For The Great Teachers in Your Life

My friend is a 5th grade school teacher.  I was thinking of a gift, and I thought of a large tote-ish bag to carry all her necessary school gear.  Big enough to carry a bunch of stuff, cute enough she'd actually use it, and sturdy enough to last.

The bag is quite large measuring 20" wide, 16" tall, and 5" deep at the base.  I upcycled a linen drape for the body of the bag and straps.  When it lays flat, it is a large rectangle, but the circular design of the handles allow it to bunch up when you carry it, due to the 10 button holes on each side that the handles weave through.  To keep the bag closed on the top, the small strap folds over and buttons.

I made the button with the fabric cover button kits you can buy for $1 to $2.00.  The owl is painted on using freezer paper stenciling.

The bag is fully lined with a green & white print.  I added a lot of pockets inside to help organize the teacher's supplies she might need.  A couple pen compartments, wider slot for scissors, large pocket, and on the end, I added a ribbon loop, so you could hook your keys on.  I am constantly loosing my keys in the bottom of my bag, so I thought it would be important to have a hook for them.

The opposite side of the bag just has two average sized pockets side by side.  I thought these would be ideal for her cell phone, snacks, etc. (I shoved a calculator in there)

This bag can hold a lot of stuff, I could have fit much more than what I did...even left room for a sack lunch!

Or a two year old that climbed right in and wanted to go for a ride!

I didn't take any photos of the process on the owl bag, but ended up making another red tote.
Here's the link to that tutorial. 
I'd love to see your finished totes when you make them!
runningscissor@gmail.com

p.s. How did I just find the new updated blogger post editing feature?  SO much better!  And I debated about putting the above photo in...I didn't wear makeup that day and my expression is quite creepy.