Hi all!  I hope everyone is enjoying sunny summer weather and making time for lots of crafting and creating!  I have a quick and easy project for you today; one that I know will get lots of use all summer long!

Every girl needs a stash of cute summer tote bags and instead of buying a new bag to add to my collection, I decided to make one featuring beautiful May Arts Ribbon.  Follow along as I show you how to make this adorable tote!

Supplies needed:

• Pre-made Canvas tote bag available from any craft store.  I picked mine up at JoAnn’s. ($4.99 less 50%)
• A piece of scrap fabric to create an outside pocket on your tote
• Ribbon—enough to create 3 to 4individual flowers.  Use different widths and color of ribbon to make each flower unique:  For my tote I used the following ribbon:
  • 368-15-34  1.5” Faux Linen
  • WA46  1” Stitched Grosgrain
  • FN-14  5/8” Twill
  • FN-27  5/8” Twill
  • NV-09  5/8” Faux Suede Ruffle Edge
  • 333-38  3/8” Grosgrain Horizontal Lines
• Hot Glue Gun
• Assorted Buttons for flower centers!

Step 1:  Create an outside pocket for your tote bag

Using the scrap piece of fabric determine the size of pocket you want on the outside of your tote bag.  Cut the fabric to your desired size plus ½” on all sides.  Next, turn the edges of your fabric piece under ½” and iron down.  It’s a good idea to pink the edges of your pocket fabric to prevent the edges from fraying.

Sew a straight stitch on one of the long sides of your pocket fabric—this will be the side that is the opening of your pocket.

Now, pin the pocket onto the outside of your tote and sew it in place.

Step 2:  Create your ribbon flowers

Using your ribbon, create different styles of flowers, making sure that some are larger than others.

Once all your flowers are made, cut 1 to 1 ½” dia. circles from your scrap fabric to use as the flower base.

Hot Glue each flower onto a circle.

Next, embellish one or two flowers with a decorative button for added Zhush!

Step 3:  Add flowers to tote

Once all your flowers are complete and glued to their fabric circles, glue the fabric circles onto your tote bag.  I decided to place my flowers along one corner and edge of the outside pocket, but you can place your flowers anywhere you want.

And, just that quick you’ve got a cute new Summer Tote Bag!

What’s so great about this project is that you can create a tote in any color, size and design you like!   I hope you were inspired to make a Summer Tote of your own.

Have fun creating and enjoy your summer!

Blog post by: Shelly Dozier-Mckee