Chloe and Mathieu's plastic shopping bag project

"The elementary school that my children (Chloe, 10, and Mathieu, 7) attend challenged the students to create a recycled craft. The project motivated us to stretch our imaginations, work together and clean out the recycling bin. From the plastic shopping bags we had accumulated, the children each created a beautiful, sturdy personalized bag. We love them, and hope you do, too!"
- Terrie Chapdelaine, Medicine Hat, Alta.

Here's the pattern:
1. Collect at least 20 plastic grocery bags. Cut out letters, designs or shapes that you like from the bags for the design on the outside.

2. On countertop, lay sheets of waxed paper to cover area larger than grocery bags. Layer 6 to 8 bags on top of waxed paper, smoothing with hands to flatten neatly. Cut off handles to form rectangle.

3. Arrange the cut letters, designs and shapes on top as desired. Cover bags with another sheet of waxed paper. Fuse the bags together using a hot iron (about three seconds). Flip over and iron again. Remove waxed paper. Repeat to make a second panel.

4. Trim panels so they are the same size. Border each panel with duct tape, then tape panels together on three sides to form a bag, with designs on the outside. With remaining plastic bags, braid two handles.

5. Punch two holes at top of each panel to string handles through. Secure handle with duct tape. Enjoy your new bag!

More great kids' crafts:
• Tin can alley
• Decorate a birdhouse with your kids
• Two ways to restyle a t-shirt