Make these easy plastic leis for a welcoming touch to your Hawaiian luau or beach party. This inexpensive addition to your party decorations is made up of recycled plastic grocery bags and can easily be made by a novice crafter or accomplished by a child. Make up plenty of leis as take-home party favors your guests will love. This project is a great way to use up multiple plastic bags. For variety in your leis, look for plastic bags in different colors. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Lay a plastic grocery bag flat on your work surface. Cutting through both layers, cut the bottom off the bag. Repeat for the other end, cutting the handles off the bag.
2. Cut 1-inch strips through both layers across the width of the bag. This will make multiple plastic rings. Cut the rings open to become single strips.
3. Repeat steps one and two for a total of eight plastic bags.
4. Cut a 36-inch length of string and thread it on the tapestry needle. Tie the button to one end of the string. This will be your knot so that the plastic doesn't slip off the string as you are making your plastic lei.
5. Sew a running stitch along the length of plastic strip. Space the stitches 4 inches apart and gather loosely as you sew. This will make gathered petals 2 inches long on your plastic lei. You can shorten or length your stitches to adjust the petal length. Continue until all the strips are sewn the length of the string or until you have accomplished the fullness you desire. The tighter you gather your stitches together, the more plastic bags you will need to complete the plastic lei.
6. Twist and fluff the ruffled chain to create a roundness to the plastic lei that resembles a flower chain.
7. Cut the button off the string ends, pushing the gathers up and giving you a 3 inch tail. Bring both string ends of the plastic lei together and tie an overhand knot. Apply a dab of craft glue to the knot to prevent your plastic lei from coming undone.
Tags: plastic bags, This will, your plastic, both layers, button string