Tutorial - How to Flatten a Plastic Cup (Part 2 - Cut, Tape & Hole Punch)

In Part 1 I showed you several of my creative designs that I made repurposing plastic cups or containers into various fun things.  I also provided detailed instructions on how to flatten the plastic cup/container with heat using an iron.

So for Part 2, I will show you how to cut, tape and hole punch the plastic cup/container.  Why do I tape it?  Because whether you are making a notepad,  crocheting around or any other craft project, the ink will eventually fade or scratch off.  The tape protects the ink.

Let's get started - you will need the following items:

• Scissors or Desktop Paper Cutter
• Clear Tape or Clear Shelf Paper
• Hole puncher of choice ...(I absolutely love the Bind It All puncher)
  

 

1. Cutting:

Make the first cut on one side to flatten an edge.  





 

 

Turn the cup/container to even cut the top edge.

 

Turn the cup/container to even cut the other side.

 

Turn the cup to even cut the bottom edge.  You cup/container should now be completely even all around.

 

 

 

2.  Taping:

 

Before taping, I encourage you to wipe the container front and back with a clean damp cloth.  From my experience, good and bad, believe me the tape will pick up everything - stray hair, finger prints, etc.. even things you didn't know was there.



 

Starting at one edge slowly lay the tape down over the plasic cup/container to the other side using your fingers to squeeze out any air bubbles. 

Important note - once you lay the plastic down, unless it is a white background, I would not suggest lifting the tape up completely because it will remove the ink.  If you lift the tape up, do it slowly in a small section so you can easily put it back down in the same spot.  

Cover the cup/container completely front and back. 

 

 

This is the time you will want to size down the cup/container based on your intended design. 

 



3.  Hole Punching:

 

Using the tool of choice, depending on whether you want round or square holes, begin punching holes evenly spaced around.  That is why I like the Bind It All puncher because it evenly spaces the holes and is alot faster than if I punched the holes myself. 

 

When finished, you can leave the squared corners or round them depending on your project design.

  

 

 



 

Tutorial - How to Flatten a Plastic Cup (Part 1- With Heat)

My favorite type of plastic to craft with other than plastic yarn is a plastic container (e.g. fast food plastic cup, yogurt cups, shampoo bottle, etc.). These containers are something that you wouldn't typically give a second thought to tossing away when empty.

Hopefully, after reading this post, you will think differently about them. You wouldn't know how versatile it can be just by looking at the plastic container.

If you're still not quite sure, maybe a creative visual will help. The pictures below are samples of my plastic container designs.

 

This is my Florida Gator tote made from 2 (back and front) souvenir Florida Gator plastic cups. I grabbed several of these out of the trash container at one of the baseball home games.

 

 

Sun Visor made from a Taco Bell plastic cup.

  This design was inspired by Suzie's Visor Cap pattern.

 

Two-tonemarket bag with McDonald's plastic cup bottom. I picked it off the groundduring a walk with my dogs.

 

Yes, I am a couponer!!! This is my Plarn Coupon Organizer.This was another plastic cup I picked up off the ground during a walk with mydogs.
Just in case you didn't see my note, in the event you are a fellow couponer, please check out my newest site, Directory of Coupon Websites and Freebies!!

 

 

 

This is a Coca Cola plastic cup tote made from a large Coca Cola cup that I took out of the trash container at one of the local S&S gas station.

 

This is a cell phone sleeve I made to hang inside a market bag

made from a Wendy's plastic cup.

So are you feeling it yet? Hopefully you are so let me share with you how I breakdown down and flatten a plastic container. You'll notice the technique I use mirrors how I make plastic fusion.

 

This is what you will need:

 Scissors, Iron (set on polyester), plastic cup, file folder and a sheet of wax paper

 

From rim cut down to right above bottom section. 

Cut around cup just above bottom section.

 

Cut off top rim of cup.  Feel free to leave it on but experience has shown me that it is more difficult to flatten with the rim on.   

 

   

  Place the cup inside the file folder then lay a piece of wax paper on top.

 

 

  Using one hand to keep it flat, use the other hand to place iron flat in the middle of folder then move iron out. As you continue this, you'll see the cup/container begin to flatten.

 

Keep moving the iron back and forth wax paper until the cup is completely flat.

 Now it's ready to craft with - let your imagination run wild.

 

p.s.  One thing I'll suggest now but will repeat on each tutorial, cover the front of cup with clear tape (masking or shelf cover) to protect the ink.  If not, you will notice over time and usage the ink will fade.

 

Please leave me a comment if you have any questions or would like additional clarification or details.