Monday, May 6, 2013

Bags of Inspiration...

Well, hello my lovelies and Happy Bank Holiday to all the folk over here. Cor blimey, we have a sunny one!!! This week at Simon Says Stamp & Show it is all about inspiration. What grabs your attention, who does it for you in the arty world, how do you go to kick start your mojo? We would love to know...
Well, never say never. My inspiration this week was all down to hubby's ever increasing pile of used jeans. I love sewing and up-cycling so the two came together in my Tattered Florals tote bag. Last month Tim Holtz held a great challenge all about these lovely blooms on his blog, but I just didn't find the time to join in...
But all the fabulous ideas that people came up with were so inspiring I thought I would still go for a Tattered Floral tribute! I cut off the trouser legs, cut them open along the seam and then cut two panels from the widest part to create the bag. I dug out my fabric scraps and also used the swatches from American Crafts. I ironed BondaWeb to the revesre of my scraps and then cut a selection of flowers. Just be careful when removing the backing paper from the Bond-a-Web before ironing the flowers onto the bag and you also need a really hot iron to ensure they adhere properly.
I was thinking of adding lots of buttons and wording but I like the modern, clean look. Also I think it is more practical to have a flush front otherwise it might catch on everything. It needs to be pretty and usable!!!! I did need a little extra touch and I thought that a word band was the just the ticket. I coloured it with a little alcohol ink to get the right tone and sewed it on.

It's all pretty simple really, but great fun too. It's just a basic tote bag and I didn't line it either!

If you have never made one here are a few ideas...  

You can use all sorts of scrap fabrics. Curtains, pillow cases, tea towels... Just in time for summer to carry a few books and your sun tan cream to the beach!

"Inspired by..." is a really fabulous challenge theme and with so many wonderful artists out there, in all fields, the possibilities are endless....Check out the really wonderful  ideas from the rest of the Design Team here! We are on the hunt for our top three artists and there is this very generous $50 voucher to be won too. Do join in and share your inspiration with us.
That's me all done again. Thanks for popping by! Enjoy your day and I'll see you soon.
Sarah.

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13 comments:

  1. Candy CMay 6, 2013 at 5:28 AM

    Sarah...I think your upcycled denim bag using Tim's Tattered Florals is adorable. I love the idea and of course, you finished it out beautifully. The flowers are so bright and fun. And...I love the addition of Tim's word stick! <3 Candy

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  2. barbarayaya62May 6, 2013 at 5:38 AM

    Perfectly suitable for spring the bag jeans and flowers! Very beautiful!! BArbarayaya

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  3. SandraMay 6, 2013 at 10:47 AM

    How much fun is this? Using old denims to make it into a bag! Really cool! Love the pop of color with the Tattered Florals! Hugs, Sandra

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  4. Craft Addicts - Tracy EvansMay 6, 2013 at 11:06 AM

    What a fabulous piece of recycling using your hubby's jeans to create a denim bag and so on trend too. Love the pop of colour from the flowers and the word band is a lovely touch. Hope you are all well. Tracy x x

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  5. CathyMay 6, 2013 at 12:29 PM

    Great idea Sarah! I once made a clothes peg bag out of some old jeans but your bag is so cool! Love the tattered flowers as a decoration too. Thanks for the inspiration :) Cathy

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  6. Suzanne CMay 6, 2013 at 1:23 PM

    How sweet is that! Love that you upcycled the jeans into such a sweet bag and that little charm is perfect!

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  7. Janny Jager May 6, 2013 at 3:55 PM

    Great bag Sarah.
    Love it.
    greetings Janny

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  8. di from di-did-itMay 6, 2013 at 5:13 PM

    What a great use of old jeans - love what you did. The word band is a unique touch. What did you use for the straps/handles?

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  9. RedanneMay 6, 2013 at 6:38 PM

    What a fabulous way to upcycle a pair of old jeans Sarah! I wish that my DH wore jeans now.....sigh....will have to have a go using something else instead. Thanks so much for the inspiration. Your bag is amazing! Hugs, Anne x

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  10. Jenny MarplesMay 6, 2013 at 7:37 PM

    Such a great way to use those jeans Sarah. Love the look and it will be so sturdy. Hugs, Jenny x

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  11. CherylMay 7, 2013 at 3:15 AM

    Cute bag, and I love that you used old jeans. I have several pair that are about ready to toss, so I might just hold on to them to make some of these bags, too! Love the floral iron-ons--very retro!

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  12. Anita Houston The Artful MavenMay 7, 2013 at 5:25 AM

    What a fantastic idea Sarah!!! Functional and beautiful! I love the handles...so sturdy! Used jeans always bring good money on eBay as well..FYI, but I save every pair too lol!

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  13. email: Steph@SimonSaysStamp.comMay 7, 2013 at 10:43 PM

    Cute denim bag, loving the bright flowers!

    *mwah*
    Steph
    Simon Says Stamp!

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