More Plarn

Lately I've been trying to get back in touch with my inner artist (as opposed to craftsperson, although I know the two aren't exactly separated) by experimenting with recycled media. I've been dabbling in paper mache, and of course, with plarn:This is actually a tiny bowl I made from one Radio Shack bag. I really like it's rough texture and it's delicacy.
The only drawback to it is that it truly is functionless art, even though it is in the shape of a bowl. Theoretically, I could put something in it, but it would be far from practical.

Little Monsters

I made these two little monsters from split vintage Orlon acrylic yarn that I got from my grandma's hoard. They're about 1 1/2 inches long - tiny! I made them into pins, and I was on a real monster-making bender, but nobody but me seemed to really be interested in them.
I like their expressions - one button eye, wide open, a squinty eye and lopsided fangs. They make me smile. Maybe I will make more of them...

My First Plarn

Are you familiar with plarn? Living this modern life, I find I am inundated with plastic bags, whether it be from the grocery store or the local thrift store. There a re some practical household uses for them, but trash can lining doesn't eat them nearly as fast as making plarn.

This is my first plarn project - a small (about 6 inches across at the base) crocheted basket. I find plarn (at least the kind I was using with this) is not unlike working with stretchy raffia. The texture and visual effect is similar. There's a certain amount of rigidity - because it's crochet - but it's also very pliable. (I don't know what kind of tensile strength it has, but I hope to find out in the future.) Despite its pliability, it is a bit hard on the hands, like cotton yarn. I have more projects in the works - coming soon!