3 Ways to Alter a Canvas Tote Bag

Weekends I try to spend a little more time off screen so today I have some photos for you. They're of a self-challenge I set for myself a few years ago. I was stalled in my art and looking for something that would get me thinking and trying things outside my norm. It worked great!

Canvas Bag Self-Challenge
All three bags began as the same sized canvas tote. I was in need of a challenge when I did these and set myself the task of seeing how different I could make each bag. How far could I push the "armature" of the canvas bag? How much altering could I do until it no longer resembled the original canvas bag? I also limited myself to using fabric and floss (no paint markers etc.)

The first bag (above) I kept the basic look of the bag and just added some raw edge appliques and stitching.

The second bag I used fusible interfacing to wrap a large strip of fabric around the bag. Then I added the raw edge applique and the decorative stitching. I use this one for library books all the time. It's just kind of cute.



The third bag is my Won-ton bag and was one of the first batch of things I had published. I wrapped it in fabric similar to the one above but didn't leave any of the canvas showing. Then I cut off the tote handles (because they SCREAM tote bag) and added my own. I also did some thread stitching, outline embroidery, and beading on the cover of this bag.

All three are different takes on the same challenge. You can come up with your own challenges too. Curious about a medium or material? Make it a challenge to create something with it. Or simply push the edges of the everyday like the bags above. It'll get you thinking in new ways, experimenting, and it'll get you producing. All good things. :)

For more ideas about altering canvas accessories check out this cute canvas apron from Single Stone Studios here. Other options are the canvas camera bags that Donna Downey has for sale. Super cute!

A Challenge to Create!

Cloth Paper Scissors is having a contest titled Artisan Search 2011. No, my five year old isn't entering, but I think he's got a pretty good shot in another 15 years don't you? He made this collage for my mom for her birthday. I tried to convince him to give it to me... but it went home with grandma the other night.

Back to the contest details: They have five categories, Mixed Media stitch,Collage and Assemblage, Art journals and Bookmaking , Printmaking and Silk Screening, and Mixed Media Jewelry. Entries are to be received by September 13th in the form of digital photos. You can submit three works of art per category, and enter multiple categories. However, you would only be selected as a semi-finalists in one of the category submissions. There will be five semi-finalists per category. There's more to the contest information, you can see it here. But I got to thinking about this. I can think, off the top of my head, several of you who I think should enter.

Again, what do you have to lose? AND even better- what do you have to gain? Your work would garner national attention, you could tell your friends and family (they might be impressed-but maybe not), but best of all, you'll have made three works of art minimum that you might not have had the impetus to create before and they could be your most favorite pieces ever. PLUS it might be just the challenge you need to bring your art to a new level. Just something to think about....