Scary Art Bag and Supplies Organizer

Charity here from Scrappin’ Chaos with the second installment of the Spooky Art Set. Yesterday I gave detailed instructions for adding pockets and applique to a Halloween themed apron. Today I have these super easy directions for making an artist organizer bag from a burlap plant holder. Once again it is all hand sewn. I want the crafters without access to a machine to enjoy sewing things from Canvas Corp products!

 Supplies:
Canvas Corp Medium Burlap Plant Holder
Canvas Corp Canvas Garland 2″ Width
Canvas Corp Black Hemp Rope
Canvas Corp Fabric Panel Haunt it
Black Thread
Embroidery Thread
Wiggly Eyes
Heat Activated Fabric AdhesiveStep 1: Cut spider from fabric panel leaving at least a 1/4 edge. Trace it onto fabric adhesive, cut out shape. Follow package directions for ironing adhesive to fabric.

Step 2: Trim spider to fit bag. Follow package directions for ironing spider to bag. Stitch spider legs with black hemp using a backstitch. Stitch through bag to reinforce adhesive.
Backstitch
Knot the thread and pull it through the fabric to the front. Insert needle 1/8″ below the thread and back out 1/8″ above the thread. Insert it again, this time where the last stitch started and back out 1/8″ above the most recent stitch. On top of the pocket you will be sewing backwards, but underneath you will be sewing forwards.

Step 3: Use a blanketstitch to applique spider to bag front. Fabric adhesive reduces fraying and stiffens the fabric for ease of use.

This stitch is like a capitol “L”. Knot the thread and pull it through the fabric to the front a 1/4″ from the outer edge of the shape. Insert the needle 1/4″ above and to the left of the thread then straight down and back out 1/4″ to the left of the thread but on level with it. Slip the loose thread under the front edge of the needle and pull the needle through the fabric. This should leave a capitol “L” with the thread now coming through to the right of where the sides of the L intersect. Continue to insert the needle 1/4″ above and to the left of the thread as you sew around the shape.

If you did not slip the thread under the needle you will have a diagonal line and the thread coming up on its own.

Step 4: Write words on the bag with a permanent marker. Stitch over the words using a backstitch.

Step 5: Measure the circumference of the bag at the top, add 1″, and cut canvas garland to that length. Fold the garland in half, matching up and pinning the ends. Stitch a seam across the ends, about 1/2″ from the tip. A backstitch will hold the ends securely.

 Step 6: Pin the garland around the inside of the bag, 1/4″ below the rim.

Step 7: If the garland is slightly larger than the inside of the bag leave the excess to bulge by the handle.

Step 8: Stitch the garland to the burlap bag one “X” at a time. Place these stitches where the pleat overlaps. If you catch only one layer of the burlap the stitches will not show on the outside of the bag. This takes some practice.

Step 9: Glue wiggly eyes to spider. Leave bag to dry. If your favorite trickster is a bit old for the wiggly eyes just leave them off. I’ve included an example of the bag below without the eyes.

Step 10: Slip pens into the slots between the bag and the garland. Hook the lid clip over the garland. Fill the center of the bag with a sketchbook and colored pencils.

Here is the bag from another angle without the wiggly eyes.
Catch me on Instagram or at my Blog for more ideas!

Craft On!

~ charity hotrum~