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April 15, 2014 ·

Trendy Burlap Tote

Accessories· Craft· Handmade Gifts· Vinyl

Burlap Bag with iron on transfer

 

This Trendy Burlap Tote is super easy to make using a iron-on transfer.  It would make for a fabulous Teacher’s Appreciation gift!  Just fill the tote with summer essentials like, a magazine, hand lotion, lip gloss, beach towel and drinking tumbler with straw.  Then in the fall the teacher can use the tote to carry all her supplies for the school year.  It would also make a perfect tote for a pre-teen, teenager, college student, or nerd at heart.  Not to mention it would be the BEST SUMMER TOTE EVER!  Aren’t those glasses fun?!

Materials for burlap bag with iron on transfer

Materials:

  • Burlap tote
  • Image
  • Iron-on Transfer Paper
  • Scissors
  • Iron

Making an iron transfer for a bag

I downloaded a clipart image of a pair of glasses.  Then I copied the image and re-sized it in Microsoft Word.  The tote bag is 12″ x 12″ so I made the glasses 7 ” wide.  Next, I printed the glasses image onto a piece of iron-on transfer paper.  Load the paper into your printer on the non-glossy unlined side.  Select the “light fabric” option to mirror image prior to printing.  (This may vary depending on your specific printer.  The transfers have more detailed instructions.)  After printing the image, use a pair of scissors to cut out the glasses.  Make sure to cut where the lens would be.  Otherwise, you will end up with the space being white.

Applying iron on transfer to burlap

 Preheat your iron to the highest setting.  Do not steam!  Place the printed image face down on the tote.  The lined side will be the ironing surface.  Iron the image very slowly.  Make sure to cover all areas and corners.  Wait for the transfer to cool for a few minutes and remove the backing paper.

That’s it!  How simple is that?!

Burlap Bag with iron on transfer

I added a really fun pink summer scarf around the handle for some color and as a added gift.

Burlap Bag with washi tape

You can also add some really colorful tribal washi tape to make this a total hipster bag!

Which way do you like the tote best?

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Comments

  1. Marni @ Haberdashery Fun says

    April 19, 2014 at 9:03 am

    Saw this on craft gawker – super cute!

    • The Casual Craftlete says

      April 20, 2014 at 6:29 pm

      Thanks so much, Marni! I’m so glad you stopped by. Hope you had a wonderful weekend!

  2. Natasha In Oz says

    April 20, 2014 at 3:29 am

    Your tote looks great-you did a wonderful job! The pink scarf goes really well with it.

    If you have a minute to spare please stop by and join my Say G’Day Saturday linky party-this post would be a fabulous addition!

    Best wishes,
    Natasha in Oz

    • The Casual Craftlete says

      April 20, 2014 at 6:30 pm

      Thanks so much, Natasha! Hope you are having a wonderful weekend. I will try and stop by later today πŸ™‚

  3. Erlene says

    April 20, 2014 at 3:54 pm

    Thanks a cute, fast, and easy craft. I like the bag with the scarf for added color.

    • The Casual Craftlete says

      April 20, 2014 at 6:33 pm

      Thanks Erlene! Yes, you can’t get much easier than this. Hope you are having a great weekend!

  4. Mitzi says

    April 20, 2014 at 6:09 pm

    Stopping by from Monday Funday at Uncommon Designs Online –Love the simplicity of the glasses graphic on the burlap– so cute– I’m giving this a try-can’t wait
    thanks for sharing!

    • The Casual Craftlete says

      April 20, 2014 at 6:35 pm

      I’m so glad you stopped by, Mitzi! I just adore those glasses. Hope you have fun making your own bag! Happy Easter!

  5. Val @ Home Made Modern says

    April 20, 2014 at 7:51 pm

    Cute! Gonna have to try making some of these as gifts. πŸ™‚

    • The Casual Craftlete says

      April 23, 2014 at 8:51 am

      Thanks for stopping by, Val! Yes, these bags will make great gifts. I’m giving mine to my sister-in-law for her birthday. Hope you have a great day!

  6. V@ Sprout's House says

    April 21, 2014 at 1:52 am

    Love this and as a teacher I would love to receive this as a gift!! Visiting via Inspiration Monday. xox

    • The Casual Craftlete says

      April 23, 2014 at 8:58 am

      Yay! Thanks for stopping by. I am so glad you like my tote. Hope you enjoy your summer break from teaching πŸ™‚

  7. Julie says

    April 21, 2014 at 5:17 am

    I love using iron on printable paper, I’ve used it for all sorts of things – why didn’t I think of this brilliant idea ?! This is so clever, modern and all round lovely. I’m wishing I’d made these for all my nieces for Easter now – maybe Christmas instead!

    • The Casual Craftlete says

      April 23, 2014 at 9:01 am

      Thank you SO much for the lovely comment, Julie!! I wasn’t for sure if the iron on would work on the burlap but it did. I didn’t have any problems doing this craft. This bag can be made for any occasion…that’s why I love it so much. Hope you are having a great week!

  8. Michelle @ Elegance & Enchantment says

    April 21, 2014 at 9:23 am

    This is perfect! I have a minor obsession with tote bags and now you’ve inspired me to expand my collection. Thank you for sharing!

    • The Casual Craftlete says

      April 23, 2014 at 9:03 am

      Hehe…hope I didn’t enable you too much, Michelle! I am so glad you like my tote. Thanks for stopping by!

  9. Corey @ tinysidekick says

    April 21, 2014 at 4:26 pm

    This is so cute Katie. I love how simple it is, but so fun.

    • The Casual Craftlete says

      April 23, 2014 at 9:06 am

      Hey girl! Thanks SO much! I’m all about simple and easy. I just love those glasses…hehe.

  10. Cathy says

    April 21, 2014 at 8:51 pm

    Saw your post at the C.R.A.F.T party! I had to stop by since your photo really caught my eye!

    This tote is just DARLING! I love it–pinning it as we speak in fact. My girl friend just had a bridal shower and this would have been a perfect DIY gift for all of her bridesmaids–she is having a retro chic wedding, and this would have been so cute for it!

    Anyway, I’m so glad I found your blog–I’m following you now, and I look forward to your new posts! πŸ™‚

    Would love it if you stopped by our Facebook page and said “hi!”
    https://www.facebook.com/OurMiniFamily

    ~Cathy~
    OurMiniFamily.com

    • The Casual Craftlete says

      April 23, 2014 at 9:11 am

      Oh yay! Thanks for stopping by, Cathy. I love new followers. Hope you had fun at the bridal shower. You could always make the totes for the “day of the wedding essentials”. Just an idea. Hope you are having a fabulous week!!!

  11. Carrie This Home says

    April 22, 2014 at 8:15 am

    This is so cute Katie! I love the little pink scarf you added to it. Any teacher would LOVE to have this!

    • The Casual Craftlete says

      April 23, 2014 at 9:16 am

      Thanks Carrie! I love those glasses…hehe. Hope you are having a great week. The weather has been perfect to get outside with the kids πŸ™‚

  12. Katie @ Upcycled Treasures says

    April 22, 2014 at 8:25 am

    This is so adorable and I love the scarf you added too, what a great gift and the perfect summer accessory! Thanks for sharing at The Makers, pinned πŸ™‚

    • The Casual Craftlete says

      April 23, 2014 at 9:23 am

      Thanks for hosting, Katie! I’m glad you like my tote. I actually got that scarf at Wal Mart for $3. Pretty sweet!

  13. Karina says

    April 22, 2014 at 12:42 pm

    I love how simple and clean the glasses graphic is. Perfect addition to so many things – but love it on your fantastic tote. So fun!

    • The Casual Craftlete says

      April 23, 2014 at 9:28 am

      Thanks Karina! I am so glad you like my tote. Hope you are having a great week!

  14. Crystelle says

    April 22, 2014 at 2:05 pm

    This is so ridiculously cute! I need to make one!!!!
    πŸ™‚
    β€œhugs” Crystelle
    Crystelle Boutique

    • The Casual Craftlete says

      April 23, 2014 at 9:29 am

      Awe, thanks Crystelle! I love this tote too. Aren’t those glasses fun?!

  15. Nici says

    April 23, 2014 at 8:21 am

    This is so cute! I love the glasses motif! Adorable! Hope you’ll be linking it up to our All Things Thursday Party tonight!
    Blessings,
    Nici

    • The Casual Craftlete says

      April 23, 2014 at 9:36 am

      Aren’t those glasses fun, Nici! Of course, I will stop by tonight. Love your party!!! Have a wonderful day.

  16. Shayla Epps says

    April 23, 2014 at 2:39 pm

    I love this idea! I think the scarf looks great. I think a fabric flower would work well also.

    • The Casual Craftlete says

      April 24, 2014 at 11:28 am

      Thanks so much, Shayla! Yes, you can decorate the tote anyway you like πŸ™‚ Hope you’re having a great week!

  17. Stacy@ She's{kinda}Crafty says

    April 23, 2014 at 3:07 pm

    Very cute tote. I love it with the scarf!

    • The Casual Craftlete says

      April 24, 2014 at 11:29 am

      Thanks Stacy! That pop if color from the scarf really highlights the tote. I’m so thrilled you stopped! Have a lovely day πŸ™‚

  18. Ashley @ musingsandoats says

    April 23, 2014 at 3:08 pm

    This is so stinkin’ cute! I am loving everything about it, and would definitely copy the idea of the glasses. Looks great!

    • The Casual Craftlete says

      April 24, 2014 at 11:30 am

      Aren’t those glasses fab, Ashley! I added the link to download them πŸ™‚ Thanks so much for stopping by!!!

  19. Carmody says

    April 24, 2014 at 6:15 am

    Really cute and great idea.

    • The Casual Craftlete says

      April 24, 2014 at 11:32 am

      Thank you sweet lady! I love when you stop by πŸ™‚

  20. Ursula says

    April 24, 2014 at 1:39 pm

    Love! I didn’t know Jolee’s had iron transfers! I’ve been trying to make time to make an iron transfer craft and now I’m super inspired πŸ˜‰
    Visiting from Lamberts Lately linky πŸ˜‰
    come visit me!
    Ursula @ http://kraftmint.com {modern & quick crafts }

    • The Casual Craftlete says

      April 24, 2014 at 1:45 pm

      I found Jolee’s iron on transfer at Target. I was just browsing the scrapbook section and came across it. Glad I could inspire you, Ursula! Thanks for stopping by!!!

  21. Claire @ The Simple, Sweet Life says

    April 24, 2014 at 6:08 pm

    Very cute project! I have a trip coming up soon and I may just have to make myself a new trip bag now! πŸ˜‰

    • The Casual Craftlete says

      April 24, 2014 at 8:52 pm

      Have fun on your trip, Claire! I am SO glad you like my tote and stopped by. Have a fabulous evening!!!

  22. lucy says

    April 24, 2014 at 6:50 pm

    gah! I saw this on craftgawker today and LOVE it ! xo

    • The Casual Craftlete says

      April 24, 2014 at 8:53 pm

      Thanks SO much sweet lady! Hugs πŸ™‚

  23. Jessica @ Fantabulosity.com says

    April 25, 2014 at 7:46 am

    Well if this isn’t just the cutest thing EVER! How creative. I totally want one. πŸ™‚

    • The Casual Craftlete says

      April 25, 2014 at 10:20 am

      Awe, thanks Jessica! The tote was super easy to make. I’m so thrilled you stopped by πŸ™‚

  24. Jodee Weiland says

    April 25, 2014 at 8:21 pm

    Love this idea…so cute and easy enough for me to do! Thanks for sharing…this will make a great gift idea for friends getting ready to go on a trip…wishing them bon voyage!

    • The Casual Craftlete says

      April 27, 2014 at 9:46 pm

      So glad you like my tote, Jodee! Have fun making one for your friends πŸ™‚ I wish I was going on a trip!

  25. Allison @ The Golden Sycamore says

    April 25, 2014 at 9:50 pm

    Your tote is seriously so cute! I LOVE the glasses and that pink scarf adds such a fun pop of color!

    • The Casual Craftlete says

      April 27, 2014 at 9:47 pm

      Thanks Allison! I just love those glasses too. Thanks for stopping by. Hope you have a great week πŸ™‚

  26. Antionette Blake says

    April 25, 2014 at 11:52 pm

    This is a great DIY ~ thanks for sharing an linking up with us at the #WWDParty!

  27. Camila says

    April 27, 2014 at 1:38 am

    This project is awesome and how easy! I want to make some of these… I’m planing on making a few Tote bags and I’m definitely trying this.
    XOXO

    • The Casual Craftlete says

      April 27, 2014 at 9:52 pm

      Thanks Cami! Have fun some some totes πŸ™‚ They are super easy to make!

  28. Megin says

    April 29, 2014 at 2:13 pm

    Thank you for sharing this at DIY Showcase on VMG206.

    ~ Megin of VMG206

    • The Casual Craftlete says

      May 2, 2014 at 2:53 pm

      Thank you for hosting and letting me share, Megin! Hope you have a fabulous weekend!

  29. Nicole says

    May 1, 2014 at 9:23 pm

    Thanks so much for linking this up to last weeks Weekend Wind-Down party! I am featuring this crafty project this week. Come on over Friday night at 6pm to grab a button and link up new posts!

    Thanks for giving us great content to feature! =)

    • The Casual Craftlete says

      May 2, 2014 at 3:01 pm

      Oh yay! Thanks SO much, Nicole!!! Thank you for hosting.

  30. Summer says

    May 27, 2014 at 3:56 pm

    Oh so cute – I just love the black handles on the bag – and not too expensive either – thanks for the link of where you bought it!

  31. Laura says

    May 27, 2014 at 4:11 pm

    This is adorable! I love it. I am featuring your tote from The Creative Exchange link party. Have a great week!

  32. Gina says

    August 27, 2014 at 12:59 pm

    So fun! I just love this. My hubby has this ugly tote bag that he uses to carry around food when he’s flying (he’s a pilot) and I hate it. I should make him a prettier one like this!

    Gina
    Pink Wings

  33. K says

    March 25, 2015 at 3:50 pm

    Hi Katie!
    This is such a cute DIY idea. I am craft challenged, but I think I could handle this! I like how you can choose exactly what you want to put on the tote- personalization is perfect for gift giving! Thanks for sharing πŸ™‚
    Xoxo K
    http://peeledwellness.com

    • The Casual Craftlete says

      April 1, 2015 at 9:30 am

      I love personalized totes! Hope you give it a try. xo

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