Let me start by stating the obvious: I love recycling and making crafts out of objects that are headed for the trash. So when I heard of Tracie Lampe’s book “Upcycled Accessories: 25 Projects Using Repurposed Plastic” published by North Light BooksI was half sold before I even opened the cover.
Let’s start with a few facts about the book before we begin. From the publisher:
Fused and Re-used
Whether you’re a sewing enthusiast or an eco-superhero, Upcycled Accessories shows you how to upcycle disposable products into fashionable must-haves! Learn the basics of fusing plastic, then sew together colorful wallets, personalized journals and collaged tote bags. Finally, incorporate creative embellishing techniques to whip up one-of-a-kind plastic projects!
Upcycled Accessories features:
- · 25 funky fused-plastic projects for all experience levels that use inexpensive, readily available materials
- · Embellishing techniques for incorporating crayon shavings, permanent markers, fabric appliqué and much more
- · Tips for incorporating more than just left-over shopping bags—everything from food packages to tablecloths can be upcycled!
Fuse. Sew. Help save the planet!
The book is soft-covered with a traditional flat spine and has lots of full color photos on glossy pages. The book is laid out in Techniques (12 different ways to achieve different decorative effects), Projects (25, of course!), a Gallery, Templates, and an Index.
I started off with my pile of plastic bags and got ready to fuse!
Pile o' Bags
Following the directions for basic fusing, I prepped my bags…
Prepped.
- Fused!
If you follow the directions, the bags shrink slightly and bubble a bit. I was completely surprised that I smelled no fumes at all. Oh, and you really want to follow the directions. I set my iron too high and got this:
Interesting, but not what we're going for.
So I decided to work on a coaster- the directions are super-simple.
"Coasters" project.
In about 20 minutes I had this:
I die cut the butterfly using the Fresh Vintage Scoreboards Butterfly die by Sizzix!
I was overjoyed to make something cute and functional with complete garbage! (I was also pleasantly surprised that the fused plastic material could be cut with a manual die-cutting machine.)
I also tried the “stripes” technique, as well as the “crayon shavings” technique. I made the business card holder and then kicked it up a notch- using the stripes technique with my own pattern and a die-cut star to set it off. The result? A lunch-money pouch for my kiddos.
Lunch money pouch with die-cut star applique.
Backside. I used a velcro dot for a closure.
There is only one thing wrong with this book. I’ll show you:
See what's on this page? Me neither.
Due to an unfortunate printing issue, the two patterns that are supposed to be on these pages printed too lightly to be seen. The good news is that you can either email the publisher and they’ll sent them to you, or you can download the PDF’s.
From the Publisher
If you have received a copy of this book where the patterns on page 124-125 are very faint, please call F+W Customer Service at (800) 289-0963 to have the patterns mailed to you. Or, you can copy the following URLs into your browser to download a fresh copy of the pattern:
Pg. 124: media2.fwpublications.com/errata_upcycled1.pdf
Pg. 125: media2.fwpublications.com/errata_upcycled2.pdf
So at least you can get those pages! Nicely handled.
At the end of the day, this book is a gem. There are ideas and techniques that set my brain a-buzz- and I know what all the guys in my world are getting for Christmas!
Right now I’ve seen the book on Amazon for under $15.00- a good value for so much good information and inspiration!
Disclosure- sample provided for review.
If you’d like to purchase this book, please support CTD and use our affiliate links:
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If you’re looking for a new or used copy of the book, I got a new copy for $3.69 at half.com, and there were others available in the $4 range.
I took a class from Tracie at Inspired where we made fused plastic tote bags. I had no idea how totally fun fusing plastic would be. It’s easier than it seems and I’ve made three more since then. Great book.
Okay, so when I first saw it, I was totally not interested – but I have to admit, after seeing your wallet, I am totally intrigued now! But if I fuse all my plastic shopping bags into art, what on earth will I put all the poopy diapers in??? LOL!!
Jen- thanks for the giggle! Guess you’ll have to wait to fuse bags until all the kids are potty trained!