Recycle a Cup into a Plastic Bag Keeper
I have had several requests for recycled crafts projects that kids can do. With that in mind, here is a quick upcycle project that children and adults can both enjoy. First you need a large plastic container. The container I used was a 64 oz. soda pop cup that I found and decided that I would re-purpose into a plastic bag keeper. 
Here is the finished plastic bag keeper
Below is a picture tutorial that I put together to show the steps for this project.
Click on photos to view full-sized
Punch a small hole on either side of the cup for the bag hanger. I used a metal one-hole punch and just punched several times to make the hole big enough for 3 strands of plastic bag yarn or plarn to fit through.
I cut 3 plastic bag loops about 1 inch wide. This is the same method of cutting strips that I use when making plastic bag yarn. Here is a link to show how to cut the plastic bag into loops. Hold the 3 loop strips together and thread it from the outside of the cup to the inside. Make sure you keep your strands flat and evenly held together. Tie a knot at the end of the plastic to secure it on the inside of the cup.
Click to super-size photos
Using the three strands, braid or chain the plastic bag yarn together. Once you have braided the plastic bag yarn together, insert the loose end from the outside of the cup to the inside. Tie a knot on the inside to secure your hanger.
This cup had a pre-formed 2″ circular bottom which is just right for the opening for your plastic bags. Cut the bottom of the cup around as marked.
Fill up your plastic bag keeper with bags and hang it up so you can reuse all those plastic bags easier. And as always, happy green crafting to everyone!
Jun 24, 2008
I really like this idea… this is has so many potential uses…
Jun 25, 2008
What an awesome idea! I will have to share this will my staff when we have our Recycle Week theme at work this summer. Any other kids ideas? I will have to put my thinking cap on too.
Jun 25, 2008
@Sue,
The other project that I think kids could do easily is my plastic hanger cover.The link is found here and if the kids didn’t want to crochet around the hanger, they could just wrap the hanger with the plastic bag strips. Then a knot could be tied to secure it. Thanks for stopping by and I appreciate the comments.
Jul 09, 2008
[…] My Recycled Bags offers a simple tutorial on managing piles of plastic bags (that can, of course, be recycled into recycled bag projects). Simply gather a plastic cup, a hole punch, a cutting device and some plarn (yarn made from plastic bags) and you’ve got all you need to organize your bags. […]
Jul 14, 2008
How to: recycle a cup into a plastic bag keeper…
My flatmate hails from Tokyo, and is expert in turning stray plastic bags into neat little origami triangles. This is a great way of dealing with any bags you have lying around the house, and it’s easy to unfold them into their usable form. If you’d …
May 07, 2009
This is a really great idea! I tried it using a 2 liter bottle, just turning it upside down first before I started. My family loves it!!!
Sep 10, 2009
What a great idea for my students at school! Thanks for sharing this project!!!