• Weave yarn into plastic mesh to make coaster, purses and boxes.YARN BALLS image by brelsbil from Fotolia.com
  
  Plastic mesh crafts range from simple projects to detailed needlepoint creations. Plastic mesh, also known as plastic canvas, is sheets of plastic with small square holes. You can make two-dimensional wall hangings and coasters by threading yarn through the holes. You can make three-dimensional projects by lashing pieces of mesh together with yarn. Once you've mastered how to work with plastic mesh, you can start making more intricate designs and creations.
  
  

Coasters

• One of the first projects most beginning crafters make is coasters. Coasters are small squares of mesh in which you embroider or needlepoint yarn through the holes. Coasters are generally three-inch squares, so cut a piece of plastic mesh to that size, making sure the edges are smooth by snipping off any hanging ends. Outline a simple design on the front of the canvas in pencil, such as your initials in block letters. Next, choose the yarn colors you want, and thread a piece of yarn on a large plastic needle made especially for plastic mesh crafts. Begin in the center of the canvas and work your way out. Finish off one color of yarn before moving on to the next.
  
  

Purses and Tote Bags

• Purses and tote bags are useful plastic mesh crafts. A simple purse or tote bag needs two pieces of canvas the same size for the front and back, two narrow pieces for the sides, one piece for the bottom, and two thin pieces for the handles. Once you have completed your needlepoint design on all of the pieces, simply line up the pieces into a purse shape and "sew" them together. Attach the handles last.
  
  

Plastic Mesh Boxes

• Plastic mesh boxes can be made any size you want and are useful for storing your mesh coasters, sunglasses, playing cards, tissues, small trinkets, jewelry, MP-3 player, makeup or just about anything. Cut pieces of mesh to the correct size. Needlepoint your design and lash the pieces together in the shape of a box, putting the lid on last. Attach only one edge of the lid so it can open and close.