Managed to bend foam core in purse bottom; bag-e-bottoms are too heavy as like to make light weight purses and totes. Any new ideas?

Not sure if this would work in your application, but my friend Karen used plastic canvas in her tote bag.

http://sewmuch2luv.blogspot.com/2011...g-upcycle.html

I used timtex in the Amy Butler bag I made and it seemed to work ok - just a bit hard to turn at the end.

http://www.amazon.com/C-T-Publishing.../dp/B002V3EOV0

Would plastic canvas work? It is lightweight and easy to cut to the shape you need. Just a thought.

I occasionally use this plastic cutting sheets- If I can find them in the dollar store. usually they come in a pack of 4- flexible cutting boards. You cannot sew through them. I envelope them in the liner fabric and tack them in place.

I bought 9 x 12 inexpensive artist canvas in a package at Micheal's and cut them to size with a bread knife. Works out to about 50 cants a bag - they come in assorted sizes.

My vote is for plastic canvas. It usually holds its shape well.

I buy plexi glass and cut it to size.

Foam core is very easily snapped, so I am not surprised.

There is a special stiffener you can purchase for this purpose ... forget the name ... sold along with all the other iron on stiffeners/interfacings.

How do you cut it? Sounds like a great light weight alternative.

You mean those thin, yet sturdy, sheets you can use as a cutting board?