I'm so excited. You know when a little kiddo is so excited that they do a little dance on the spot and have trouble getting the words out? That's how I am feeling at the moment.
I was on the lookout for something that I could do at an upcoming expo. I am so sick of the amount of plastic wrap that is used to wrap sandwiches and then thrown straight in the bin that I thought sandwich bags would be a good activity. My two concern here are the need for a sewing machine and the fact that a lot of the material used to make these waterproof as not so healthy.
After much searching I came across that fact that you could make your own beeswax infused fabric! Who knew? (I'm sure just about everyone is now saying, "Me, that's who".)
Well I had no idea.
I knew that I had everything necessary for this so I
gathered ran around and grabbed all of the equipment.
I used the pinking shears to trim a piece of fabric I bought ages ago. By using the shears I didn't need to worry about overlocking the edges. I had washed and pressed it when I bought it but hadn't known what to make at the time.
I shaved some beeswax that I had bought to make
lip balm a few Christmases ago. The peeler worked well but I will keep my eye out in the op shop for a grater that I can keep specifically for wax.
After scattering the wax over the fabric, and covering with some baking paper, it was time to get the iron out of the cupboard. It doesn't really see the light of day. The great thing about using the paper is that you can see where the wax has melted. It is also easy to reuse as long as you remember which side has had the wax on it.
(Please watch the video above before you have a go as their instructions are great. I didn't see the point giving the specifics as they did a great job.)
Viola!
The finished product is quite stiff but easy to fold. After a few uses I am sure that it will get a little softer.
These are also pretty versatile as they don't just need to be used for sandwiches but you could also use one to cover a bowl in the fridge. At the moment we are using plates on top of bowls but I could certainly see myself using one of these instead.
From all of the articles I read that main points to remember are to rinse off in cold water and a little detergent as warm/hot water will melt the wax, and don't throw it in the dryer if you use one.
That was
so much fun and I can't wait to have a go at another one soon.
I also thought it was pretty timely with
Plastic Free July just around the corner. Don't forget about the
giveaway. Only one more day and only one entry so far.
I would love to know if you have a go at this project.
Take care.
