Easy, Inexpensive Totebag Gift Crafts that Kids Can Make

This tradition started about 15 years ago in our family. We would make the grandmas, great-grandmas, aunts and god-mothers a tote bag with each child's hand print on it. Initially, I sewed the tote bags and printed their hands and feet. Later, I taught the kids to sew and it became an Advent project. It also makes an excellent math, measurement and fraction/decimal lesson. We printed the hands and labeled with names and age.

Up to this point I had been unable to find blank tote bags for less than $5 each and usually more. This year, I did find canvas tote bags for $1 each at Dollar Castle.

Directions for Sewing:
If you'd like to make your own, one yard of canvas or muslin will give you enough for about 6 large tote bags. The fabric will come doubled, so cut into six pieces, (3 along the fold and three from the remaining piece) Use the fold for the bottom of three of the bags. Sew the two side seams ( and bottom seams for the ones not on the fold). Open the side seams flat and fold over the 'mouth' of the bag twice and hem. Trim the corners and turn the bag right side out.

For handles, you can purchase some nylon handle webbing about an inch wide for about $1 per yard (4 yards will do 6 bags). Cut into two 12" pieces for each bag. Sew the handles to the inside of the bag, making a box with an 'x' inside.

Directions for Painting:
Children can sponge paint as well or stencil as well. We usually include a little poem, verse or motto to personalize. We have used 'A pat on the Back for Grandma!' Or 'With Love to Gram Cracker' ( her nickname)! Use your Sharpie marker for any decorations or writing. Before you paint, place a piece of cardboard from a cereal box inside the bag and lay flat (paint can 'bleed' through). Paint the bags with any fabric paint you wish. It WILL NOT wash off clothes so protect all fabric and furniture. You can often buy paint 2/ $1 at most craft stores or / Wal-Mart.

On a disposable foam plate or pie plate, place a paint drop the size of a quarter in the middle. Take the child's palm and rub it around, making sure the entire palm is covered. Place the child's hand where you want it on the bag and press gently and firmly all over hand,being careful not to move the hand. Lift the hand off yourself (children get excited and often smear the paint).

Have them immediately wash paint off. It will also peel off from skin and wood or plastic surfaces. Set it in a safe place (out of reach of cats, we've learned). Use a Sharpie marker to label kids hand prints with names and ages

Variations:

We made first aid kits for our Uncles' and Grandpas' cars; by researching what goes into a first aid kit, we got a good science and survival lesson, too. By sewing several narrow 'pockets' in the bags from top to bottom, we made Dad a tool bag. They can be diaper bags for a new sibling or cousin, too.

You can paint a tee-shirt, sweatshirt, towel, pillow-case, rug, smooth fabric lampshade or tablecloth using this simple strategy, also. We've made these items as gifts for teachers and scout leaders and they were well received!

Cost Summary
One yard of canvas, any color (about $6 a yard)
4 yards woven nylon strap
at least one small bottle of fabric paint
one black Sharpie marker
sewing machine

If you had to purchase all supplies, except the machine, your cost would be about $12 total or $2 each.
This project works great for classes as well! For more kids crafts and holiday gift crafts, visit my linked blogs.