How to Make an Apple-Print Tote Bag

comments (21) March 22nd, 2012

Pin It

kayte terry, contributor

79 users recommend

My apple tote accompanied me on a recent shopping trip to Dumbo and the Brooklyn Flea!

Look for nicely shaped apples that you think will make good prints.

Dab, dont paint, the ink onto the apples so you cant see any brushstrokes.

My apple tote accompanied me on a recent shopping trip to Dumbo and the Brooklyn Flea!

Photo: Kayte Terry

1 | 2 | 3 next> View all

Add Comment
Print

I don't know about you, but I am much more likely to remember to bring reusable totes to the grocery store when said totes are cute and fashionable. This tote bag is printed with real apples and embellished with a little bit of appliqué and bright fabric handles. Hang your new tote right by the front door, and I guarantee you will never ask for paper or plastic at the store again!

What you'll need:

Two or three apples with stems
Sharp knife
Cardboard
Plain canvas tote bag
Fabric ink
Sponge or spongebrush
Press cloth and iron
1/4 yard cotton fabric
Small scrap of a contrasting cotton fabric
Small piece of fusible webbing
Fabric and paper scissors
Sewing machine and thread
Seam ripper

More Projects:

• Make Simple White Paper Flowers
• Make a One-Pattern-Piece Reversible Sunhat
• How to Recycle Magazines into Jewelry
• Make a Mosaic with Your Old Plastic

How to print the tote:

Look for nicely shaped apples that you think will make good prints.

1. Cut an apple in half with a sharp knife. You will use the side with the stem attached.

2. Insert a piece of cardboard into the tote bag so that the ink doesn't bleed through.

Dab, don't paint, the ink onto the apple so you can't see any brushstrokes.

3. Brush the apple half with ink (don't forget the stem!), and firmly press the apple onto the bag as desired. Continue to make your pattern. If you want to change colors, you will need to use another apple.

4. When the ink is dry, place a press cloth over the bag and press to heat-set.

1 | 2 | 3 next> View all

Did you make this?
After you make this project, show off your work to other members!
Post your project in the gallery

View 1 member project gallery

My own Appleprint...
un_vagalume

posted in:

Add Comment Print

Project Runway All Stars: "Finale"

Back to List

How to Brighten a Rainy Day Brunch

Comments (21)

GlassPeace writes: Oh my gosh I love it!
Posted: 1:28 am on April 30th

patricetaylor88 writes: This would be a great project to do with Liberty, my 8 year old niece.
Posted: 12:49 pm on March 25th

isnessofwhatis writes: this is AWESOME! I'm putting this on my must do list.
Posted: 12:56 am on July 16th

Menna writes: Super fun
Posted: 6:57 pm on May 19th

un_vagalume writes: I couldn't wait to do one on my own :P So beautiful idea!
Posted: 6:34 pm on April 15th

meganc writes: So cute. I want to do this with my daughters. It won't come out as neat and tidy, but they'll love doing it. Kayte, your tutorials are always fantastic.
Posted: 9:58 am on April 11th

scrappytime writes: This is such a great project! Fun and functional!
Posted: 6:32 pm on April 9th

sarahbcraw writes: This is so fun!
Posted: 1:33 pm on April 7th

erika_kern writes: So much fun! I love how it just screams spring. Oh, and you're completely making me miss Brooklyn. Brooklyn!
Posted: 11:18 pm on April 3rd

csheffield writes: Definitely can't wait to try this!
Posted: 7:19 pm on April 3rd