Project Instructions

Step 1
Wash the tote in cold water to remove sizing. Do not dry.
Step 2
Cut straps off tote, leaving ½" attached to bag; save straps.
Step 3
Wrap recyclable box in plastic wrap; rub plastic wrap with petroleum jelly or apply cooking spray to prevent the tote from sticking.
Step 4
Place tote in freezer bag filled with fabric stiffener. Make sure entire tote, inside and out, is saturated.
Step 5
Remove tote from freezer bag and fold over the top edge of tote 2". Use fingers to smooth and flatten. Fold the ½" strap pieces under to hide raw edges.
Step 6
Place the bag over box, making sure the bottom corners are squared. Turn upside-down to dry. (It may take two days.)
Step 7
Enlarge the chevron pattern and transfer to poster board to make a template.
Step 8
Once the tote is completely dry, use an erasable marker to transfer pattern to the tote.
Step 9
Paint the top border and alternating zigzags with Scottish Highlands acrylic.
Step 10
Cut each strap to 9¾".
Step 11
Using the hot glue gun, glue ends of straps inside the tote to make handles.