October 10, 2013

Opalyn:


Exploring a different way to make cords.

Since I didn't like the blobs in the previous cords, I decided to explore how to make longer strips out of the plastic grocery bags. This is also how to make long strips out of t-shirts or other tubular materials.

Cut the bags about 90% of the width.

Back to the cutting mat: You can lay out the bags the same as before or you can cut the top and bottom off and then spread the bags out to their full width. Then cut your strips - but only through about 90% of the width. Then pick up one bag and a pair of scissors and cut the last 10% on the diagonal.

Cutting that last 10% on the diagonal

This makes one long strip out of each bag which can be about 10' long by 4" wide or longer or shorter depending on the width of your strips.

Keep cutting diagonally until you have one long strip.

Next, I made cords for my next basket without the knots that make lumpy cordage.

Lots more cords and lots more splitting means lots more fun for me!


This basket is about 30" tall including the handles.

I really enjoyed working on this basket and although I probably won't be selling them anytime soon - since I worked nearly thirty hours on it - I already have a workshop to teach others how to ply-split so they can make their own!


finishing touches :)