Remember my motivation is on track as a middle-aged mama? I'm still on that track and trying to make healthy changes in house and heart. As a result, I'm heading back to my latest DIY project in my garage where I built from scrap a tilt-out recycling bin and storage as well as a gravity-fed pet food storage bins. To wrap-up this part of cleaning up this space, I am building a plastic grocery bag holder for me and free to you. Consequently, this mess below is all I can handle. ugh. Plastic Grocery Bag Mess | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces If you recall, I did make a fabric plastic grocery bag holder that I used for many years. See it hanging on my makeshift shelf? Recycling Diagram of Bookshelf Before Change | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces After building the recycling and pet food storage, here's what I ended up with. I love it! DIY Recycling and Pet Food Center by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces However, I gave up my bag holder and let another family have it. You can make that too, if that's what you prefer. Previously, I was given bag-fulls of quilting strips years ago and sewed them into this holder with elasticized top and bottom. DIY Fabric Grocery Bag Holder by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces Since making better is my goal, I want to create something a little more functional, like this... Handy Plastic Grocery Bag Holder with Free Build Plans by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces Build a Plastic Grocery Bag Holder with Free Plans by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces

BUILDING

First, my inspiration is that I want something sturdy, easy to use, and pleasing on the eye. I have this bit of scrap leftover from building my pet food storage out of the cornhole board tops I made. Not only is it more than enough for my project, but also sanded and ready to go. Cut Cornhole Board for Plastic Grocery Bag Holder | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces If you want to make this plastic grocery bag holder too, here's what you'll need:
TOOLS & MATERIALS
  • ½" sanded or cabinet-grade plywood or similar
  • 1" brads and nailer
  • jigsaw (all cuts can be made with this if need be, using a straight edge guide)
  • circular saw or table saw are also handy
  • tape measure
  • builder's square or straight edge
  • pencil
  • wood glue
  • sandpaper
  • paint or stain of choice

STEP 1

Initially, here are the finished dimensions of your holder: 6" W x 5" D x 14" H. Dimensions of Plastic Grocery Bag Holder by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces Additionally, here is the layout of the pieces you'll need. Sand down rough edges and any fraying. Cut Grocery Bag Holder Pieces | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces
  • 3 - 14" x 6" back and side pieces
  • 1 - 12" x 6" front
  • 1 - 4½" x 5" bottom
For me, I used my circular saw and straight edge to cut the plywood. Cutting DIY Plastic Grocery Bag Holder | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces Next, when I have my three 14" pieces, I take the two side pieces and measure 2" down on one side so I can cut the corner off to make that angled top. This is because the back is 14" and the front is 12".

STEP 2

Before we assemble, we need to cut the slot on the front. What is more, I use a small container with 1 ½" diameter to trace 2" in from each short edge of the 12" front. However, I don't trace the full circle, but only a half. Tracing Bag Older Opening | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces After that, I connect the half-circles with straight edge lines. Traced Opening for Plastic Grocery Bag Holder | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces Subsequently, we need to cut the opening. I use my drill to make a pilot hole, and then finish the opening with my jigsaw. Drilling Pilot Hole in Grocery Bag Holder | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces Jigsaw to Cut DIY Grocery Bag Storage | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces

STEP 3

Then, take your cut pieces and begin to assemble by using your brad nailer (or hammer and nails or screws). Subsequently, begin with sides attached to the back, then attach the front followed by the bottom. Bottom of DIY Plastic Grocery Bag Holder by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces Raw Wood Bag Holder with Free Build Plans by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces Last, you can it's at this point you can finish as you like. Use paint or stain, add graphics or text... you get the idea. Have fun with it!

SANE STORAGE

Finally, my sanity is restored as my kids can no longer just dump bags on the floor without somewhere to put the bags. This sucker holds up to 50 squished bags! To mount it to the cabinet, I simply attached with screws. However, you can also use keyhole hardware to hang it wherever you choose. DIY Grocery Bag Holder Free Build Plans by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces DIY Garage Storage with Free Build Plans by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces In addition, the best part is this can go in your kitchen, laundry, mudroom, and even on your counter or in a cupboard. Where would you put one? Top View Grocery Bag Holder by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces

Garage Storage for Recycling, Pet Food, and Grocery Bags with Free Build Plans by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpiecesSHARE

Likewise, after leaving some comment love below, do pin and share to get others creating and building to make their house their home. Free Build Plans for a Plastic Grocery Bag Holder for any room in your home by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces Before you go, be sure to sign up for my FREE newsletter to see what I do with this funky, thrifted, potato bin. Thrifted Potato Bin Before Makeover | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces Until next time! blog signature

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While you're at it, here are other free build plans like my plastic grocery bag holder:

Build a Reclaimed Wood Tote with A-Frame Carrier Style with Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces farmhouse diy reclaimed upcycledProdigal Pieces Kids Create DIY Birdhouse Tutorial at prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces diy kids learning woodworking



Colleen B.

Shared publicly - 2024-03-15 12:50:19

Great grocery bag holder. Your bag holder would work; with a little moderation, would be perfect for me or hubby as a shop rag compartment by taking the flap of the rag box and inserting the open end of the box right into the built compartment. Need a rag, just reach over and pull out a rag. Love your idea. Thanks We don't get many plastic bags, as I use cloth bags when I get groceries, etc. Any plastic bags that I do receive are donated to the church Mission thrift store here for them to use, along with decent size boxes, gift bags, etc. ;; all of which they can reuse over again.

Niki

Shared publicly - 2024-03-15 13:10:09

Yes!!! A plastic bag corral to wrangle those rascals. I have a shelf in my hall closet with bags thrown in willy-nilly. I think I can manage this one! Thank you Larissa, praying for better days ahead and calmer weather.

Larissa

Shared publicly - 2024-03-15 13:46:29

Yes! I just put it out for grocery, but I will use on for my rags as well, even cloth bags, etc. I don't use plastic either as I have cloth, so it takes me awhile to accumulate the few I have, and they still need a corral.

Larissa

Shared publicly - 2024-03-15 13:49:31

Right! I use cloth for my own shopping, so I always have a few from here and there and use them for my donations mostly. This holder is good for so many things aside from plastic bags anyway. woot!

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