Top Note Tote - 3D Thursday #7

I mentioned last week that I was having too much fun with my Big Shot and I had several projects in the works.  I have most of them completed now, but I could not wait to show you my FAVORITE!  TA DA.....

Strolling through Wal-Mart, I spotted a Pumpkin Pie tote that was just screaming to be altered and I knew just what to do.  I used my Big Shot to cut out a mask of the Top Note die using ordinary Contact paper. I placed the mask on the tote and rubbed the edges of the Contact paper to make sure that they were secure.  I then used a fabric paint brush and some Tulip Soft Matte fabric paint to create the focal image.  

(Note: If you can not find these fabric brushes, make sure that the brush is like a stipple brush to create a nice even layer.  Also, paint from the edges of the mask out to minimize bleeding.  Two coats of the fabric paint is also recommended.)

I then used my Big Deal alphabet set and very vanilla craft ink to monogram my tote.  To help fill the space and really give it that 'fall' look, I added some Flower Fusion felt flowers and Earth Element buttons sewn together with SU! linen thread. 

And of course, what is a tote without ribbon?!?  I tied some Chocolate Chip grosgrain ribbon around the handles to help unify the brown components of the bag.  For durability, I used  Fray Lock on the edges of the ribbon.

I am a mother of four, so I KNOW this tote will need a little cleaning every now and then.  The tote and fabric paint are washable, but I doubt that the felt flowers will do well during scrubbing.  What to do?  I decided that I would sew snaps onto the backs of the flowers and front of the tote so that I could take them off while cleaning or replace them entirely.  GENIUS!  Well maybe not genius, but it was a good idea!

Inspired to create a fall piece, create a tote, play with your Big Shot?  I hope so!

Be Inspired by Life,

Comments

[Nicole]

Love it!!!

[elizabeth]

Aren't you clever!! Love this bag!!

[Kadie Labadie]

Shelley: This is amazing - what a delight bag this turned out to be. Great work! And yet another opportunity for us to see how to use the Big Shot! Thanks for sharing. Kadie

[Jody]

Wow! This is so cute! I never would have thought of doing something like this.

[fran]

It's so cute! And you're so clever!

[Nicole Kowalk]

This is fantastic, Shelley! I am going to have to give this a whirl, for sure!

[Sharon Graham]

Fabulous!

[Linda Beeson]

This turned out so nice - LOVING the colors.

[Robin]

so very nice! Great job!

[Robin]

so very nice! Great job!