Silhouette Tote Bag

I didn't get the "good gift giver" bone.  My sister did, and always comes up with the most thoughtful and creative gifts.  This year at Christmas, she gave me some beautiful aqua earrings because "they would make my eyes sparkle and make my hair shine like a mermaid."  Todd has had a few strikeouts in terms of gifts, but it's mostly home runs for him.  One time when we were dating, I casually mentioned that I'd always wanted a KitchenAid mixer and he got a huge group together to buy that $300 bad boy for me!  Then there was that time that he wrapped up the most beautiful diamond engagement ring that I'd ever seen and gave it to me on Christmas...  My mom is an incredibly generous gift giver- she LOVES showering people with gifts big and small.  And not only that, but she's not really "attached" to her belongings.  Last weekend, I felt like I practically stole a turquoise ring right off her finger!  I told her I liked it, and she said, "oh here.. you have it.  I never wear it." Even though she was wearing it RIGHT THEN!

I always WANT to give good gifts, and sometimes I think I do, but then there are just some holidays (ahem... Mother's Day) that just sneak up on me and I feel like my gift ends up falling short.  But not this year!  I actually feel really proud of the gift I will give to my mom this Mother's Day.

It's this Silhouette Tote Bag:

I used my new sewing skills and my old ironing skills to whip up this baby!  I sewed together the scarf (after the lady at the store cut the pieces to the right length and then marked off the diagonal for me, which was nice).  And then I made a little Silhouette of sweet Cooper's chunky little face.  Cooper got to go on the bag since he's the favorite kid anyways.

I was surprised that I was even able to get his lips in the picture, since his cheeks are so fluffy.

Making the bag was EASY!
Here's what you need:
-A canvas tote bag (mine was from Marshall's)
-Fusible web (Wonder Under)
-Fabric for your silhouette

First thing you do is take a picture of your little beauty.  I had to prop up some toys to get him to look up.  You might need to crop/zoom in on your picture once you are viewing it on your computer.  I played around with a few sizes before I got it to a size that I liked.  Then, print out your photo on cardstock.  Next, trace the outline of the cardstock silhouette with a dark pen so that you will be able to see through the transparent fusible web paper.  Next, trace the design onto the fusible web.  The directions for the fusible web might be a little different, but with mine, I ironed it to the wrong side of my fabric.  Lastly, I stuck it to the canvas bag and ironed it on.  SO SIMPLE!  I suppose I could top stitch the design to the bag, but I might mess that up, so it's best to leave it alone :)

And for once, it's a Mother's Day gift that I feel really proud of and really excited to give my incredibly deserving, inspiring, creative, and loving mom!

Sidenote- this Mother's Day is going to be extra special because we are dedicating my precious butterball, Cooper, to the Lord on Sunday.  That makes this Mama's heart VERY happy.