenious way to fuse plastic bags together creating a durable, waterproof & most eclectic material. you can sew the stuff together & make pretty much anything your sweet heart desires–raincoats, messenger bags and….
my craft project today…the “roll-up to-go” cutlery stash. these fused plastic bags & bamboo utensils rolled up for eating “on the go” are a great, green way to eat & run.
the idea sparked at a visit to east/west bookstore. for a chunk of change you can buy one made of cloth. i sat there contemplating/justifying the purchase–”we NYers do eat on the run, having my own utensils stashed in my bag surely is a good thing”–and boink, the idea hit. i knew the plastic fusion would work perfectly. it’s plastic nature will survive tumbles in my bag, it can be wiped down after meals & it makes great use of all those bags that have been patiently waiting their chance to pick up that new dog’s (that we still haven’t gotten) poop.
i decided they would also make good holiday gifts & thus the marathon session began. i am pleased with the results. i used what i had, so the color combos are a bit boring/drab. i tried to make them more pleasing by using a zig-zag stitch and adding buttons & fun ribbons. a colored bandana also is a kick in the pants & makes for a great napkin. for some, i used vintage oversized hankies i’d gotten at flea markets. i’ve even decided next round, i will use flea market flatware. in the long run it’s more durable & i’m recycling!
the material itself is super easy to work with. and i am now addicted. i find myself looking for bags with pretty colors, logos & sayings (target is good–the logo is fun & the bags themselves have recycling tips on them–kinda cute). but i guess my all time favorite remains mr. happy face “have a nice day” guy. in my book, he’s golden.
make a batch up for a picnic party. use them for buffet style dinners & folks can take them home as favors.
i also have some for sale on my etsy site, so you can get one for yourself!
this is a great idea and your etsy site is sweet!
thanks kitten! glad you like.
It´s a good idea to use the plastic to another propose. You have to do more things with plastic bags