Monday, May 11, 2009

Earth Day + Mother's Day = Kids' Art Tote

It's not a paper craft, but it is another great idea that mixes sentimental with practical. I photograph my kids' art so that it won't overtake my refrigerator and so that I can display it on our family blog.

I was looking for another way to share the kids' art with far flung relatives and with everyone going green and using reusable shopping bags, I thought this would be a perfect Mother's Day gift!

I used my favorite (and FREE) photo program, Picasa (you can get this at Google.com) to create a photo collage. Then I printed it on the photo iron-on paper, and put it on these canvas bags I found at the discount store. (There is one other tiny detail that is important if you are printing any typed words: you need to flip the photo so that it's a mirror image. You can't do this in Picasa, so try adding the image to Microsoft Word or my other favorite free photo program, Photoscape.)

Photo collages can also be added to things like mugs, by ordering from an online photo lab. I love mixing something practical with a sentimental reminder of loved ones and I know these totes will be treasured! I sent them to the moms and aunts in our family, but this would be a great gift for a teacher or Scout leader as well!

6 comments:

Chelsea said...

What a wonderful project Julie!!! Love it and I am sure your kiddos are proud!

Conniecrafter said...

such a great idea, love the patchwork look of it!

Barb said...

Fantastic project idea, Julie! Love it!

Jamie said...

What a fabulous idea! Great project idea. :D

Deb Grady said...

Such a wonderful idea. I'll have to keep this in mind for another special day since Mother's Day has already passed.

Bridgett Owens said...

What an awesome idea! I have been using more canvas totes for my shopping lately and I love the idea of putting the kids' artwork on the front of the bags. My daughter makes the sweetest projects and I cannot display them all so this would be super! Thanks for sharing such a fantastic idea! I will have to try this soon!
Hugs,
Bridgett