If you have a plastic tube container with a lovely design on it, rather than tossing it away when the contents are used up, consider turning it into a dainty bag. This easy repurposing project produces a delightful tiny bag for holding a treasure or a small coin, or it could be used for a doll or for display.
Edit Steps
Making the Bag from the Tube
Remove the neck from the tube. Simply cut it off in a straight line.
Cut out the bag shape. Follow the bag shape as shown in the diagram:
Leave the base of the tube intact.
Cut the bag lid or top as shown by the lines within the pink area of the diagram. Cut a slight curve across the top of the base part of the bag, as shown in the diagram.
Cut off a ring from the very top part of the tube (the area just under the neck that you've already removed). This will become the bag's handle.
Use a hole punch to punch out a circle in the top part of the bag, as shown in the diagram above. The hole must be the same size as the plastic bead you're using as the button clasp.
For the smaller hole, use a small sharp object to pierce it. You may want to leave making this until the next section (Making the Button Clasp).
If needed, tidy up the base of the bag by trimming (but don't cut it open).
Fix the external design. If the tube already has a design printed on it that you're happy with, you can skip this step. On the other hand, if you don't like the proprietary design, you can fix it using decorative tape.
Stick on a basic shape or make a collage using decorative tape.
Make sure that it covers up any ugly print or imagery that you don't want to show.
Use any other decorative items to embellish as liked.
Making the Button Clasp
The lid of the bag needs a clasp for attaching the button. Use a large plastic bead and a small glass bead, along with plastic tag thread.
Find a plastic tag thread or a thin piece of plastic thread. Going by the measurement of the plastic thread, make a small hole as shown in the diagram, large enough to admit the plastic thread.
Make a ball at one end of the plastic thread. To know how to make the ball, refer to the plastic ball making method outlined in How to make a reminder ring from a plastic tag thread.
Thread on the small glass bead, down to the plastic ball you've just formed. Follow with the large plastic bead. Pull this tight against the small hole in the bag.
Thread on another glass bead on the thread on the inside of the bag (this is to protect the bag plastic from the flame). Pull the bead tightly against the small hole. Make another plastic ball to firmly attach the remaining thread in place (see method above). Trim off any excess thread.
Adding the Handle
Slip the ring handle around the area where the lid joins the bag's base. When the lid is closed, this will turn into a handle that can be held upward.
Close the lid over the button. This will fasten the handle in place and the bag is now complete!
Using Beads as a Handle
If you would prefer to make a beaded handle, this is also possible. A beaded handle might be better for a heavier item or where you can't cut the plastic tube neatly enough to make a nice handle.
Make a ring of glass seed beads. The ring will need to be the same size as the top of the tube. Thread the beads onto beading wire, elastic or strong plastic thread. Knot well to prevent unraveling.
Slip onto the bag as for the plastic band handle.
Using the Miniature Bag
Use the small bag. There are many possibilities for using this miniature bag.
Use it as a charm. Attach to a real-size bag for a cute matching curio.
Slide over the arm of a doll. This could be something a child plays with or the doll could be placed on display.
Add to gift packaging for a cute touch.
Use on a keyring.
Edit Tips
You can use the beaded handle method when you want to change the length of the handle.
Make bags from different tube sizes for a variety of colors, sizes and effects.
Tube capacity 250-300 cc
Tube capacity about 40-50cc
Edit Warnings
Be very cautious when using flame with plastic. Follow the melting instructions with care and do not over melt or there is a risk of fire. The glass bead is important for preventing the flame from reaching the tube plastic as you make the ball.
Remove the flame the moment there is a sufficient ball in place. Any longer and there is a risk of melting much more.
Edit Things You'll Need
Tube container in small sizes
Plastic tag thread or plastic thread
Glass seed beads
One larger plastic bead (this is a substitute for a buttons; it needs to be the same size as the hole made in the bag's lid)
Seal and decorative tape (optional)
Scissors
Hole punch
Lighter for melting plastic balls
Edit Related wikiHows
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How to Make a Ribbon Bow from a Plastic Straw
How to Make a Coin Purse from a Tube Container
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