Oh my goodness I’m definitely dreaming of beach weather as we wait out a prolonged period of freezing rain today. So while we still have power I got to work on a cute tote. This one was created using the All Dressed Up Dies, while the “Life is short, buy the shoes” sentiment comes from the coordinating Dressed To Impress Stamp Set.

FIRST MAKE YOUR TOTE

I chose a sheet of paper from the Tropical Oasis Designer Series Paper (DSP) pack. I thought the subtle design would make a great outside for my tote, while the tropical floral pattern on the reverse creates the perfect lining.

To make the tote I cut a 6″ x 12″ piece of the DSP and using the All Dressed Up Dies cut out two of the tote base and four of the long handles. Next I embossed the two main pieces using the Coastal Weave 3D Embossing Folder. Then I assembled the bag part of the tote using Multipurpose Liquid Glue (Tombow).

For the handles I glued pairs of the long handle pieces back to back, leaving about 1/2″ at each end unglued. Next I added glue to the back and front of the tote just where I wanted the handles to be fixed. Finally I slid the glued area of the tote between the two sides of the handle and pressed them into place.

With the handles drying, I then decided to add some bright Mango Melody buttons, die cut using the small button dies. Once cut I threaded some Linen Thread through the two holes on each one and tied the ends in a knot. Then with liquid glue I fixed a completed button to the tote at each end of the handles.

BUY THE SHOES

As hard as it was to believe, I was almost finished already. I just needed to add the pocket and “buy the shoes” sentiment.

I went back to the scraps of DSP and used the label die in the All Dressed Up Dies to cut the pocket. Then I attached it to the front of the tote with liquid glue.

Next I stamped the sentiment on Thick Very Vanilla Card using Pretty Peacock ink and cut that out with the other label die in the set. Then once I’d mounted the sentiment over the pocket with Mini Stampin’ Dimensionals my tote was complete.

I absolutely love this little tote and I have a feeling I will end up with a whole row of them on my shelf. Of course when you tell someone to buy the shoes, it’s nice to include cash or a gift card. The tote is the perfect size for that, and would even hold a few candies as well. To keep everything secure simply wrap your gift in a little tissue paper and add it to the bag.

If you, or someone you know loves shoes, bags and perfume, make sure you check out all the cute products in the Best Dressed Suite.

It’s time for another coffee and with beach weather definitely not on the horizon, I’ll think I’ll spend the day crafting.

PRODUCT LIST

BUNDLE BONUS – I bought the Dressed to Impress Stamp Set and coordinating All Dressed Up Dies as a bundle. This meant I saved 10% off the cost of buying the two items separately. I’ve included links to the bundle and individual items so you can explore these two options further if you wish.