I am of the opinion you can never have too many tote bags. I use them for hauling groceries, carrying books from the library or just as a purse. They are so versatile! Here's how I made this hand-stamped quote bag: 1. Supplies: blank tote bag, leather strips (mine were 1"x23"), scissors or a seam ripper, letter stamps, and fabric paint. 2. Remove the existing straps with a seam ripper or pair of scissors. Sew the cut leather strips onto the outside with a sewing machine. 3. Choose a favorite quote—mine is a quote from Marilyn Monroe. Write it out so you have a reference. Brush the paint onto the stamps and begin stamping your quote. I ended up using smaller stamps than I originally intended since my quote was pretty long. 4. Let the paint dry and you're all done! Happy stamping! xo. Katie
So love this! I sew, and have been wanting to make a tote bag {they are fairly simple to make} but wasn’t inspired– this would be a perfect project & I love the look!!
This is such a fun idea!! It came out looking so clean cut and definitely not like a homemade craft. I’ll definitely be trying this!! They sell stuff like that for $50 on websites. Now I can make it myself and exactly the way I want it :] Thanks!
Haha, silly me, I looked at the first picture and went ‘that bag had to be pretty expensive’, so kudos for the great DIY. Btw you are absolutely right about the totes – one can never have too many 🙂
Totes + stamping + words = LOVE LOVE LOVE! And I never would have thought to change out the handles… it makes it look so much more sophisticated. Great idea!
I love DIY projects like this where you can take something boring and plain and make it unique and fashionable. I’ve heard this quote many times, and seeing it on a bag is a nice reminder to be yourself!
Lovely! Tote bags are my favorite thing to make! Where did you get the leather straps? I have had a difficult time finding ones that I like, but yours look great.
I’ve been thinking about decorating a tote bag for a while now but hadn’t thought about replacing the straps! The leather straps make it look like it’s a designer handbag. Love it!
Oh, I love this! I’ve been wanting to get more into tote bags for the grocery store rather than the 1 million plastic bags the grocery store things you need to carry your groceries! Love!
Hi there! Just so you are aware, this is not a verifiable Marilyn Monroe quote. It is more likely something that was falsely attributed to her at one time, and just keeps making the rounds on the Internet with her name attached, as there is no documented source of her ever saying these words. I adore your blog, and this is a cute project as usual – but there is a massive amount of Monroe-misinformation out there, so just wanted to clarify.
What a cool idea! I was just curious though,do you think the text would ever fade (after so many washes) or do you think it’d be pretty permanent? Thanks.
I love this! Here in San Francisco they charge you for bags now. It is better to bring your own when you go shopping. Every store charges you 10 cents for a bag.
I agree with you that never too many tote bags. I also use them very often when I go shopping or to carry things to work. I love the idea with a quote. I also like drawing on bags with Uni Posca pens.
Amazing! I have done something like that-actually it was handwriting. The best thing is that you have the ability to write eanyything you want-anything that has a special meaning for you.. 🙂
You can buy blank tote bags on Etsy. I print them and sell them on Etsy: this is my Etsy shop
NinaLevett.etsy.com. This is where I bought the blank tote bags: suppliesemho.etsy.com and fongfong98.etsy.com.
Bye
Nina
Love the stamping idea. I used to make quote tote bags and T-shirts some years ago, but never thought of using stamps. Now I feel inspired to make a tote bag or maybe two… hm, I probably already own one too many (but tote bags are ultimate bag love).
Anything which is made by self will give a great pleasure. The lines quoted on the bag are really true. Life should not be boring 🙂 These kind of printed bags with quotes are of a great demand. Promotional products
112 Comments
Love this, such a good way to jazz something up!
Hi There! Just curious, where is the quote from?
Thanks!
Jeanne
http://makingmade.com
I really like the quote. 😀 I agree on you with the “you can never have to many tot bags” haha!
http://nadine-felice.blogspot.com/
The quote is from Marilyn Monroe. :))
Love it! You had me a “quote!” Great idea!
Love this quote!
Bag with quote? Yes please!
Catherine Denton
I love it! I want to make one!! My mom has like 9 sewing machines! I think I’m going to steal one! =)
http://chloemoonergo.blogspot.com
Oops, totally missed that the quote is from Marilyn. Eek!
Very cute!! I’m going to be making a tote bag like this with a bleach pen soon – love this idea as well though!
xx Ashleigh
http://www.ashflynn.blogspot.com
That’s a very cool idea. Love the combination of textures 🙂
oh my word! I LOVE this quote!
Also a fan of tote bags….already have quite the collection 😉
This is such a cool way to personalise a tote bag. It makes a wonderful gift too!
Fang Ting
http://ftashion.blogspot.com/
So true. It speaks to me!!!
Your idea was great!
Love the quote!
Can you visit my blog?
Thanks! xx
So love this! I sew, and have been wanting to make a tote bag {they are fairly simple to make} but wasn’t inspired– this would be a perfect project & I love the look!!
http://aclosetintellectual.blogspot.com/
Amazing!!! Thanks for sharing!
Merrily Merrily,
Nini
Amazing 😀 It’s really cute.
That is great and I like articles like that. Nice day.
http://www.fashiondenis.com/
This is such a fun idea!! It came out looking so clean cut and definitely not like a homemade craft. I’ll definitely be trying this!! They sell stuff like that for $50 on websites. Now I can make it myself and exactly the way I want it :] Thanks!
http://www.simplylovelyxo.blogspot.com
This is great! I feel like I’m always so picky about what quotes are on things so this way I can just pick my own!
http://www.deancorno.blogspot.com
Haha, silly me, I looked at the first picture and went ‘that bag had to be pretty expensive’, so kudos for the great DIY. Btw you are absolutely right about the totes – one can never have too many 🙂
I absolutely love the stamped bag trend and a quote on a bag is so cute!
xox
Megan
Love this Idea! Can’t wait to try it!
Best,
S of P.S. It’s Handmade
That nis so cool! I will create one for myself. I already have an inspiring quote in mind.
Totes + stamping + words = LOVE LOVE LOVE! And I never would have thought to change out the handles… it makes it look so much more sophisticated. Great idea!
I love DIY projects like this where you can take something boring and plain and make it unique and fashionable. I’ve heard this quote many times, and seeing it on a bag is a nice reminder to be yourself!
M.
Such a cute DIY!
Sabrina
http://thelittleowlshop.blogspot.com
Wow! Just switching out the bag’s straps makes a HUGE difference. Putting this on my to do list!
It so PRETTY. Like everything you make! Have you tried screen printing tote bags? It comes out amazingly nice. See here: http://tyskertosa.blogspot.de/2012/11/maker-party-with-jewel.html
Lovely! Tote bags are my favorite thing to make! Where did you get the leather straps? I have had a difficult time finding ones that I like, but yours look great.
Cute! I am so not a DIY-er, but this seems simple enough for even me to handle. 😉
Kassi
http://www.babiesandbrewskies.blogspot.com
Uoh! Ok… I want to do one like that 😀
Kisses
http://thedailymiacis.blogspot.pt/
Such a cute bag! Great idea!
I love all your DIY ideas… I’m thinking T-shirts & tank tops would also work for this. You are the best!
SUPERDUPER idea:)
I LOVE this idea. My sister and I just restyled a few tote bags with paint. http://thismemorablelife.blogspot.com/2012/12/last-minute-gift-idea-color-blocked.html
Thanks for the inspiration. Your blog can always make me smile. 🙂 -Katie
http://www.punkprojects.com
I love the bag and the quote. I don’t think I’d heard that one before but it fits me perfectly. I think it would be awesome on a t-shirt.
I love this! And couldn’t agree more on never having too many totes. I have them everywhere!
Love this, especially with the leather straps! Nice touch! I will have to put this on my project to do list! Thanks for sharing, Katie!
Theresa
http://bomamma.blogspot.com
So cute !!
Have a look at my new post: http://www.thestilettoholic.com/
I’ve been thinking about decorating a tote bag for a while now but hadn’t thought about replacing the straps! The leather straps make it look like it’s a designer handbag. Love it!
Cute bag. Love the new look.
http://www.handbagmadness.com
This is a brilliant idea! And you’re right, you can’t have too many tote bags.
way cool!
This is absolutely adorable! Love the replacement with leather straps.
In other news, we are hosting a handbag sale over at my store, check it: http://www.girlsnestbestfriend.com
Oh, I love this! I’ve been wanting to get more into tote bags for the grocery store rather than the 1 million plastic bags the grocery store things you need to carry your groceries! Love!
Such a fabulous DIY lovelies and quite simple too – I will definitly have to attempt making one of these.
Eda x
I love this idea! Where did you get the leather straps?
http://www.capturingshadows.blogspot.com
Hi there! Just so you are aware, this is not a verifiable Marilyn Monroe quote. It is more likely something that was falsely attributed to her at one time, and just keeps making the rounds on the Internet with her name attached, as there is no documented source of her ever saying these words. I adore your blog, and this is a cute project as usual – but there is a massive amount of Monroe-misinformation out there, so just wanted to clarify.
Here’s a credible source for clarification on real vs. fake Marilyn quotes:
http://www.immortalmarilyn.com/MarijanestakeonMM.html
Best,
Ashdarlina
So simple. Always been a favorite quote of mine.
You read my mind sometimes! I was just thinking about needing a new tote! Now I can have fun when I get it! Great post!
What a cool idea! I was just curious though,do you think the text would ever fade (after so many washes) or do you think it’d be pretty permanent? Thanks.
Gorgeous and great quote
I love this! Here in San Francisco they charge you for bags now. It is better to bring your own when you go shopping. Every store charges you 10 cents for a bag.
Love this! Looks really good. 🙂
http://vivikstyle.blogspot.com
I agree with you that never too many tote bags. I also use them very often when I go shopping or to carry things to work. I love the idea with a quote. I also like drawing on bags with Uni Posca pens.
Cheers!
That’s great!
xo Jennifer
http://seekingstyleblog.wordpress.com
Very funny bag, I like it:)
Lauren-We made them from leather we bought locally.
I totally love the idea! Great gift to make for friends.
LUXESSED
Omg it looks so cute, but its a good thing she didn’t put Marilyn’s name on this because Marilyn never said that.
The link below is a great article on clearing up popular misquotes in regards to Marilyn 😉
http://www.immortalmarilyn.com/MarijanestakeonMM.html
I love this–and so simple too! They would make great gifts
This looks so fun and easy! Great post. 🙂
-Lindsey
http://ettu-tutu.blogspot.com
Very cute but I’d never use leather. I’d love to see a vegan version! (And still cute!)
Such a good quote 🙂 Love that bag!
Rory
http://www.wearaboutsblog.com
I really want to try this. Looks like a great idea!
Katie xx
http://gravityandshe.blogspot.co.uk
This is so cute!! Love the quote
love this idea. i too am of the opinion that one can never own too many totes. a great quote too 🙂
xo http://www.frombottletobotox.com
Wow. YOu could sell those.
Amazing! I have done something like that-actually it was handwriting. The best thing is that you have the ability to write eanyything you want-anything that has a special meaning for you.. 🙂
believeinforestmagic.blogspot.gr
This isn’t actually a quote by Marilyn Monroe. Cute bag though!
Super cute! Great idea 🙂
I am definitely going to try this out for a birthday gift. Thanks for sharing this DIY, Katie! 🙂
Lovely tote, and glad you do not have on it that Marilyn said this, because she didn’t. Very cool idea.
COOL! it would be cool with song lyrics too:)
CELIAROSE
Dear, you are so ingenious! It’s so special that and it’s the only one of the world.
I love your creativity, but this is not a Marilyn Monroe quote. She never actually said this.
I LOVE this project! I’m pinning it now so I can try it. 🙂
cute bag, the quote is fun I love that it’s not perfectly straight. The leather strap make it more substantial 🙂
http://floatingthrufields.blogspot.com/
Love this idea! Thanks Katie xox!
This is such a cute idea! Love the quote and how you used the leather straps.
xoxo,
Laura
http://lauraisthriftingthroughlife.blogspot.com/
love!!
new lookand place por the weekend here
http://www.sensitivetobeauty.wordpress.com
xx!!
ow ow, that’s super cute idea…
🙂
This is lovely, a great daily reminder bag.
Zoe
http://gypsiesister.blogspot.co.uk
Wauw it’s a lovely bag. It may be my next project. Great inspiration 🙂
Have a nice day ❤
Rikke
Such a lovely quote, thank you for sharing it (it already made it into my top 3)! Also, the bag looks great.
You can buy blank tote bags on Etsy. I print them and sell them on Etsy: this is my Etsy shop
NinaLevett.etsy.com. This is where I bought the blank tote bags: suppliesemho.etsy.com and fongfong98.etsy.com.
Bye
Nina
Love the leather handles, makes it look very “on trend”!
Cute 🙂
Tote + quote = wonderful!! 😀
Love the stamping idea. I used to make quote tote bags and T-shirts some years ago, but never thought of using stamps. Now I feel inspired to make a tote bag or maybe two… hm, I probably already own one too many (but tote bags are ultimate bag love).
So true! Love it!
I’m a recent follower of your blog! Love all your posts so much especially all your DIY’s!
I love this quote! So true. Bag is fabolous:)
that’s a great idea, might try this one day!:-) x
http://courtneysim96.blogspot.co.uk/
This is gorgeous, such a good idea and I bet it didn’t break the bank! Amazing 🙂 xx
Such a great idea! also awesome as a gift for your best friends!
veraanna.blogspot.com
such a cute idea!
http://lavieenliz.com
This is adorable! I love the quote!
Love it, love it, live it!
I love this quote too. I shared your DIY in my blog. http://www.imperfectjoy.com
Thanks for the inspiring words and ideas!!
This is such a great idea! Thanks Katie!
x missdottidee.blogspot.com
Wonderful bag!
such a great inspiring idea!
http://www.designerdreaming.blogspot.com
Lovely, lovely 🙂
do recommend a letter stamp in particular?
Anything which is made by self will give a great pleasure. The lines quoted on the bag are really true. Life should not be boring 🙂 These kind of printed bags with quotes are of a great demand. Promotional products
Gorgeous. I love that you added leather straps – just makes it look so much more quirky. x
it’s a lovely bag. It may be my next project. Great inspiration
Love this idea! So simple, cute AND practical:)
Lovely and awesome gift ideas for our best friends!