Collaged Shopping Bag

Reusable Shopping Bag Collaged With Magazine Cut Outs
Collect lots of color related things from magazines...textures, parts of ads, junkmail lettering, etc. Using a paper grocery sack, cut it open and lay it flat to make a pattern. Buy some fusible paper backed iron on adhesive and some clear iron on vinyl (sold on the bolt in notions or by the roll 18" wide) at your fabric or craft store. You will also need some fabric the same size for the bag's lining and also some strapping for the handles whatever size you feel comfortable carrying. (For the lining you can use something you already have...an old tablecloth or article of cotton clothing...a dress with a full skirt maybe). Cut all three the size of pattern. Then comes the creative part as you arrange your collage elements over the fusible adhesive. When you are satisfied with your layout, use a teflon pressing cloth to iron your collage to the fusible adhesive, moving across the collage as you go. Once it is all ironed down, turn it over and remove paper from back. Press this side to your lining. Then apply the clear iron on vinyl over the collage itself to protect it. The most challenging part is when it's time to sew the sides together. Using a leather needle and teflon foot on your sewing machine, sew into the corners as far as you can. Attach your handles where you want them, fastening them very securely. I use rivets on mine. If you like, you can iron strips of the iron on vinyl to the sewn edges for extra protection.