Did you know that 80% of plastic bottles aren’t recycled? What to do with those landfill hogs? Green Upgrader posted this adorable coin purse made from two recycled 20 oz. soda bottles. They also give additional soda bottle crafting suggestions – cut bottle lengthwise for a clutch, anyone?  [download instructions here] [PET bottle purse FB page] [via best of diy] [designed by]

I like this coin purse project as it is a little more modern-looking than many of the kitschy recycled can craft projects out there. I can see myself carrying one of these recycled soda can coin purses much more than I can imagine myself wearing a crocheted beer can dress (much love to Stitchy McYarnpants).

You can get these soda bottles at the dollar store, but why not just recycle some already-enjoyed soda bottles instead? The trick to sewing the zipper onto the bottle is punching holes in the bottle so you can sew through them (kind of like a preschool sewing card). Poke holes with a 1/16″ craft punch or just a heated needle. Then stitch through the holes to secure the zipper.

Project Estimate:

  • 2 20oz soda bottles, empty, $2 or on hand
  • Zipper, $1

Total cost: $1 and up

UPDATE February 2010: I got a note from the creator of this project, Zitta Schnitt, with more information on how it was made:

PET BOTTLE PURSE
The PET Bottle Purse consists of two pieces of PET bottles and a zipper. The transformed item of daily use allocates a new place in its usage. It becomes little companion from everyday life for everyday life. PDF instructions for how to make a pet bottle purse here.

Design: Zitta Schnitt, 2004
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