going GREEN...cutting fused plastic embellishments

[prob21]

I've cut some fused plastic embellishments.......they seem TYVEK cut-outs.
Take a look at here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNziDXtm1SA

I 've not explored its full potencial yet...I mean....dissolving the color advertizing letters on plastic bag outer surface using some nail polishing remover on a cotton ball for example...or painting them with Ranger alcohol inks+ STAZON ink and or even nail lacquer as I 've seen this guy doing on xmas ornaments....
I know it seems a messy tecnique but I think I'd like to try it....mostly for the red nail lacquer hues...just painting the nail lacquer on some fused plastic flower petals....to embellish a card.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kpEVBdS1RTE

In order to cut the fused platic sheets I've used a very sticky mat...and/or some blue tape/painter's tape to adhere the fused plastic sheet (it can become a bit wavy after the plastic bag are fused) on the cricut mat....knife: 5, pressure: high, speed: high...in order to cut these cartridge simple designs. It cut like butter.

[Melmo]

Wow what a cool idea, can't wait to try it.
Thank you

[Rebecca McConnell]

If your bag has advertisment on just one side, could you not use that side- just the clear side? Rebecca

[papasue]

I love the idea of the recycle bags....I have a gazillion of them.

The video says 8 layers. Did you use 8 layers? I wonder how many layers would be too thick for the Cricut. I think I remember that TALANHART (TODD) says he has just put through something heavy without the mat, that may be the answer here.

TFS

[prob21]

Susan,
I've tried two alternatives, I mean
6 layers =3 plastic bags stacked&fused
and
8 layers=4 plastic bags stacked & fused

it didn't make any difference when I was cutting them on the cricut expression....using a very sticky mat....sometimes, painter's tape also....in order to get the fused plastic sheet be as flat as possible. Both cut like butter. Great green material to cut intricated designs also.
best,
paulo/brazil

[prob21]

Rebecca,
plastic bags having advertisement must be turned outside in.....in order to no damage your iron surface
OR
you can take advertisement off using nail polish remover and a cotton ball....previously to fuse.

hope it helps,
paulo/brazil

[DebS3786]

I discovered by accident that if you iron the bags between a folded sheet of freezer paper, with the slick side facing inward, the paper will fuse to the bags creating a flexible but sturdy "paper." Cut it with a multi-cut of two or three. It works well for creating stencils. I also ran the cut through my Sizzix Bigkick like it was a texture plate and it created a nice embossed surface.

[prob21]

WOW Deb3786 it seems a very cool idea.
Thank you for sharing
I can't wait to try it.
best,
paulo/brazil
http://scale-files.blogspot.com/

[girlracerphoto]

This is Sooooo Awesome!!!! I gotta get out my sewing machine and make things!!!!!

[sandyj]

A timely topic for me - I've just started making small gift bags and this stuff fits the bill.

What temperature do you have the iron set to? The video didn't say (or I missed it).

Thanks for all you do!