From time to time I run across a blog chocked full of creative inspiration. Tinker Verve is such a blog. I’ve been following it for a while and have been consistently impressed by the wonderful creations Elaine makes. Not long ago I told Elaine I’d love to look inside her mind. It occurred to me her blog gives me that opportunity. Check it out and see her truly unique creations.
Last month Elaine posted pictures of a shopping bag she made from a 25 pound sugar bag. Her bag turned out crazy cute. I couldn’t resist trying my hand at making one of my own. Mine isn’t a delicious, hot pink, but I did find a 25 pound sugar bag with personality. Since I had to buy the sugar, too, I’ve got plenty on hand now if anyone needs to borrow a cup.
Although I went about my project the hard way I’m pleased with the finished bag. The next one I make I’ll measure and make my lining BEFORE sewing my sugar bag. This time I sewed the bottom and added gussets and had to fit the lining by trial and error. It would have been so easy peasy if I had dealt with the lining in the beginning. We truly do learn by trial and error.
Here’s the finished bag…
It has a shoulder strap and two small hands centered, one on each side.
I added rickrack and pompom trim for the simple pleasure of making it “fun”.
There is a recipe for Chocolate Chip Banana Muffins printed on the back. Yum!
The lining part of a pair of well worn American Eagle jeans and a piece of the accent fabric used along the top of the bag and the handles. When I saw this picture I noticed a few threads left behind from a seam ripper moment. They will be removed.
The next one I make will be with a green rabbit food bag…I’ll use it for produce. 🙂
Remember check out Tinker Verve and look at Elaine’s beautiful creations.
Until next time…
We want to be spiritually grown, but we don’t like growing because growing hurts. ~ unknown ~
That is very cute!! We don’t have any appealing sugar bags that I know of – but I saved some 25 lb wild bird seed bags, with the idea of making a tote out of them!!! I like your jeans lining idea. May have to put that on my list of things to do soon………………!!!
Good morning. Birdseed bags would be good…I’m looking at bulk packaging a whole new way these days. I spotted a bright yellow Domino sugar bag the other day and plan on getting one…but not until my sugar supply is a bit depleted.
Have a wonderful day. It hit the 30’s here last night…yea!
oxo Judy
Wow, I’m totally impressed! I’ll have to borrow the lining idea. That’s a paper bag, right? As far as waiting to buy another #25 of sugar, why wait? It’s not getting any cheaper, and it doesn’t spoil if kept dry, and mice don’t like it, try a 5 gallon plastic bucket to store it…Thanks for sharing the idea, what a blessing!
I absolutely love the tote you made and the jean lining idea is very clever indeed. The sugar sack is fantastic, front and back, and I love the details especially the rickrack. I am a rick rack gal,but I think the pom poms detract rather than add to it. But that is just me! Take it for what it’s worth, not very much.HA! You are one clever gal, so happy to have met you thru the tea cup exchange! That event was a blessing to all of us who took part in so many magical ways!! Lennie
You did a beautiful job. Thanks for the sweet words. It’s always wonderful to be able to touch someone else with a bit of inspiration!
Good morning, Lennie. I’m glad you like the tote. Pompoms are truly tacky…but some kinds of tacky make me smile. 🙂 The whimsical kind. I love bottle trees, too. It’s even possible a pink flamingo could find it’s way to our yard. I don’t mind you not caring much for the pompoms…and am very glad you feel free enough to be candid with your thoughts.
I wish I could claim the “clever” rights to this project, but they don’t belong to me. I don’t know if Elaine thought this up, but I first saw it on her blog.
Hope your day is one big blessing.
oxo Judy
Good morning Dear Heather,
Thank you, thank you, thank you. Feel free to borrow my borrowed idea. 🙂 Yes that is a paper bag…which was probably the most difficult thing about this project. It’s simply not a pliable as fabric…but worth it for the fun factor. I confess I won’t wait until I need more sugar…the Domino bag is calling me. I dumped the Winn Dixie sugar into 5 quart ice cream buckets…It took surprisingly few. You are so right about the price…I’m stocking everything I can on the “cheap” for later. It’s only going to get worse. Would you believe we’ve got Delmonte veggies selling for 2 for $1 at one of the local grocery stores? Maybe you can…but I was greatly surprised and have added as many cans to our stash pantry as budget would allow. I’ll add more this weekend…payday is Friday.
I hope all is well in your piece of the world.
oxo Judy
Good morning, Elaine. Thank you. I promise you my “sweet words” were from the heart and sincere. Your creativity shines bright, and I love it! It’s been a while since I felt truly inspired to make something for the sheer fun of doing it. Life gets heavy sometimes, and when it does, it seems creativity is one of the first things that gets stifled. Just when you need it the most…
You are a blessing to me.
oxo Judy
What a great repurposing project, I must admit I’ve never seen (or looked) for 25lbs of sugar = oh my 🙂
I have looked at 5 lb bags and thought they were too good to throw away though!
Your lovely jean lining would make a great reversible bag!
I’m off the check out your links!
Hello Grandmother of mine! I absolutely love your sugar bag! 🙂 But of course you already know that! 🙂
Kirsten