"The world is not ours, the earth is not ours, it's a treasure we hold in trust for future generations." Namibian Proverb
Today, April 22, 2020 marks the 50th anniversary of the world’s largest environmental movement, Earth Day.
In honor of Earth Day we are hosting an online ‘do-it-yourself’ (DIY) workshop for the community to acknowledge the holiday. The goal of this workshop is to help protect the environment, bring awareness to our daily impact, while also supporting those in need. With everyone under ‘Shelter-at-Home Orders,’ we want to make this project available to the whole family.
We would also like to thank Julie Gillart, a docent here at the museum, for bringing this project to our attention and getting us involved with the project led here in Savannah!
The Project
Did you know, that according to a recent study, 500 billion single-use plastic bags are tossed in waterways and landfills each year! In Chatham County alone over 4,000 individuals and families are impacted by housing challenges!
With the guidance and assistance of Carol Greenberg from MStarArts.org, our virtual Earth Day workshop attendees will learn how to make mats for the homeless out of reused plastic shopping bags.
These durable mats are more sanitary than blankets and lightweight, so they can easily be rolled and transported with attached handles. The important thing is most shelters permit these mats because they do not get water-logged, mildewed, or bug-infested, and they can be washed.
This project is part of a large ongoing national project where communities and crafters are coming together to create these bedroll mats for members of their community and for the environment.
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We want members of the community from all skill levels to participate. It can be making the plarn balls used to make the mats, or it can be crocheting the mats.
We have tutorials for all skill levels below!
If you do not know how to crochet and want to learn please follow the link below.
Learn to Crochet for Beginners!
Mat Making Specs and Updates
Due to feedback from Mat users and makers, the size of the mats have been streamlined and pillows are being made to fit inside the mats for easier transport.
Mats - The original instructions for mats on the website lists 6 by 2 feet. Adjust dimensions to at least 6 feet long by almost 3 feet wide (approximately 72" by 34" minimum)
Pillows -Do not throw away the cut off scraps from the bag ends. Stuff scraps tightly into empty newspaper plastic tubes. Two of these tubes can be combined and covered with crocheted rectangles about 13" by 2 feet to accompany 6' long by 34" wide mat
Individuals are welcomed to participate individually using online video or printed instructions. You can email MStarArts@gmail.com or call (912 352 1238) when you need advice or help, or when you want to drop off competed mats & pillows. *These three active groups provide comradery as well.
Supplies
Supplies needed to make these mats are available for online ordering and curbside pickup from
Joann or Michaels craft stores.
(If you are not able to get a crochet hook or you do not know how to crochet, don't worry, you can still participate!
We will have a video tutorial that does not require a crochet hook. )
Single-Use Plastic Bags
You can collect these from your local grocery store, friends, and family.
(Please make sure your bags are clean before you begin.)
What is Plarn and how do you make it?
Plarn is plastic single use shopping bags that have been cut, looped, and rolled into a ball, much like a ball of yarn. However, Plarn is made of plastic! Plastic Yarn = Plarn
Balls of Plarn are the foundation of how to make a shopping bag mat, meaning it is the main material that will be used. If you do not want to crochet, we welcome you to make balls of plarn and work in a team with someone who can crochet the shopping bag mat.
Below is an instructional video on how to create a ball of Plarn
Now you have Plarn...What next?
Next, you will begin crocheting!
Your final shopping bag mat(s) will need to measure 6'x2' (72"x24").
*(To see how to begin to crochet, begin the video at 6:24)
What if I don't have a crochet hook?
No worries! You can still participate!
Below is a video showing how to braid and weave plarn.
Finished with your Shopping Bag Mat?
If you are finished with your mat please contact Carol Greenberg at MStar Arts - 912.352.1238