I really like the expression, "put a bird on it," that Rachylou uses to describe a certain kind of look. I'm not sure how else to describe the look, however--maybe it's what I think of as artsy-craftsy. I couldn't help thinking of the phrase when I encountered a DIY bag-making book, Handprint Bags, at the store where I work. I bought the book, wanting to try out a stenciling or stamping technique for making a cute tote bag like the ones on the cover.

I thought I'd share my results with you all. You have to promise not to tell anyone, because a couple of these bags are gifts. (I'm not posting the photos on my blog, just in case one of the intended recipients might stumble upon it there--highly unlikely, I'll admit). Also, I forgot to take an outfit photo today, because I got so wrapped up in my creations. But what I wore is collected in the Finds below.

The bags:
1: very small prototype, bird-stenciled canvas with Ultra-suede handles. I used this canvas to test out my stenciling, and then I decided to use other remnants to make a bag out of the test. Maybe I'll carry my lunch in it.
2-3: large bag with swamp grass and bird motif in green, metallic pewter; metallic coral, and aqua on unbleached canvas. Purple lining and blue webbing handles.
4-5: large bag with swamp grass and bird motif in green, metallic coral, and aqua on unbleached canvas. Purple lining and purple webbing handles.
6: the tag I made and sewed into the bag; each of the large bags has one with the recipient's name.

I think I might want to do more of this kind of thing. It's a lot of fun.

Thanks for indulging me and looking! Any comments are welcome, as always.

Oh, and I filed this under "general," since it does reference a style discussion, but maybe it should be "off topic"??