A few weeks ago I asked Tina Dean, “What is plarn?” She directed me to her blog post that illustrates the process. Plarn, plastic yarn, made out of plastic bags, like the ones we get whenever we go to the store and make a purchase (unless you never forget your reusable bags!) When I read her blog post, I was blown away. I had seen her designs, which are fantastic…but after reading about and seeing the process of how plarn is created and these amazing bags are made, I look at her designs in a whole new light. Really, blown away. It has been a huge honor to photograph these amazing creations. For the first shoot, I took some of Tina Dean’s Designer bags to Coastal NC to shoot them on the beach. I was so inspired on the beach with these bags! All I could think was….thank God these plastic bags are woven into this wonderful design and NOT slung all over the beach! Anyone who knows me, knows how I feel about the beach and the ocean, and the animals that call it home. So, Tina Dean, THANK YOU for keeping our beaches clean!
The next shoot we brought to the studio, with our fantastic model, Nancy. This first bag is the Eco Evening Wristlet Clutch. It is fantastic! So you might be wondering where she found the black plastic bags…well, this little beauty is made out of upcycled video cassette tape. Again, blown away!!!
And finally, for the grand finale of this blog post, The Tenley. It was designed by Tina for the lovely actress, Tenley Molzahn. This is one of my favorite of her designs! It’s so chic and stylish..I love it! 
Now after seeing them, can you believe they were once grocery bags and video tape? Tina Dean is the Martha Stewart of plarn! Tina Dean Designs. Where Upscale meets Upcycled. To see more of her work, go to her website: www.tinadeandesigns.com.
Yes! Tina’s bag are INCREDIBLE.
Not only are they gorgeous, but they are functional. Very durable, and the workmanship is exquisite.
I take mine EVERYWHERE.
Nobody ever believes it is made out of plastic bags!
Thank you so much for this wonderful feature! I’m thrilled and humbled. Your amazing photography helps people really get the ‘feel’ of my work. Thank you! 🙂
This is really wonderful! I love her purses – and your photography shows them off beautifully! You can be environmentally conscious and super fashionable at the same time. Thanks for sharing her designs, Karen!
Karen very nice!!! I do love her purses too and you photos are GREAT!
I love Tina bags! And these shots are awesome, I love love love the beach ones. Kudos to you and Tina!
Wow! These bags are fashionable and so chic looking. Great photography!
These bags and photos are beautiful. Tina does amazing work.
I’ve never heard of these bags before, but they look amazing! And, of course, they’re helped out by your expert photography! Thanks for introducing these bags to me –I’m headed to her website to check them out.
WOW! Love the pics and the bags! What a great idea! Thanks so much for sharing this, Karen.
I have never heard of these bags. They are beautiful. WOW…. I like them all and I happen to love bags 🙂 Can never have enough.
Thank you for sharing. The photography is beautiful as well. I love the ocean, Can just sit and watch the water for hours.
We used to think of “recycling” as generating more downscale, clunky products whose main value was their environmental impact. Tina’s bags take recycling to a whole new level. And your photography uplevels them even further! Good stuff!
These bags are adorable! And obviously the expert photography helps to make them look fabulous!
Great photos! and they are wonderful bags too!
Awesome work and good for the environment too, love love love! I also love those shots you took at the beach, just lovely = )
Wow! These look terrific and I love your photos!
How amazing! I’ve never heard of these bags. They are incredible! Thanks for sharing!
These are so beautiful with your great photography it makes me definitely want to find them locally. Will have to check around.
These are so cool!! Thanks for photographing them so we all can enjoy seeing them. Hooray for recycling plastics!
BTW, my daughter’s company, /www.lollidoo.com/, uses plastic bottles (PET) to make their cloth diapers.
When you combine great product with great photography, the result is magic!
Gorgeous, gorgeous bags!!! These are incredible photos of them, too!
Omg, those bags are pretty incredible… beautiful!
I LOVE these bags! This such a clever idea. Great pictures as always. I’m going to Pin for sure!
Love pocketbooks. I will definitely have to check out Tina’s bags. Thanks 🙂
These are beautiful and I learned something new! Thanks for sharing 🙂
oh these are so pretty! Pinerest will sure get you traffic with these!
aww I want how lovely these are!
Great idea and great photos!