When I saw how Maia’s class were painting their book bags, I was inspired to have a go and make a multimedia work of art myself! Here’s how I made and decorated my book bag… or as I like to refer to it:
Cut out the fabric; the book bags we made were approximately 84 cm x 36cm. Over sew all edges and fold in half – the fold is the bottom of your bag. Draw your design, in my case this was a tree (but you are only limited by your imagination) in the center of the front half:Using fabric paint, fill in the tree truck and branches (once dry, iron the paint to set it). Crochet up your favourite flowers, leaves and other decorations. I used this lovely flower pattern, I kind of winged the leaves, but here’s a good basic pattern, and here’s another. I also crocheted a wee birdie and some circles. Sew everything in place, and add buttons and other embellishments for interest:Make a lining, very slightly smaller than the size as your bag. Sew side seams together and fold over the top 2cm:Insert lining inside bag (wrong side to wrong side): Cut webbing handles to desired length, and insert between your layers. Pin in place, so when you sew the top seam everything comes out even 🙂Fill with treasures and enjoy……Or make one for a gift, and pay it forward! Have a lovely week, everyone! ♥ Janette xo
The bag looks gorgeous – The Magic Faraway Tree! Perfect Janette. Thanks for sharing.
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Thanks Vivien, you’re right it is like the magic faraway tree!
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Thanks for the pattern. I love these bags!:)
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My pleasure 🙂
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thank you Janette, this bag is so GORGEOUS!!!!!!
xxxxx Ale
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Thanks Ale!! Xox
>
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The crocheted flowers are so sweet and the bag is perfectly sewn. I admire your sewing skill…A sewing machine has been promised to me as Christmas gift…I hope that I’ll be able to use it since I have never sewn in my life….
xxx
Tajana
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Lucky you, I bet you will have so much fun with a new sewing machine!! Xx
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Lovely made & very good step by step tutorial 🙂
Love the crochet flower original how to site , nicely spotted Janette!
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Thanks Nina, yes it’s a pretty little pattern 🙂
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this teacher of your daughter will be so pleased! I bet she will blush & don’t want to take it at all..& later on she’ll carry it with pride! well done you x
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I really hope she likes it!
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I love your bag xx
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Thank you! X
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I LOVE this!! And the childrens’ bags were just gorgeous! It is half term next week for us in England and with it being the first school holiday that I’m not working (plus inevitable wet Autumnal weather) I’m going to get my two girls making one each! Thank you so much for your tutorial x
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Such a fun project, I bet your girls will love it! Xx
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What a wonderful gift, especially for teachers. I cannot wait to make several. Thank you. I’m a novice at crochet….. any tips on how to crochet the little bird?
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Oh yes, I’m going to add a tiny how too. Soon! Xx
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très bonne idée j’ aime beaucoup c’ est colorés a souhait bravo biz
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Thank you Dane!!
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The bags are a good idea. Wish I had the time right now to make one or two. Busy with a wedding project.
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Add it to the list for when you have time, good luck with the wedding 🙂
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great idea!
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Thank you x
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It’s so ridiculously beautiful! The teacher must’ve been so happy to receive it! Thank you for the tutorial and the links to patterns! I will definitely be using them in the future!
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They are cute flowers, so many clever people out there!!
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Just Beautiful.
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Thanks Charley!
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That would make a great project bag. Very cute thanks for sharing.
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Yes it would, I have so many handmade bags, but I love them all. I hope that she likes this one:)
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H E R M O S A 🙂
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Thanks 🙂
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You make it sound so easy! Lovely bag.
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Truly it is. I promise 😉
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Lindisimo bolso!!!!!
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Thanks Noemi! X
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The bag is so cute!
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Thank you Deborah! Xx
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The bag is gorgeous!! I’m sure it will be well loved
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Thanks 🙂
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Thank yo! Love the project and the crochet. Thank you for the tutorial (you make it all so clear and the photos are great) and links to so many other flower patterns.
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My pleasure, they are lovely flowers aren’t they ? Xx
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Cool demo-beautiful bag! Sharon
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Thank you Sharon!
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Super like!!!
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Thanks Stephanie! Xx
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Stunning and so creative. I love it.
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Thanks Colline 🙂
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This is such a wonderful idea. I love the mix of fabric painting and crochet motifs. You are very creative 🙂
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Thanks, it’s really just two things that I love- crochet and painting!
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Wow, it’s great to see what you’ve made with these flowers!! Very nice!!
Greetings from Ellebel
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Thank you for the lovely pattern Ellebel! Xx
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Great bag and a lovely idea of you!
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Thank you!
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Love this bag!! I think I may make this one of my projects for 2014. Xx
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Great 🙂
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que precioso!!!!me encanto tu bolsa!gracias por el tutorial
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Thanks Monica!
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Oh wow!! It’s just wonderful!! really lovely, I love it 🙂
Thanks for sharing!
Lluisa x
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Thank you Lluisa c
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The bag looks so cute 🙂 What a beautiful and creative work
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