These realistic mini tote bags filled with summer time treats are just a perfect little Thank You, Happy Birthday or for many more occasions. You will for sure impress your friends and family. These adorable totes were created by Annette Green. For more fabulous creations be sure to visit her blog Annette’s Creative Journey. She is one of the fabulous design team members for Graphic 45.
To create a template you will carefully cut a slit down the side of a 16 oz. plastic drink cup. Then cut off the top and the bottom.
Trace the flattened cup onto scrap card stock. Make sure to add and extra 1/2 inch to the left end for overlapping.
Cut out traced shape.
Trace your template onto your favorite patterned paper and cut out.
Create an accent strip by tracing the lower portion of your template onto a coordinating patterned paper. Use the traced line as a guide to cut your strip about 1/2 inch wide.
Do the same to the top to cut another accent strip. The width of this should be about 3/4″.
Make a fringed edge by making lots of little snips with scissors (or you can use fringe scissors if you have them).
Adhere your original template closed with glue. While giving it a squeeze with one hand (to resemble the shape of a tote bag) crate a template for the base by tracing onto scrap card stock.
Draw another oval about 1/4 inch larger than your traced one. It doesn’t have to be perfect.
Use a craft knife to cut away the center.
Trace just the outer oval onto desired pattern paper. Cut out.
Flip it face down and trace the template’s inner oval.
Make small snips with scissors all the way around, cutting just to the inner oval as shown.
Fold up the cut flaps. This forms the base of the tote bag.
Put double-sided tape along the inside bottom edge and right edge of main piece. Annette used 1/4 inch Scor-tape.
With base piece on table, start rolling the main piece around it as shown.
Adhere the right edge overlapping the left to finish off the tote shape.
This is how the bottom should look.
You will ink the edges of your papers with a brown ink. So now you are ready to embellish your totes. Use a thick tacky glue to adhere kraft fringe around to of tote.
Cut two ribbons approximately 10 inches long. Use fabric glue to adhere to each side of tote.
Twill ribbon works well and has a natural look.
Adhere the accent strip you cut earlier around the base of the tote. This covers the raw edges of the ribbon nicely.
Pop out your small chipboard shapes and ink-distress the edges. Adhere small charms to the chipboard pieces.
Punch two small holes in the back of the tote and one hole in the front.
Insert silver eyelets and set with an eyelet setting tool. Thread an 18 inch piece of thin twine through the back two holes and pull the tails through the front hole.
Once the glue is dry, pierce a hole through the chipboard where the charm opening will be.
Thread one tail of the twine through the charm/chipboard and the other tail above it. Tie tails into a bow. Mix and match chipboard, charms, and pattern papers when making you totes.
Now you have your darling tote, add a few summer goodies and personalize them for your friends or family. What a special favor they will receive.
Thank You for Stopping by!
SUPPLIES
- By The Sea Collection (Graphic 45 gf-4500908 $19.99)
- By The Sea Chipboard 1 (Graphic 45 gf-4500910 $5.99)
Supplies Used (Not Shown)
- Charms Sea Themed
- Eyelets
- 16 oz. Plastic Drink Cup
- Kraft Cardstock
- Natural Jute Twine
- Distressing Ink
- Thick Tacky Glue
- Fringed Scissors
- 3/4 Wide Stripe Twill Ribbon
