Back to school has officially begun at our house. My son began 3rd grade and my daughter started a 2 day a week preschool program. I officially have 3 hours (twice a week) all by my lonesome! It doesn’t seem like much.
I have to admit….I picked up toys this morning and walked back into that room at least 3 times, just to make sure they were still cleaned up. Sure enough. That room stayed that way for 3 hours. Heavenly.
My daughter attends a delightful local preschool. However, they do not allow children to carry backpacks. You have to bring a canvas tote bag. (they say it is easier on the art projects and easier for 4 year olds to open)
You can buy your own or they offer one for purchase.
I cannot purchase the school bag because it is an ugly color.
Forrest Green and I broke-up in 1997 and I cannot go back to him. (My subsequent relationship with Maroon ended badly too. However Plum and I have made up.)
When looking for a tote this year I found myself with not a lot of choices. The store happened to be out of most sizes. And as a professional procrastinator….I hadn’t left myself with a lot of time to look elsewhere. This was the only one that would work. But my daughter DID NOT appreciate the red trim. She is a girl. “And red is a boy color.”
So I unpicked the red trim and purchased some hot pink double-fold bias tape. And recovered the spots that WERE red. It was actually pretty slick. Although pinning it prior is a MUST!
After the trim was attached the fun part began….Decorations!
- I covered the handles in a fun fabric. Just detach, cover, re-attach.
- I made several fabric flowers and sewed them onto the pocket
- I used iron-on rhinestones around the top.
- I made a graphic that she liked and printed it out on ink-jet transfer paper.
The ink-jet paper is one of my favorite tools. I’ve used it several times before and have instructions and tips listed HERE:on my Headless Horseman Art, and HERE:on my Surf Art.
I also added her name across the top….but I’ve blurred that part out….
She was so excited to take her super girly bag on the first day of preschool.
And I am super happy that my silent war with Forrest Green is still goin’ strong.
They make great gifts for both kids and adults. And super fun totes for swim gear. I also think you could make one for a teacher. So many possibilities! Go get a canvas bag and see what you can make!
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Oh wow, this turned out fabulous. I can’t believe it’s the same tote. She must be thrilled.
She is. She slept with it last night.
It turned out so good! I love it. Way to go!
Thanks dude! Gotta love the annual making of book bags for preschool. Seems like I end up making one every year.
I will guarantee no other kids in her class will have such a cute and personalized bag.
I certainly hope not! That would make it so that I need to try harder. Go BIG or go HOME…..right?
How adorable is that? I love it!
Super cute bag! You crack me up with your “relationship with colors”. LOL!!!
You know. I never had real relationships with actual boys…..so I had to make up fake ones with colors and celebrities that I didn’t actually know.
YEAH!!! I’ve been so excited to see how it turned out! I love it! Another Ellie G. preschool tote success!
We need to set up a museum to display all of them. I’ll see if the Smithsonian is interested.
OMG, M is in school?! That’s nuts! Then again, she is like 16 right?
But seriously, that tote is darling. I am sure she was the most fashionable at school.
Super cute tote! I wish I’d thought of that when my kids were little…backpacks were kind of a hassle.
Adorable! You have mad skills for sure! I love everything you do!
You can never go wrong with Hello Kitty for the little girlies
I know my little one loves Hello Kitty.
Where did you find the tote bag? I am also having a hard time finding one that will work for my preschooler, since he cannot take a backpack either.
I bought this exact one at Hobby Lobby. But they are available at most craft stores, and also at WalMarts that have a craft department.
Love the bag. Nothing like remaking an ordinary bag into a work of art. Great job!
So cute!!!! I just love it.
P.S. Since I just am loving your blog so much, I have awarded you the “Versatile Blogger Award”. Please stop by my blog to snatch it up and wear it proud on your blog! You deserve it! Congrats!
Kellianne @ tinkeranniebelle.blogspot.com
On my goodness, that turned out adorable! And I bet your kid thinks you are the bomb-da-gitty! (And if she doesn’t, I do! haha)