Sunday, August 27, 2017

Be the Change Tote Bag Upcycle


Our daughter recently graduated college summa cumme laude majoring in Social Services, minoring in Child Welfare.  She is pretty amazing, if I do say so myself, currently employed as a case worker with DHS!  





This fountain was one of her favorite spots on campus and she has adopted that quote to live by.  

The water was off the day we did photographs.

Back in July, I participated in a Thrift Store Upcycle Challenge and brought home three items from a nearby Goodwill Shop.  There was a round wooden tray, a vase with frog, and a dusty yellow tote bag.  (If you would like to see the Wooden Tray Makeover, just click HERE.)




Today, we're talking about the little ray of sunshine!  That cheery color is what drew me to the bag.  The price tag was $4, which frankly, I thought was a little steep for a thrift store, but you can see I purchased it anyway.  


After washing and ironing, I knew I had made the right decision!  ;-)  The bag is nice and roomy.  It will easily carry folders and even a laptop.  The project was all set inside my mind to add my daughter's favorite quote with heat transfer vinyl.


It took me a little while, but I finally found a free globe silhouette that was "just right" and added the quote in the center of the world.  Next, my idea was ironed onto the bag.


This is my first attempt with heat transfer, so I do have a couple of wrinkles.  In my excitement, I pulled the plastic cover before the image was completely cool.


I hadn't planned to place an image on the back, but it seemed silly to waste the letters.  It took some time to get them in a straight line, but I am very happy with this simple look.


Our daughter was thrilled when she saw her gift and said, "That is perfect for work!"

Do you have a favorite quote?  If so, what is it?

;-)  -Marci

16 comments:

  1. Congratulations! I can see why you'd be so proud of her! We certainly need more passionate, caring people like her. Your bag is adorable - I've never used the transfer method -- yours turned out great! What a personal gift that I know she will treasure!

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  2. This is wonderful, Marci! And congratulations to your daughter! She will be making huge changes as a caring case worker! Your bag is so relevant in today's climate. We all need to continue coming together and making a change. The devastation from Harvey has taught us a lot!

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  3. Congrats to your daughter! That is wonderful! And I love the bag. The blue globe is cute, and that's such a great quote.

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  4. Marci, Big congratulations to your daughter! Great idea for the tote bag!

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  5. What a great upcycle and congrats to your girl!

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  6. Congrats! Love the sweet idea. Yellow is my favorite color.
    Maria

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  7. Wow, that is such a sweet gift Marci! I love the quote, and congrats to your daughter for her accomplishment! I can see why she loves it. Bummer that the bag costs so much though. You know, thrift stores are getting more expensive these days.

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  8. The bag was good before, but now it's great, it's no wonder your daughter loves it. Thank you for sharing at The Really Crafty Link Party. Pinned!

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  9. The bag you made for your daughter turned out great!!! I'm JUST learning how to work with my new Cricut Air 2 machine and am making stencils. I'll switch over to iron on vinyl sometime in the future and would like to make a cute bag. Really wonderful project!!! I know your daughter must have been really happy since you included her favorite quote. Congratulations to her on doing so well in school and for her new position. <3

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  10. This is so timely and you and I must be sharing a brain. I just posted about 'being the good' that we need in our world and then read yours! Truly Kismet! In any event, know you are so proud of your daughter and her accomplishments and not surprised she loves that bag. Have a great day! Hugs

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  11. Well done to your daughter! You must be so proud. I love your bag makeover. It's very clever to reuse the cut out letters, I must remember to do that next time I use my Cricut #pocolo

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  12. A beautiful and practical gift with such a strong message. Love it! #pocolo

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  13. I love the upcycle. The message is great! Thanks for sharing on Sunday's Best.

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  14. Congratulations, you must be very proud. The bag is great love the contrast you used, that its recycled and of course the message that is so needed.

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  15. Great gift - and a fab sentiment too. Thanks for sharing with #PoCoLo

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  16. Cute bag!! Thanks for sharing!! :)

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