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I’ve come to the realization that I’m not quite as satisfied unless my craft is an upcycle.  It’s just not the same when you walk into Michael’s and purchase an assemble-yourself kit. I’d rather keep something out of the landfill and re-purpose it into something useful and fun.

I don’t know how to sew and I don’t have the patience to ever learn.  That means my glue gun comes in handy when I’m putting together a costume, outfit…or bag!

As you probably know, 85% of my clothing comes from a thrift store (usually Team Amvets Thrift Store).  Once I saw the idea of making a T-shirt tote, I had to look for some interesting designs.  It then came to me…why waste trees by using wrapping paper?  Or even a gift bag…I THINK most people reuse them for someone else’s gift, but they might only have a life of 3 holidays until they end up in the trash too.

What better use of an old T-shirt than making it into a gift bag for a baby shower, birthday, Christmas or even a “just because” gift?  Not only is it an adorable way to present a gift, but it’s a usable gift itself!  A collapsible tote to take with you to the grocery store, department store, farmer’s market, an overnight bag…the possibilities are endless.  Let’s take it 1 step further and not let those scraps go to waste either.  Make a headband with flower embellishments.

What you need:

• A t-shirt of your choosing (the larger, the better)
• Scissors
• Hot glue gun
• Glue sticks
• Extra t-shirt/t-shirt scraps for additional embellishments

Step 1:  Cut above the bottom seam.

Step 2:  Fold the shirt in half and cut the sleeves off.

Step 3:  While still folded, cut around the neck.

It should look like this:

Step 4:  Go to the base of the shirt and cut about 3 inches up with about an inch between each cut.

Step 5:  Start tying the corresponding flaps to each other and double knot them.

It will look a little something like this after you finish the line…but you’re not done yet.

See this gap here?  I’m sure it would be okay if you don’t put tiny items inside, but I like a nice, solid bag…

Step 6:  Tie the flaps next to each other to close up those gaps.  Double tie these as well.

Ta-da!  This is actually acceptable as is…but not as much fun as it can be.

Step 7:  Take one of the sleeves and cut into 3’s.  Make sure the middle section is larger (this will be your headband)

Step 8:  Make a rose out of the smaller strip.

• Put a dot of glue and make a triangle at the corner.
• Start to circle the fabric around the center.  Run glue down the strip.
• Be sure to twist the fabric to add some texture.

Look how cute these are!

Step 9:  Attach your rose embellishments to the headband with the glue gun.

All done!

Right here, you have “wrapping” for a Christmas gift, a Valentine’s gift, a birthday present for the poet/child/nerd in your life.

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