Stitched Paper Gift Bag

 Here's an easy, fun way to turn a plain paper bag into a personalized gift tote.

1. Stamp the entire bag.

2. Spritz the entire bag with glimmer mist to add additional color and sparkle.

3. While that is drying, trim a separate paper sack with decorative scissors; cut to size of front side of gift bag.

4. Stamp paper and spritz paper lightly with glimmer mist, let dry (this should only take a couple minutes).

5. Cut bright fabric scraps into circles for flowers.

6. Enable free motion stitching on sewing machine and attach flowers with varying stitch designs. Then add stems and leaves. I like bright thread and live by the motto "the messier the better."

7. If you want to free motion a word or message I suggest lightly writing it in pencil, then following along with stitching.

8. Have fun, get creative, try anything!

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Frilly Tote Bag

 

Here's an easy project I did a few months ago. I saw this on the cover of Haute Handbags Spring 2012 issue (www.hautehandbagsmagazine.com) and fell in LOVE! Sierra Hocklander, the featured designer, gave great directions and it was pretty easy. I plan to do some more in different colors (think holidays!) but I stuck with blue and white on this one so it could go in a raffle basket at my son's school. It turned out so cute it was hard to give it up, but at least its for a good cause!

Start with a plain canvas tote bag. Cut four fabric strips 4" wide. Add a zigzag stitch on each side of the strip and ruffle the strip. Then sew the strips onto the bag from the bottom up.

 For the flower I used the leftover end of a ruffle strip and voila! I really, really wish I could take credit for this idea! All of Sierra Hocklander's pieces are gorgeous! You can check out her blog at www.thebluerobincottage.blogspot.com. She is a great inspiration.

All ready to go with my tag attached!

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