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Friday, January 25, 2013

Love Bug Party Bag!








































When I sat down last month in a morbid post-Christmas slump to sketch this project, I promised myself I'd meet my goal of making it "the crazier the better!" This tote bag is not only crazier than a bed bug, err I mean love bug, but I made two of them. And they will be delivered to the front doors of my daughters-with-kids on February 14th bearing everything needed for a fun, happy family Valentine's Day party!....a "love bug infestation" snuggled inside a hand made, lightly quilted 18" x 20" bag that also serves as a showcase for the hand prints of all five grandchildren.

The hand print blocks are 6" square. Hand quilting encircles the "bug bodies" and accents the red squares. (If you adapt this idea with an original front panel, use pre-quilted fabric for the outside borders, backing, and handle to complete.)










Glittered hearts (Dollar Tree) cut in half become insect wings, attached with Gorilla glue. Same for wiggle eyes. Fine point (005) permanent marker defines antennae, eyelashes, legs and the name of the bug. Obviously not washable "as is," but then I can't imagine any heavy use, such as marching into church with this slung over a shoulder!











Maybe we'll just designate these whimsical totes a gathering place for all things VD....storage for decorations, games, prizes and cards bought ahead for next year. When the bag reemerges, the kiddoes can line up to see how much their darling little hands have grown over the past year - and stick their cute little noses deep inside to see if grandma sent along enough candy to keep everybody jumpin' off the walls! (Hmmmm....that well may be the subconscious motivation for the dump-and-drive nature of this gift!)

This year the bags will contain a set of the "Family Reunion" bingo cards I made last week, an equal number of prizes for everybody (dinosaur and princess sticker sheets, glow swords and heart topped wands (oh, how did I ever live before Dollar Tree?), sticky string, light up necklaces, etc.) and some heart shaped cookies for munching along during the game.


 Smack!.....I love my little Valentines (here's 2/5 of them!)....and ya know...I think those little bugs just might love me right back!

23 comments:

  1. Hi,

    I'm visiting from Friendship Friday. Your Valentine bag is adorable and your two children are so sweet! I hope you will stop by for a visit. Have a great weekend!

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  2. Those are two of the cutest faces ever! love your bug bag -- you are so creative and the moms are going to cherish them forever! You done good!

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  3. These are just too darn cute!! And your little LIVE love bugs are adorable! I wish you were MY grandma :)

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  4. Thanks for stopping in at Cranberry Morning today! Those bags are darling! How the kids will love 'em - and you! Loved being greeted by the valentines falling from your header. :-)

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  5. I'm sure those little love bugs DO love their grandma so! I've no doubt their mamas do, too. Such smart (and sweet) gifts for them. I love those "kisses" on the kiddos. Adorable.

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  6. *heheheh* I think I'm going to have to enter into a secret with my BFFs kids and hubby to make her one of these for Mother's Day! :O)

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  7. Such a wonderful a gift! I love the hand print idea for the bugs, and since I recently had fun making fingerprint people, it would make complete sense to move onto hands :)

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  8. Oh my goodness, this is so adorable! I love the hand prints, that just makes this so special! Thanks for sharing at One Creative Weekend!

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  9. Oh, your bag is precious!! What a fabulous treasure and so cute!! I love it. Thank you so much for sharing with us at A Bouquet of Talent this week. Have a wonderful week. :)

    Hugs
    Kathy

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  10. You bag is darling and so are your babies! Thanks for sharing.
    Hugs,
    Marcie

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  11. That's such a fun project and something you'll enjoy using! I love it!

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  12. So fun! I love love bug projects. Thanks so much for linking up at One Creative Weekend on OneCreativeMommy.com!

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  13. Perfect! Love your bag and it is FUN! I am still trying to decide what I will be doing for mine gkids. It won't be this involved...not enough time. Thanks for linking with me :)

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  14. Thanks so much for stopping by and linking up your awesome project! Visit us again next week and link up more awesome stuff!

    Have a great week!
    Susie@bowdabra
    http://bowdabrablog.com/2013/02/02/saturday-showcase-craft-project-linky-18/

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  15. Your bag is beyond adorable! I'm going to try to make a similar one or two. What a wonderful idea for when my "grand girls" come to visit next week. I'll send them home with a bag and lots of goodies. Thanks for the wonderful idea!

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  16. You are so fun! How sweet! You are being featured! Thank you for linking up at Party In Polka Dots!

    Shelley

    www.piggyinpolkadots.com

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  17. What a delightful bag. I love the sweet handprints. My granddaughter had an artist party yesterday. All the (kid)guests put their handprint on a canvas in the shape of a heart. She'll enjoy seeing it in her room all year. I love buying craft supplies after the holiday, too. It's such fun the next year to see all the things I've forgotten about.

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  18. You have a lovely blog. I am visiting you via the Meet and Greet Blog Hop.I hope you will visit me at My Dream Canvas:) Thanks Anu

    mydreamcanvas.blogspot.com

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