Creating a DIY plastic bottle purse is not only a fun project, but it also helps in recycling and reducing waste. You can unleash your creativity by choosing colorful bottles and adding your personal touch with decorations like beads or ribbons. By upcycling materials, you are not only making a stylish accessory but also contributing to a more sustainable environment. Give it a try and enjoy the satisfaction of turning something ordinary into something extraordinary!
How to Make a Purse From a Plastic Bottle
Clean the plastic bottles well and remove any labels then let them dry completely. Once dry, cut the top ¼ of the bottle off, with the lid, and discard it.
Now, cut off the bottom/base of the bottle so you just have that middle cylinder of the bottle. This is what you are going to use for the base of your purse.
Then, use the bottle to trace two circles onto a piece of cardboard. Set aside the bottle and cut out the two circles.
Then, cut about ½" of the cardboard off one side to give it a flat edge. Repeat this for the second piece, so they are matching.
Place the flat edge of the cardboard onto another piece of cardboard. Make a mark to show the width of the ends onto the cardboard piece.
Use a ruler for straight lines, measure the length of the middle of your bottle purse portion, and then cut the cardboard out to be a base for your purse.
Glue the two round pieces with flat edges onto the end of this strip of cardboard. Now, use scissors to cut down the side of the cylinder of plastic from the bottle.
Flatten this out, and use the cardboard piece to measure out three pieces of the same width and length.
Cut these apart. Then, put two of the pieces, curved side up, side by side, and tape them together. You want them to move independently but be connected at the seam.
Now, tape the single piece on one side of the cardboard.
And the two pieces on the other side so that you have one that can open at the seam as a sort of hinge on the purse.
Secure this into the purse shape with additional tape or hot glue as needed, then begin covering in the paper.
Cut and glue scrapbook paper around the plastic parts first. Then, cut and glue a piece on either end of the purse. Use all the same color/pattern, or mix it up as I did.
Then, add a beaded ribbon trim along all of the seams of the purse.
Use a hole punch or soldering iron to make a hole on both ends of the purse, string the jewelry wire through one of the ends and secure on the inside.
Now, string that piece of wire with beads or pearls until you have a nice handle length.
On the other end, put the wire through the hole and secure it on the inside of the purse.
Glue a small bead or button to the bottom edge of the flap.
Then glue a second button, or rose as I did, just below that on the bottom side of the purse.
Use an elastic band to stretch between them and hold the purse closed securely.
Now you can use it as a purse or gift!
