Be the Change Tote Bag Upcycle

Our daughter recently graduated college summa cumme laude majoring in Social Services, minoring in Child Welfare.  She is pretty amazing, if I do say so myself, currently employed as a case worker with DHS!  

This fountain was one of her favorite spots on campus and she has adopted that quote to live by.  

The water was off the day we did photographs.

Back in July, I participated in a Thrift Store Upcycle Challenge and brought home three items from a nearby Goodwill Shop.  There was a round wooden tray, a vase with frog, and a dusty yellow tote bag.  (If you would like to see the Wooden Tray Makeover, just click HERE.)

Today, we're talking about the little ray of sunshine!  That cheery color is what drew me to the bag.  The price tag was $4, which frankly, I thought was a little steep for a thrift store, but you can see I purchased it anyway.  

After washing and ironing, I knew I had made the right decision!  ;-)  The bag is nice and roomy.  It will easily carry folders and even a laptop.  The project was all set inside my mind to add my daughter's favorite quote with heat transfer vinyl.

It took me a little while, but I finally found a free globe silhouette that was "just right" and added the quote in the center of the world.  Next, my idea was ironed onto the bag.

This is my first attempt with heat transfer, so I do have a couple of wrinkles.  In my excitement, I pulled the plastic cover before the image was completely cool.

I hadn't planned to place an image on the back, but it seemed silly to waste the letters.  It took some time to get them in a straight line, but I am very happy with this simple look.

Our daughter was thrilled when she saw her gift and said, "That is perfect for work!"

Do you have a favorite quote?  If so, what is it?

;-)  -Marci