How I Do

Today I thought I'd share a bit of my process in making my line of fused plastic accessories. For those of you who only come for the baby pictures, just skip to the bottom.

Background

Fused plastic was the very beginning of Rispok. I wanted to create a line of accessories that were well-designed, affordable, and unexpectedly recycled. I spent over a year and a half developing my process, designing products that were labor-efficient, attractive, and durable, and crafting a professional identity. My full product line has gone through some changes since then, but always with the same goals in mind; well-designed, affordable, and beautiful enough that the recycled aspect is just added value.

Basic Process

Now that I am working on by business several hours a day and taking care of a child 24 hours a day, I've had to change my routine up a bit. A lovely fiber student at Finlandia University does the actual fusing for me, but I'm going to walk you through the whole process.
1. Collect a mountain of plastic bags. (It takes a LONG time to figure out which ones work and which ones don't.)
2. Cut off the handles and bottom seam so you have a tube.

3. Turn bag inside out so the printing doesn't smear.
4. Fold bag on thirds, press all the air out.

5. Place plastic between two sheets of parchment paper.

6. Fuse on both sides with iron set on medium heat, moving constantly.

7. Allow to cool, enjoy result.

8. I then choose pieces that would benefit from additional color and fuse surface designs to them.
9. Depending on which product I'm working on, I select and order the pieces, sewing long strips together before cutting out pattern pieces.

These products and more can be found at the Rispok etsy shop!

Last but Never Least

As promised, pics of the little man. Today he decided that this throw pillow was WAY more fun than his mama, so they talked and laughed and had a lovely time, and I got to cut some fabric.