Free Pattern: Crochet Pop Tab Bow Ring

Has anyone ever asked what is the inspiration behind one your designs?  

Don't laugh .... I was inspired to create the Pop Tab Bow Ring after watching a recent episode of 'Jerseylicious'. 

The show itself doesn't do anything for me but I love tuning in to see what jewelry Tracey and Olivia will be wearing.  The earrings are so big they look heavy enough to rip right out of their ears and the rings almost swallow up the whole hand. 

So when I saw Tracey wearing this big bow ring I just had to make one for myself.

 

 

 

 So I wondered what would a pop tab bow ring look like, and here it is:

 

Here is the pattern for you to make one for yourself:

SKILL LEVEL:  Easy

MATERIALS:

• Crochet Hook - Size F
• Plastic Yarn:  1 plastic bag of choice (recommended strip width:  approx 1")
• 1 Pop/Pul Tab (cleaned with a smooth inside edge)
• Sewing or Craft Needle

*Foundation:  Join plastic yarn aka plarn with a slip stitch in a hole of the pull/pop tab, single crochet in same hole and single crochet in next hole, turn.

Row 1:  Chain 1, 2 single crochet in both stitches, turn. (4)

Row 2:  Chain 1, 2 single crochet in first stitch, single crochet in next 2 stitches and 2 single crochet in last stitch, turn. (6)

Row 3:  Chain 1, 2 single crochet in first stitch,  single crochet in next 4 stitches and 2 single crochet in last stitch, turn. (8)

Row 4:  Chain 1, Chain 1, 2 single crochet in first stitch, single crochet in next 6 stitches and 2 single crochet in last stitch, turn. (10)  Fasten off, weave in ends.

*Repeat on opposite side of pop tab.



Ring:  (Designer Note:  The # of rows on each side will determine how tight/loose you want the ring - 5 rows was a nice fit for my ring and pointer fingers and a good tight fight for my middle finger.) 

*With wrong side facing you, join plarn with a slip stitch through existing stitch, single crochet in same space, single crochet in next hole through existing stitch, turn.  Chain 1, single crochet in both stitches for 5 rows.  DO NOT BIND OFF, remove hook making a big enough loop so you don't lose the stitch.  *Repeat on opposite for 5 rows.  Do a quick fitting.  When completed, on one side complete stitches and weave in loose end.  On the other side fasten off leaving long enough tail to whip stitch both ends together.

When completed, on one side complete stitch and weave in loose end. On the other side fasten off leaving long enough tail to whip stitch both ends together.

Edging is optional: 

• The gray bow was edged using the reverse single crochet by joining the plarn with a slip stitch at the foundation row then reverse single crochet stitch in each end row stitch around back to the foundation row.  Repeat on the opposite side.
• The brown bow was edged by joining plarn with a slip stitch at the foundation row, *chain 1, slip stitch in next end row stitch.  *Repeat around to back to the foundation row. Repeat for the opposite side.

 

Optional but recommended:  After creating the design I noticed the bow didn't  want to lay flat.  It kept bending up.   To remedy this, use the extra matching plarn and needle to stitch the foundation row to the top of the ring.  I found this did the trick.

Wear it proudly or gift it to a 'Olivia' or 'Tracy' you know!!!

Feel free to email me with any questions at plastiquerecreations@yahoo.com



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.  

Free Pattern - Coupon Organizer Handbag w/plastic cup bottom

Yes - I am a couponer!!  I have so much fun clipping, sorting and categorizing them.     I have been addicted to using coupons since the handing a small stack of coupons to the cashier.  There is an overwhelming amount of enjoyment that you get while standing there watching the toal amount of your purchase decrease as each coupon is entered. 

With that being said, I don't want to give anyone the wrong impression - I would not call me an 'extreme' couponer but moreso a conscious couponer.  I don't stock pile, I stock up. 

Normally, I will purchase 4 Sunday newspapers - the Gainesville Sun and spend the day either sitting on the floor Indiana style or at my dining room table re-organizing my coupon binder.   

I designed the Coupon Organizer Handbag because as an alternative approach to organizing all my coupons.   Once the handbag was completed,

 

Free Pattern: Pop Tab Bow applique - 2 ways

Free Crochet Pattern: CVS Plarn Pouch with slanted double crochet edging and Pop Tab Heart Applique

It is for your personal use only.  This pattern may not be sold, published, reproduced-mechanically or electronically, or by any other means, including photocopying from any website(s) or electronic mailing lists, etc…  Please do not offer, sell or distribute this pattern in any way to anyone else. 

**This and my other plarn patterns are all yarn friendly**

SKILL LEVEL:  Easy

MATERIALS:
·        Crochet Hook – Size H
·        Red Button or color of choice
·        Plastic Yarn (NOTE:  12 – 1” strips per standard size plastic bag  = 6 yards):
         o   (Main Color) White wih red plastic yarn - approx  12 CVS plastic bags
         o   (Contrasting Color) Gray plastic yarn – approx 1 WalMart/Lowe's/Kohl's plastic bag
·        Craft needle for weaving in ends 

SIZE:  Width:  5”, Height:  4 ½”  

Instructions:

Pouch

With Main Color, chain 15

Round 1:  2 half double crochets in 2nd chain from hook and in each chain across, 4 hdc in beginning ch (forming the corner).  DO NOT TURN.  Working on opposite side of chain, half double crochet in each st across and 2 more half double crochets in last stitch.  Join with slip stitch in 1st half double crochet.

Round 2:  Chain 1, half double crochet in same stitch and in each stitch across to corner, 2 half double crochet in first corner stitch, half double crochet in next stitch, 2 half double crochet in next stitch (working around corner).  Working opposite side, half double crochet in each stitch across, 2 half double crochet in first corner stitch, half double in next stitch.  Join with slip stitch to 1st half double crochet.

Round 3:  Working in continuous rounds - half double crochet in each sitch around for a total of 13 rounds or when desired height is achieved. 

If you do not end at a corner stitch, fasten off and weave in ends.

Flap

With front of flap facing you, determine which side will be decreased.

Row 1-6:  Join main color with a slip stitch in corner stitch,  chain 2, half double crochet in each stitch across to opposite corner, turn. 

Row 7:  Chain 2, half double crochet in each stitch across, half double crochet the last 2 stitches together, turn.

Row 8:   Half double crochet first 2 stitches together, half double crochet in each stitch across.

Row 9:  Repeat row 7.

Row 10: Repeat row 8.

Row 11: Repeat row 7.

Row 12: Repeat row 8.

Row 13:  Repeat row 7,  chain 6, join with a slip stitch in last stitch of Row 11(making the button hole on the decreased side of flap).  Turn, slip stitch in each chain 6.

 

Row 14:  Single crochet in each stitch across.  Repeat row 14 for longer front flap.  Fasten off, weave in end. 

Edging

With front of pouch facing you, attach contrasting color at opposite corner of decreased side.  Single crochet across front opening of pouch to corner stitch,  continuing up front of pouch, single crochet in next 2 end stitches of flap, *chain 2, double crochet in same end stitch,  skip next end stitch, slip stitch in next end stitch.  *Repeat up flap to next corner ending with a slip stitch in last single crochet of row 14.  Single crochet in end row stitch up flap to first single crochet, join with slip stitch of first single crochet stitch.  Fasten off, weave in end.  

Pop Tab Heart Applique

Access this link for the Heart Applique pattern: http://plastiqrecreation.blogspot.com/2012/07/free-pattern-pop-tab-plarn-heart.html

 

Please don't hesitate to email me at plastiquerecreations@yahoo.com if you have any questions.

You can also friend me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/plastiqrecreat

Find me in Ravelry under Crochooley

Free Pattern: Pop Tab Plarn Heart applique

SKILL LEVEL: Easy

MATERIALS:
· Crochet Hook – Size F
· Plastic Yarn:  1 plastic bag
· 4 pop/pull tabs (clean, same size)
· Craft needle for weaving in ends

SIZE: Width: 3” 

Instructions:

Join plarn with slip stitch.  Make a single crochet in same hole.

Lay 2nd pop tab over 2nd hole of 1st pop tab, 2 single crochet stitches through both holes.

Lay 3rd pop tab over 2nd hole of 2nd pop tab, 3 single crochet stitches through both holes.



Single crochet in next hole.



5 single crochet stitches in next hole to form corner.

Make a single crochet stitch in next hole.  In same hole,  start a single crochet stitch but do not plarn over to finish the stitch,  instead insert hook in next hole, plarn over and pull through, plarn over and pull through all 3 stitches on hook to complete the single crochet stitch.  

Single crochet in same in same hole, 3 more single crochet stitches in starting hole, join with slip stitch at top of beginning single crochet stitch.  This makes a small pop tab heart.  Continue the pattern to make a larger heart.  

Round 2:  Chain 3 is 1st double crochet stitch,  double crochet in same stitch,  2 double crochet in next stitch,  double crochet and half double crochet in next stitch, single crochet in next 2 stitches, half double crochet in next stitch, 2 double crochet in next stitch (bottom mid point of heart), half double in next stitch, single crochet in next 2 stitches, half  double and double crochet in next stitch, 2 double crochet in next 3 stitches, half double and double crochet in next stitch, single crochet in next 3 stitches, half double and double in next stitch, 2 double crochet in remaining stitch, join with slip stitch in top of beginning chain 3. 

Finish off, weave in ends.

For a different look, reverse single crochet around outside of heart.  To make a small bow - chain 30 then slip stitch in each chain back to 1st chain made.  Pull each chain strand from behind heart through each hole to front, tie to make bow.   

I did this one with the AT&T orange with blue letters plastic bag the telephone books come in and reversed single crochet in S&S Foods plastic bag that is white with orange/blue letters. 

Please don't hesitate to email me at plastiquerecreations@yahoo.com if you have any questions.

You can also friend me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/plastiqrecreat
I'm in Ravelry under Crochooley