Australian Opal Flower Tote

May 3, 2015

Tote-E

By Judi Kauffman for Elizabeth Craft Designs

Thanks for inviting me back as today’s guest designer. I had such a great time making the Flower Power Wristlet a while back that I decided to make another project that combines die cut Shimmer Sheetz flowers and Feltables. This time it’s a generously sized Flat Bottom Bag, big enough to haul library books or knitting. I picked Australian Opal Gemstone Shimmer Sheetz because of how it looks against the gray felt – silvery and sophisticated with undertones of ever-changing light-reflective iridescent colors.

Tote-B

Don’t get intimidated by the supply list! You can easily customize the project to suit your taste and your budget. For example, as shown, the flowers require three 5” x 12” pieces of Shimmer Sheetz (one package), but if you use fewer (or don’t layer them as much as I did) you will need less.

I mixed and matched dies from six different sets but you’ll have great results even if you only use two. If you limit it to two sets I recommend Crystal Flower Set 1 (also used for the Wristlet) and Bunch of Flowers 1.

Tote-C

I used three embossing folders, but you’re fine with only one or two. If you use only one I recommend Lots of Dots. It provides a particularly interesting texture. If you go for two, add Petal Power. I think seeing flower patterns embossed onto die cut Crystal Flowers is a wonderful visual treat! No matter how many dies you use, you’ll be embossing and sanding the larger flowers; lightly sand the small ones.

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I added faceted flat-backed gems to only three of the larger Crystal Flowers. The rest of the flowers are layered with one or two additional smaller ones. If you want more bling, get an assortment of gems in varying sizes and colors and go wild!

Options:

Group the flowers in clusters, as shown, arrange them in a row, or randomly scatter them across the tote.

Use Shimmer Sheetz in lots of colors instead of just one!

Add in some die cut felt leaves.

Sew the flowers in place and mix in some beads and charms instead of using Lumiere 3D Metallic Paint & Adhesive.

Instructions:

This project follows the same instructions as the Flower Power Wristlet. You can find it HERE.

Tote-A

Supplies:

Elizabeth Craft Designs –
Three 5” x 12” pieces of Shimmer Sheetz in color(s) of choice. Shown:
SS0225 Australian Opal Gemstone
803 Metal Adaptor Plate (Required for die cutting Shimmer Sheetz)
Assorted flower dies of choice. Shown:
702 Flower Set 2
725 Flower Set 3
728 Bunch of Flowers 1
729 Bunch of Flowers 2
795 Big Flower Set 1
924 Crystal Flower Set 1
Three all-over pattern embossing folders of choice. Shown:
E118 Spring Leaves
E117 Petal Power
E114 Lots of Dots

Other –
Feltables #100-49769 Flat Bottom Bag in Gray
Lumiere 3D Metallic Paint & Adhesive in Steel (Jacquard Products)
Three .25” flat-backed gems in Black (optional)
Die cutting and embossing machine
Sanding block
Damp rag

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  • Marge May 24, 2015 at 10:23 am

    Beautiful

  • Mary Prasad May 6, 2015 at 8:51 am

    Stunning!

  • Bibi Lindahl May 4, 2015 at 10:59 pm

    It’s gorgeous!! I love the contrast between the grey felt and the colorful Shimmer Sheetz!
    I think they would sell really well!

  • DebbieL May 3, 2015 at 2:11 pm

    This is beautiful Judi!

  • Raquel Mason May 3, 2015 at 2:05 pm

    You certainly have the prettiest felt bag I’ve ever seen.

    • Judi Kauffman May 4, 2015 at 9:12 am

      It’s the sparkliest one I’ve ever seen, that’s for sure. I get a ton of comments and have seriously considered making some to sell!

  • Darla May 3, 2015 at 1:45 pm

    The tote is stunning. Great for a dessy occasion.

    • Judi Kauffman May 4, 2015 at 9:11 am

      Thank you, Darla. It’s been fun to use.

  • Angelique May 3, 2015 at 10:58 am

    Beautiful bag!

    • Judi Kauffman May 3, 2015 at 12:26 pm

      Thank you, Angelique. I like the shape of the Feltables tote – it holds a lot and it stands uprightl because of the flat elongated oval at the bottom.

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