Recycled Crafts

Creative DIY Projects That Turn Trash Into Treasure

7 Ways To Reuse Shopping Bags

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ho doesn’t have a stash of shopping bags hanging around their house?  Whether you keep the nicer paper bags from certain clothing stores, or keep a supply of plastic bags from the grocery store, these 7 ideas are a great way for you to repurpose those bags into a nice craft project.  I’ll be adding some of them to my to-do list.  How about you?

Did you know you can buy Plarn?  A ready-made plastic bag yarn. 

Why should you make your own shopping bags or totes?  Plastic bags are from the same source as all plastic: crude oil. So what is wrong with crude oil? The manufacturing process emits considerable amounts of pollution, and the product is not biodegradable. On land, plastic bags are one of the most common types of litter worldwide. As plastic bags are lightweight and float easily, this means they can travel long distances when picked up by the wind this includes landing in the ocean. Then wildlife gets tangled or ingests the bags, both in the sea and on land.  Make a difference and make your own shopping grocery bags.  Have plastic bags you need to re-use? Consider making these DIY upcycled plastic bag crafts.

 

subwayart

 

1- Shopping Bag Subway Art from In My Own  Style

outdoorpillow

2- Outdoor Pillow From A Reusable Shopping Bag from Thistlewood Farms

bagwreath

3- Plastic Bag Wreath from Crafts and Coffee

frames

4- Shopping Bags Framed Art from Bromeliad Living

coasters

5- Crocheted Plastic Bag Coasters from Country Woman

skeleton

6- Skeleton Made From Plastic Bags from Instructables.com

bows

7- Shopping Bag Bows from Splash of Something

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Comments

  1. Great ideas! Pillows and skeletons from plastic bags? Genius! Thank you for including the plastic bag wreath from CraftsnCoffee.com

Have you read?

Book Review: Upcycle – Transform Everyday Objects into Stylish Sustainable Home Decor

upcycled furniture

If you’re passionate about upcycled home decor, eco-friendly crafts, or simply love giving old items a new life, Upcycle: 24 Sustainable DIY Projects to Turn Everyday Objects into Home Decor   is a book that’s sure to spark your creativity.

This beautifully designed book is a treasure trove of clever ideas for turning the mundane into the magical. From old T-shirts and tin cans to wooden crates and glass bottles, Upcycle offers 24 hands-on projects that are equal parts stylish and sustainable. Whether you’re a seasoned maker or just starting your upcycling journey, the instructions are clear, accessible, and often surprisingly simple.

What I love most is that each project doesn’t feel like a “craft”—it feels like decor you’d proudly display in any modern home. Think chic recycled storage solutions, creative lighting with a handmade twist, and even repurposed wall art that doesn’t scream DIY. The photography is gorgeous, making this book just as inspiring as it is instructional.

It’s a great resource for zero-waste living, creative reuse, and recycled crafts for the home—perfect for crafters who want to make a positive environmental impact without sacrificing style. Plus, most of the materials can be found right at home or sourced for free, making it a budget-friendly way to refresh your space.

If you’ve ever looked at an empty jar or an old ladder and thought, “What could I make with this?”—this book will give you the answers.

Upcycle is perfect for anyone looking to reduce waste while creating beautiful, functional items. It’s ideal for eco-conscious decorators, DIY enthusiasts, and creative souls who love a good before-and-after. If you’re on the hunt for inspiring sustainable crafting projects, this book is definitely worth a spot on your shelf (or coffee table!).