Truthfully, I didn’t NEED another tote bag- let’s face it, who really does? But I found this blue canvas bag on a thrifting adventure and it was in great shape for a great price! I decided that it was the perfect candidate for embellishment and wondered if the navy blue would be a good backdrop for a snowy scene.
Go with me here, though. Think of a beautiful winter scene against a night sky- snow on the ground, a snow-covered tree, and snowflakes falling silently from the sky.
What was the worst that could happen? I ruin a $2.99 tote bag from the thrift store. WORTH THE EXPERIMENT!
Because let’s face it- I LOVE upcycling bags and this is by no means my first project doing so.
So, let’s get going on this bag experiment, ok?
This post contains affiliate links for your crafting convenience. As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases. All blue, bold, and underlined text is a clickable link, either to a product or to a related post.
Creating a Snow Scene with Mini Doilies
First things first, I headed to Etsy. There, I purchased some gorgeous vintage eyelet trim (from this shop) that would act as snow.
While I waited for the eyelet trim to arrive in the mail, I turned my attention to a snow-covered tree.
Since I can’t draw freehand to save my life, I found a great printable of a naked tree. I printed and cut out the tree, and then pinned it to some white glitter felt that I had on hand.
After I cut out the tree shape in felt, I pinned it to my tote bag to start creating my snowy scene.
After I stitched the felt tree to the bag, I pinned on a length of vintage scalloped eyelet trim to the bottom of the bag. As if the ground of my snowy scene was blanketed in snow.
Next, I hand-stitched the eyelet trim onto the bag. Then, it was time to add the falling snow!
For snowflakes, I used mini doilies that I purchased from this Etsy shop. I pinned them on the tote bag as if they were falling snow and then stitched them in place.
Now my snowy scene just needed one more thing to be complete…
Decorating a Tote Bag with a Snowy Scene
Two little red birds in red felt! Pops of much needed color for my snowy scene, don’t you agree?
I love it- like a nighttime snowfall when the world goes completely silent.
It’s cute without being too cutesy- and now I have the perfect bag to carry when I head to wintertime craft markets and festivals.
And don’t forget, my first book, “Crafting with Flannel”, is filled with even more simple sewing (and non-sewing) craft ideas! I hope you’ll check it out this cozy season.
Plus, if you enjoyed this upcycling idea for a winter scene, then you may also be interested in these winter snow globes that I made!
Craft on!
S
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Sarah Ramberg is the owner of Sadie Seasongoods, a website that celebrates all things secondhand. From upcycling ideas and thrifted decor to vintage-centric travel itineraries, Sadie Seasongoods is a one-stop shop for anyone who loves thrifting and approachable repurposing ideas. Sarah is also the author of “Crafting with Flannel” and has been featured in numerous media outlets and magazines.
I like your rationale about buying a new bag, I have thoughts exactly like that when I see a neat, different bag for my stash. Congrats on the recognition for you and your blog for your creativity and hard work. I sometimes feel so lazy that I can only READ about other’s creativity…when I was younger, I was more into crafts. I still enjoy the crafting life, but I enjoy seeing what others are up to more, at this stage.
Perhaps you have inspired me to embellish one of my finds, though I tend to buy bags that are patterned and eye catching, hardly ever a plain canvas.
Thank you, Susan!
What a great idea! Thanks for sharing at Think & Make Thursday!!
Thanks, Leigh Anne!
how fun and adorably awesome! I love the way you think! The little red birds make it pop and are perfect for the snowy scene. Now I need to check around if I have an totes or bags I can decorate! too neat 🙂
Thank you, darlin’!!
This bag looks fantastic! If you had a spare moment, I would be delighted if you’d drop this (and anything else you’d like to share) by at the #PureBlogLove DIY and recipe link party! I do love seeing your great crafts there! You can find me here: http://picnicnz.blogspot.co.nz/
Done and Done, Nicole!! 🙂
Thank you so much for attending week 11 of #PureBlogLove and linking your fantastic blog post. This tote bag is really awesome! I love the range of different things you come up with! I can’t wait to see what you have in store for our party next week Thursday 8 PM EST- Sundays at midnight. Your post has been added to the #PureBlogLove Pinterest board for all to see 🙂 Have a great day!
Nicole
Since I never leave the house without a good tote bag for the vintage items I seek, I do need a fashionable, seasonable one like this. Doily scraps as snowflakes? Good thing! Thanks for sharing at Make It Monday.
Thanks, as always Donna, for stopping by. We need to go junkin’ together someday!
This is so cute! Love the use of scalloped lace for snow. I have a couple plain tote bags I was going to donate. Now I’m thinking they could be decorated and used for gift packaging. Thanks so much for sharing!
Awesome, Pam!!
Your new bag is awesome. What a great creation for $3. I’m now your newest follower all over blogland. I cant wait to see what you create next. If you get a chance come over and share your upcycled bag at my link party too.
Angel
Thank you, Angel- I’m so glad you found me! 🙂
I love how you used the lace and the mini doilies – such a fun idea. Perfect for Christmas Shopping and the January sales!
Thanks, Julie!
Amazing transformation! Thank you for sharing and linking up to Scraptastic Saturdays. This post has been shared via Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest. Have a wonderful week.
Love your site, just found it thru Funky Junk Interiors. Great ideas and uncomplicated.
Thank you, Brenda!!
What a cute idea. I think I might keep it simple and embellish some gift bags with simple designs like this!
I wish I had your talent. Your tote bag is lovely. Thank you for showing us how it was made. deirdre
Thank you so much, Deirdre!