Pocketbook And Pocket Book From Water Bottles.

Recycle those plastic water bottles and make a cool purse with matching notebook.
The best part about the purse besides it being practically free, and recycled and unique, is that you can see what's hiding on the bottom.
This instructable is just to give you an idea of how to sew with plastic bottles. You can make anything, messenger bag, tote, wallet, ipod case, you name it. Take the idea and run with it.

You will need:

Plastic water bottles
Scissors
Iron
Plain Paper
Fabric (thick, sturdy fabric)
needle and thread
sewing machine (sturdy ones for sewing leather/denim)
extra machine needles
safety glasses
fishing line/ wire
bottle caps
small drill bit
embroidery floss

Step 1: Prep the Bottles

Take the empty bottles and cut off the top and bottom. Peel off the label, and cut down the middle. Flatten so that you have one flat rectangle. Put between two pieces of copy paper, and iron flat. Set the iron to medium, with NO steam. Run the iron over the top for a few seconds, you will hear and feel the plastic flatten and shrink. Flip it over and repeat. When done, you will have a flat bubbled piece of plastic.

Note:
I'm guessing the ironing plastic isn't healthy. Open a window, or turn on a fume hood or something. It doesn't make much of an odor, but just in case.

Don't let the plastic directly tuch the iron. It makes a MESS!

I find any remaining part of the label tends to melt off when ironing. If you have any sticky residue, you can just cut it off, or try wiping it off with some vegetable oil.

Comments

[solmstea]

Nicejob! i like the bubblyness of the ironed plastic. Clever idea for the handle, as well, though did you sand off the little knobby bits on the caps (where they are sealed before use)? Otherwise I bet that could be uncomfortable if you grab the handle too tightly.

[arentnancy]

This definitely has possibilities, I'm impressed !

[arentnancy]

could you make holes by heating an awl and pushing it through ? maybe support the plastic sheet between two, not-quite-touching pieces of wood. aren'tnancy

[Jason_G]

I knew that was a Costco brand water bottle!

[riku-riku-chan]

i love the kitty's look of awe.

[ChrysN]

Those look great, I love the way the plastic bubbles.