A while ago, we asked our Facebook fans what they would do with mesh produce bags from the grocery store once the produce is gone. These little bags, which hold clementines, apples, brussels sprouts, and more, are too cute to throw away! I’ve been saving my produce bags for a while without any clue as to how to craft with them. But I had a hunch that there were some great ideas out there, and now I’m glad I hung onto them!

Some of my favorite craft ideas are ways to use non-crafty things in creative ways. This is especially fun when the object you’re crafting with would otherwise just get thrown away. We like crafting with old toothbrushes, turning empty wine bottles into art, and even saving our bottle caps for craft projects. We love crafts using recycled materials! Here are some genius ideas our crafty fans came up with for ways to reuse mesh produce bags:

1. Wad them up in a ball, secure with an elastic, and use them as scrubbies to clean nonstick pans and other dishes.
2. Hang the bags from a mirror and throw hair bows in them for easy access.
3. Make potpourri sachets from them. First line each bag with colored tissue pape, fill them with a small amount of potpourri, and tie them shut with a decorative ribbon.
4. Carry sand toys to the beach inside of them.
5. Hold skeins of yarn inside the mesh bags, then pull from the center right through the mesh. No more tangles!
6. Make them into bath loofahs.
7. Sew them into the shape of a stocking, finish with binding fabric, and fill with pet treats. Mesh bags make pet stockings like they sell in stores.
8. Run them through your embossing machine to add texture to your cards.
9. Fold them in half, sew an X through them, and use them as dish rags.
10. Add velcro so the bags can be opened and closed, and use them as lingerie laundry bags.
11. You can crochet with them! Make crochet table settings and doilies from the mesh.
12. Sew a doormat made of mesh product bags. Cut them into long strips, pin 3 or 4 together at one end and braid. Then sew the ends to another strip and continue until you have a long braid several feet long. Lay flat and and start to curl in an oblong shape. Stitch this as you go so you end up with a mat.
13. Use them as a paint brush for splatter painting. Dip the wadded up mesh into your paint, then fling it at your canvas for a splattered look!
14. Stretch the mesh over an old frame, staple it in place, and hang earrings from it for a stylish earring organizer.

I can’t wait to get started making some of these crafts with all the produce bags I’ve squirreled away! What other ideas can you come up with for repurposing mesh produce bags for crafting?