MakerCare: Service Projects

As part of our MakerCare program, we use our school makerspace to create items to be donated to a variety of community agencies. In the Fall we made plarn sleep mats for the homeless. It’s a great project, but for some this may be too time consuming. We had to cut up over 500 plastic bags, then all the crocheting in order to make just one mat.

Well, here’s another option for those who want to upcycle plastic bags but have limited time working with youth – plarn jump ropes. Each jump rope requires only 21-27 plastic bags and a small amount of duct tape. Additionally, you only need to cut off the handles and the bottom seams of the bags instead of the additional step of cutting the middle of the bag into strips. Really simple.

Here are instructions:

1. Have a collection drive asking for plastic bags*

2. Lay plastic bag flat on a table (you can do several at a time)

3. Cut off the handles of the bag and cut off the bottom seam

4. Link the bag circles to attach 7-9 bags** (see image)

5. Repeat steps 2-4 until you have 3 strands of plarn

6. Now, braid the 3 strands

7. Wrap the ends in a bit of duct tape to form the jump rope handles

*Any plastic bag can be upcycled. I also use the delivery newspaper sleeves. I do recommend cutting the sleeve in half before linking the circles, otherwise it’s very thick! However, you can experiment and see what works for you. I’ve even upcycled the dry cleaning clothes covers to make plarn.

**Adjust length based on the age range of your designated youth. Longer ropes can be made as well.

This is an easy project in any location. I helped make a jump rope at an on-site service opportunity at The 28th Annual Service Learning Conference. And I plan to make these and other toys at the Eastern Long Island Mini Maker Faire in June. (If you’re in NY or on Long Island, join me!)

To Learn, To Serve

At Islip High School Library, we use our makerspace for service learning opportunities. Several science classes, AP Environmental and Marine Biology, are studying the effects of plastic in the ocean and on the environment in general. Here’s a great way to learn and to serve. You see, after our students make the plarn jump ropes, they will be donated to one of our elementary schools for PE class. Just think – our students learn about the environment, upcycle, and have an impact on the health and wellness of other students in their community.