Make + Do

Workshop: Transform Plastic into "Pleather"

Sunday, 3/15/2026
1:30 - 3:30
Bayview Meeting Room
Bayview/Linda Brooks-Burton

5075 3rd Street
San Francisco, CA 94124
United States

415-355-5757

Learn how to transform everyday film plastics—like newspaper delivery bags and soft packaging—into durable, leather-like sheets (“pleather”) using heat and pressure. These fused plastic textiles can be cut, sewn and shaped just like fabric.

Led by artist and nonprofit founder Tara de la Garza, this workshop blends material experimentation with practical skill-building and environmental insight. Tara shares simple, accessible techniques for upcycling hard-to-recycle plastics at home. No prior experience required—just curiosity and a willingness to rethink waste as a creative resource.

Participants will leave with:

  • A finished fused-plastic card wallet
  • An understanding of how to safely fuse film plastics
  • Basic sewing and pattern-making techniques for plastic textiles
  • The confidence to continue upcycling independently

Space limited. Reservations required: (415) 355-5757 (starting March 1).

Connect: Tara de la Garza - Website

Connect: Inventurous - Website

 

Make + Do

Find inspiration through craft programs featuring talented artists, makers and even your local librarians. For craft programs, all materials are provided, unless noted.

Spotlight

This program is sponsored by Friends of the San Francisco Public Library.

Attending Programs

All programs are drop-in (no registration necessary) unless otherwise noted. All SFPL locations are wheelchair accessible. For accommodations (such as ASL), call (415) 557-4557 or contact accessibility@sfpl.org. Requesting at least 3 business days in advance will help ensure availability.

This program will be conducted in English unless otherwise noted.

Notice: This event may be filmed or photographed. By participating in this event, you consent to have your likeness used for the Library’s archival purposes and promotional materials. If you do not want to be photographed, please inform a staff person or the photographer. A sticker will be provided to help identify you so that we can avoid capturing your image.

Public Notice and Disclaimer

This program uses a third-party website link. By clicking on the third-party website link, you will leave SFPL's website and enter a website not operated by SFPL. This service may collect personally identifying information about you, such as name, username, email address, and password. This service will treat the information it collects about you pursuant to its own privacy policy. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of each third-party website or service that you visit or use, including those third parties with whom you interact through our Library services. For more information about these third-party links, please see the section of SFPL’s Privacy Policy describing Links to Other Sites.

The views and opinions expressed in programs presented by groups unaffiliated with SFPL do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of SFPL or the City.