Gypsy Art Tote Bag
By Suzi Blu
http://suziblu.typepad.com/

To find and view products used for this project, click here. Join guest artist Suzi Blu for this creative Gypsy Tote Bag tutorial! This artsy project also features a really fun, how-to video by Suzi that will keep you entertained and laughing – especially toward the end when you get to meet her dog Gigi and a bunny that will have you in stitches!

1. Wash tote bag (5AL-TOTEH) in machine and dry. Iron flat.
2. Dye according to package directions. Iron flat.
3. Use StazOn ink (5TS-SZ-000-101) and stamp a Suzi Blu Girl
(5UN-SUZI805A - DISCONTINUED) onto fabric. Cover with clear Gesso. Let dry. (It dries pretty quickly).
4. Color girl with colored pencils. My favorites are Prismacolor and Faber Castel. Paint with water colors or watered down acrylics until the stamped image feels finished. (Have fun here. I didn't add glitter, but you could. Or beads on her dress. You could embroider her dress! The possibilities in embellishing her are endless.)
5. Sew around the image for a decorative border. (Don't worry about it being straight, I don't.)
6. With a Paint Stripper heat tool burn the edges of the fabric. Please be careful. As long as you aim it at the fabric and not yourself, you will be safe. This technique gives it the western gypsy look.
7. Dye decorative fabric in Tan Ritt dye or coffee stain. Let dry.
8. Sandwich fabric behind the girl and one at a time sew with a machine.
9. Bunch scrap fabrics together and sew one line down the center all at once.
10. Cut out flowers from ribbons and place on top of wool roving. Sew it in a whimsical haphazard manner.
11. Glue sewed fabrics onto tote bag.
12. Hand sew crochet flowers and scrap fabrics to border. Voilà!

Craft and Painter's Tote
Measures 12"W x 13 1/2"H x 5"D
Price $15.99
SKU: 5AL-TOTEH
Order online!

Spring Flower Chic
Measures: 3.75 x 6.75"
Price: $12.49
SKU: 5UN-SUZI805A
Order online!

Royal Purple StazOn Ink Pad
Price: $8.99
SKU: 5TS-SZ-000-101
Order Online!

Clearly Impressed
Large Rectangular Acrylic Mount
3" x 6" x 1/2"
Price: $12.95
SKU: 5CLR-3X6
Order Online!