Credit Emmatrose/Instructables
We've already shown you how to make a few different kinds of bags perfect for back to school--like totes from old t-shirts, drawstring versions, and a backpack from an old suit jacket--but Instructables offers yet another idea, with this messenger bag made from recycled plastic bags.
Fused plastic bags have tons of uses--from a DIY laptop case to these designer boots--since the finished plastic sheet is durable and waterproof enough to haul your books around on your busiest day (and in that unexpected thunderstorm). To make this bag, use an iron to fuse together empty plastic bags--from the grocery store, drugstore, local Target, or anywhere else--and set aside one with a pattern for the outer layer. (Here, the author used a bag from a liquor store; you could also save different colors to make stripes.) One tip: "Just remember to use a low heat setting and go slowly when ironing bags that have a lot of ink on them, because the ink may start to come off."
The finished product is plenty sturdy for long days on campus, but if you aren't a student you can find uses of your own: haul around the kids' snacks without worrying about leaks and spills; throw one over your shoulder when picking up groceries on your bike; or make a smaller version to catch condensation from your water bottle when you throw it in your purse.
