Back again with my third non-cheesy DIY gift idea, and this one is incredibly easy and quick.  These days, I think we are all aware that we should try to live sustainable lives. One easy way to get started on the right track (and something MANY people have already done) is to make the switch from plastic to reusable. That can mean anything from swapping sandwich bags for containers (I know I know, the washing, but you’ll get over it) to bringing your own reusable cloth bags with you to the market and to stores so you can opt-out of plastic and pack your goods in them.

Making the switch is easy and it can also be fashionable. Reusable totes do not have to look frumpy they can be designed and customized to work as a stylish addition to a busy woman’s wardrobe.  Making your own tote bag is affordable and the result is something unique. This is one of my favourite gift ideas because I can go out and buy all the supplies at once, yet can create a different bag for each person on my list. Many of my family members now reach for their customized reusable tote rather than plastic because it’s better for the environment, easier — and looks great! Even the “manliest” men in my life have enjoyed receiving this one; you just have to know how to pitch it to them—sports bag, grocery bag, lunch sack etc. Here is the method I use when making customized reusable tote bags, but don’t feel limited to doing what I do; there are SO many ways you can make this project your own.

Customized Reusable Tote Bag

Supplies:

Plain tote bags – can be purchased at your local craft store, dollar store or market. Extra points if you decide to buy bags made out   of organic or recycled materials.

Plain iron-on transfer sheets -  can be purchased from the craft, dollar or paper supply stores.

An Iron

Designs -  you can copy royalty free clip art from the web or you can make your own designs in paint or another drawing or design program. You can even do a design using cool fonts, perhaps someone’s name for a especially personalized look or initials for monogrammed bag.

Computer + printer

Method:

Print the designs on the iron-on transfer paper and simply iron them on the tote bags. There are usually instructions included with the transfers, but in my experience one thing to avoid is moving the iron in a back and forth motion as this will crinkle the design. You usually just need press down with the iron and hold to get the transfer to well, transfer. Also, if you want to skip the design stage there are tons of stores out there that sell transfers already designed and ready to go. You can still customize each bag, but will save on time.

Alternate Methods:

You could try are using fabric pastels or markers to actually draw the design onto the bag, which works well if you are great at drawing, if you want a simplistic design or if you are making a bag for the kids. Side note: the fabric pastels/markers and plain bag are an awesome idea as a crafting gift for a child or as a fun family activity.

If you are great at sewing you can buy beads, string them on thread and sew them into designs on the bag or you can even use thicker coloured thread to stitch a design yourself. I have seen people customize their bags with pins, sewn on felt or fabric shapes, buttons—the ideas are truly endless. One thing I love doing when I am looking for a new idea for a tote bag is going to my local thrift store. Most thrift stores sell bags of odds and ends that don’t really have a place on shelves. I have bought bags of buttons and chains, pins and craft supplies that I have used to customize purses, clothing, shoes—and of course, reusable tote bags.

I hope you like the idea! Is this something you have done before? I would love to hear your thoughts!

I promised last week in my DIY Natural Beauty Basket post that I would continue posting homemade gift ideas. I am not one to break my promises so here is another one of my favourite DIY holiday (or anytime) gift ideas:

Homemade Personalized Tea Box:

Tea is one of my favourite things. There are so many wonderful free-trade and organic herbal blends out there to choose from. A few years ago I decided I would turn my love for tea into an awesome gift idea. I decided to make herbal tea box sets for my friends and family, customizing the herbs based on each of their lifestyles; the overworked friend got some calming, relaxing, stress relieving herbs while the tired friend got rejuvenating and energizing blends; you get the picture.

Things you’ll need for each box:

1 tea infuser  – I use a stainless steel tea ball and it costs me between 2 and 3 dollars for each one.

Loose leaf tea/herbs  – I choose several different types that suit the lifestyle of the person the gift is for. You can purchase tea/herbs at your   local farmer’s market, health food stores, tea shops and Asian markets. Just make sure to choose high quality sustainable herbs and to purchase and assemble this project fairly close to when you are going to give it, to ensure the tea remains at its freshest.

Decorative Boxes – You can purchase these at your local craft store or dollar store. I like to buy  different shapes and sizes and decorate them with ribbons and bows.

Tea holders  – This is one part of the project where you can get really creative. If you have a knack for sewing you can repurpose something you don’t use anymore such as decorative curtains or napkins by sewing the cloth into little pouches to hold each kind of loose leaf tea. What I do when I have less time is buy a pack of high quality coffee filters. I cut the tops with decorative scissors and use small ribbons to tie up the ends sealing the tea inside.

I then cut up old cards or gift tags into cute shapes and apply labels with the name of each herb and its properties (i.e relaxation, revitalization etc.).  The next step is to punch a hole in each shape and attach it to the ribbon on each little satchel of tea.

Put the completed tea holders (filled with tea, of course)in the decorative boxes with a nice handwritten note and the infuser and you have a wonderful personalized gift. Everyone I have given these tea boxes to has been receptive and appreciative. They love mixing and matching the herbs I chose for them to create their perfect combination. This is a nice high quality gift idea that is both easy to assemble and shows you care.

Mmm’ I think I am going have a cup of tea right now. Oh, and I’d love to hear about your favourite combinations!