I will admit it…I’m a makeup junkie. Somehow, I’m always lured into buying more stuff, because they will “throw in” a cute tote. I realized I have way too many totes that have never been used…so, it was time for May Arts Ribbon to come to the rescue. And by using a tote that I already had, it saved me from having to get out my sewing machine. This is also a great idea if you have a tote that has printing on it, that you would like to cover over.

My tote was plain denim – so it was just begging for ribbons to make it special. I already told you I didn’t want to have to pull out my sewing machine, so instead, I opted for the hot glue gun. I started with the top ruffle, and put a bead of glue along the edge, and finger pleated the ribbon as I went. 1 yard of ribbon for each row was plenty to create the ruffles. As I worked down the rows, I just made sure that the top row overlapped the one I was adding.

This was the perfect way to upcyle and restyle a very boring tote.

By Gini William Cagle

May Arts Ribbons Used:

• 468-23-33 2.5” Cotton Blend with Vintage Inspired Print (2 yds)
• 468-25-19 2.5” Cotton Blend with Vintage Inspired Print (2 yds)
• 468-25-17 2.5” Cotton Blend with Vintage Inspired Print   (2 yds)
• 489-3-30B 3” Printed Burlap (2 yds)
• 536-15-33 1.5” Natural Ribbon with Velvet Polkadots (2 yds)

Other Supplies Used:

Hot Glue Gun

Denim Tote