Jul 30 2007

Ruby Tuesday: Stella’s Tote ‘n Tutorial

Published by leslierich at 10:05 pm under Made From Scratch, Ruby Tuesday, Tutorials

Stella ToteIt’s about time Stella had a tote for some of her cards, don’t you think?  I know there’s been a lot of cute card totes made, but this just happens to be one I designed back in September ‘06 for a Fresh Fruits set I made for a friend.  This tote will hold five or six cards, depending upon the layers and embellishments.  There are five of Stella’s favorite cards in this tote.  If you haven’t seen all of Stella’s cards and would like to, please click on the Ruby Tuesday category over there in my right hand sidebar.  They’re all cards and projects made with BasicGrey Stella Ruby paper — one each Tuesday since April this year.

You can pretty this up any way you want to — make it plain or fancy.  I’ve included a thumbnail below of the Fresh Fruits tote I made last year so you can see a little bit simpler version.  Please click on the picture for a closer look:

Fruit Tote   These totes are so quick and easy you could make them by the dozen.  I started with the 2-4-6-8 box concept.  You can go just about anywhere from there when it comes to making boxes — just change the dimensions.  But to make it even easier, I thought I’d share exactly how I made this — with the dimensions all figured out for you.  Okay?  Here we go!

Tote PatternI’ll start with a picture of bare bones white cardstock so you can see where the score lines go.

Cut your cardstock to measure 5 3/4″ x 11″.  Score one long side at 3/4″.  Turn and score across at 3/4″, 5 1/4″, 6″ and 10 1/2″.  Slit the bottom vertical score lines up to the horizontal score line.  Cut away the smallest bottom section and discard.

Next, cut two pieces of designer paper 4 3/4″ x 4 1/4″ and two pieces 4 3/4″ x 1/2″.  Adhere these pieces to the cardstock as show in the photo below:

Tote panels

My next step was to punch the notches in the front and back top of the tote.  I did this before I added the trim because I didn’t want to find out too late that my punch wouldn’t go through all the layers.  I marked the upper center of the panels and used my 1 3/8″ circle punch.  I love the handy vertical and horizontal guides on this punch which allow me exact placement.  The photo below shows the horizontal guide lined up with the edge of the cardstock and the vertical guide aligned with the pencil mark.

Tote punch

The handles were added next.  Cut two 8″ lengths of the ribbon of your choice, preferrably something with a little substance to it.  I used some of the Martha Stewart twill that Libby sent me because it was a perfect match for Sage Shadow.  I adhered them with a little piece of Sticky Strip about 1/2″ in from the edges and 1″ down from the top.

Tote handles

I then made my trim.  I chose to layer a 1 1/2″ strip of Stella Ruby on a 1 3/4″ strip of Chocolate Chip.  I pierced, distressed and added some faux stitching.  I scored the trim to match the score lines of the tote.

Tote Trim

At this point I sponged all the corners and edges of my tote with Creamy Caramel.  The trim was then applied using two lengths of Sticky Strip, matching the score lines of the trim to the score lines of the tote.  I had planned to simply punch the notches in the trim but the handles were in the way — oops!  So I just trimmed out the notches with my Exacto knife — no problem.

After that I just folded it up like a box and adhered it closed, as seen in the finished photo at the beginning of this post.  Fold the sides first.  I applied Sticky Strip to the narrower long flap and carefully lined up the 3/4″ flap over that.  I applied 2-way glue to the bottom short flaps and Sticky Strip to one of the long bottom flaps and folded them closed, again lining it up carefully.  I stood the tote upright and used the eraser end of a pencil to press the bottom of the tote from the inside to make sure everything was secure.

Now Stella’s cards are ready for gift giving.  I’ve never sent away a single one of them yet because I figured I’d eventually make a variety of gift sets with them.  I still have a lot of the paper left!  As always, Happy Ruby Tuesday!  Let me know if you make a tote, okay?  I’d love to see it!

73 Responses to “Ruby Tuesday: Stella’s Tote ‘n Tutorial”

  1. # Debbie Olsonon 30 Jul 2007 at 10:14 pm

    Leslie, this tote is just fabulous! You make the most lovely things!

  2. # Rose Annon 30 Jul 2007 at 10:33 pm

    Amazing, Leslie!! I love the whole idea, and thank you for the awesome tutorial! Beautiful project!!

  3. # Shel9999on 31 Jul 2007 at 2:42 am

    Gorgeous, Leslie! Beautiful tote and fantastic tutorial!

  4. # Pat S.on 31 Jul 2007 at 4:53 am

    Good morning, Leslie!

    Your Ruby Tuesday is the first thing I look at, every Tuesday morning! Love it, love it, love it!

    Thank you so much for keeping this tradition going :)

  5. # Melissaon 31 Jul 2007 at 5:28 am

    Ah! This is fabulous!

  6. # Deeon 31 Jul 2007 at 6:11 am

    Oh My Gosh!! I wasn’t prepared to gasp!! I literally almost choked to death since I was having my Ruby Tuesday coffee wake up time:) This is gorgeous!!! I love the shape of the tote. Your tutorial is awesome. I can’t wait to try it!!! Leslie you really blow my mind everytime I visit your blog!! TFS your wonderful art with us.
    BTW next Tuesday I will peek at your blog before I start sipping my coffee:)
    Hugs,
    Dee

  7. # Cathrine StClairon 31 Jul 2007 at 6:11 am

    Thank you so much for the tutorial! Can’t wait to try this!

  8. # diane mcveyon 31 Jul 2007 at 6:35 am

    WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW!!!! This is just awesome, and thank you SO MUCH for telling us how to do it! I will definitely have to try this one…now if I could just make the beautiful cards to go in it like YOU do! The whole project is just FABULOUS!!!

  9. # CherylQuiltson 31 Jul 2007 at 6:43 am

    Awesome! I have a birthday tea to attend on Thursday for a friend who is turning 50! This will be perfect. Thanks for this beautiful example…I LOVE your work! You rock!!

  10. # Libbyon 31 Jul 2007 at 6:50 am

    What a cute tote! Thanks for the tutorial, this will make a fantastic hostess club project! And love it in Stella Ruby - just gorgeous. And that ribbon really does look perfect (yeah me!)! LOL

  11. # Nancy Riley (stampinat6213)on 31 Jul 2007 at 7:22 am

    Awesome tutuorial and gorgeous tote! Thank you!

  12. # Lindseyon 31 Jul 2007 at 10:30 am

    Marvelous! Really made my day to see something so inspiring!

  13. # Jessica (jessrose21)on 31 Jul 2007 at 1:13 pm

    Great tutorial! It looks so professional and the end result is stunning!

  14. # aselaon 31 Jul 2007 at 3:07 pm

    Thank you so much for sharing this with everyone. How totally awesome!!! I’m definitely making these for gifts.

  15. # nancy littrellon 31 Jul 2007 at 3:45 pm

    Thank you, thank you for an awesome tutorial and beautiful card tote. What a fun, fun and useful project. My favorite kind :-) TFS

  16. # Sherry Cheeveron 31 Jul 2007 at 3:45 pm

    Leslie the tote is absolutely Gorgeous! I am so going to have to try this!

  17. # Dianne Hunteron 31 Jul 2007 at 4:53 pm

    This is soooooo cute, actually quite lovely. We do something for the teachers each month at my little grandson’s school and these are perfect for teachers..
    Thanks so much….wish I was so clever and creative. Love your work, can’t wait for Tuesdays….

  18. # jacksonbelleon 31 Jul 2007 at 6:24 pm

    GASP! This is soooo cute!!!! I love your tote Leslie!!! Thanks for the instructions too! Darling!

  19. # Tonion 31 Jul 2007 at 7:17 pm

    Oh I love this. I have to make some now. Thank you for sharing!!!!

  20. # Nancy Granton 01 Aug 2007 at 12:52 am

    Wonderful and amazing! This looks like something I could even make. Thank you!
    :-)

  21. # Sue - stampinsusie on SCSon 01 Aug 2007 at 2:33 am

    Oh goodness, this is the most beautiful tote I’ve ever seen - pure elegance. Thank you for such a wonderful tutorial as well. And…your Faux Stitching looks like the real thing. Absolutely love it all and a joy to see.

  22. # Sharon (notimetostam)on 01 Aug 2007 at 2:57 am

    Fabulous Tote!!! I LOVE little bags!!! Thanks!!!

  23. # Linda Bullardon 01 Aug 2007 at 6:33 am

    Well, once again you’ve managed to produce a wonderful tutorial that displays your talent as do your cards: Inspired, clear vision followed by superb and beautiful execution of the project. We’re so lucky you share with us. I also took this opportunity to stroll through all your beautiful Ruby Tuesday cards. That tote does them justice, and vice versa. I hope to create a gift set of cards that will require a beautiful tote like this. Linda

  24. # Judyon 01 Aug 2007 at 7:42 am

    I just dicovered your site today and was astounded!! Your tote is an absolute masterpiece. It is by far the most gorgeous looking tote I’ve ever seen. Thank you so much for sharing your tutorial. I can hardly wait to get busy making some NOW!!

  25. # Michelle Ron 01 Aug 2007 at 9:04 am

    Thanks for the great tutorial. I MUST make one of these! Yours is totally fabulous!

  26. # The Stampin' Soldieron 01 Aug 2007 at 4:04 pm

    Waaaay cute! I’ve got to try this out!

  27. # Bethany Paullon 01 Aug 2007 at 6:35 pm

    Oh how gorgeous! I must make one. Thanks for the easy to follow tutorial.

  28. # trudeeon 01 Aug 2007 at 7:50 pm

    Oh Leslie, I think I will have to case that tote for sure! Thanks for the great directions! Who’s the lucky recipient? WOW!!

  29. # Joan Bon 02 Aug 2007 at 1:50 am

    This tote and the tutorial rock! I have to get started making these for Christmas. They would make darling gifts. Everything you do has such beautiful detail and color. TFS

  30. # Maddieon 02 Aug 2007 at 3:38 am

    Thanks for the instructions for this fabbo tote!! Thanks too for all the inspiration that you always seem to give me! I ALWAYS want to make something after visiting your site!!

  31. # Lynnon 02 Aug 2007 at 6:22 am

    Leslie,
    Thank you for a wonderful tutorial, attached is my try at your tote: http://www.http://thequeensscene.blogspot.com/
    Lynn

  32. # Corie Fosteron 02 Aug 2007 at 6:39 am

    This is so GORGEOUS. Thanks so much for the tutorial.

  33. # Dawn E.on 02 Aug 2007 at 6:49 am

    Oh my goodness! This is lovely!! Thanks for sharing the tutorial with us.

  34. # Lovetostamp6on 02 Aug 2007 at 5:00 pm

    Leslie this box is beautiful. Thank you for the instructions and pictures. I hope to make one and fill it with cards for someone special. Jennifer :)

  35. # Kendra Gileson 03 Aug 2007 at 7:15 am

    great tutorial leslie!!! This tote is just gorgeous!

  36. # Melyssaon 10 Aug 2007 at 9:39 am

    Just wanted to say I fell in love with this project! Thank you so much for sharing! I’ve made 3 totes so far, and my friends are also hooked! We made them on our stamping day last weekend. I have the ones I’ve made here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/melyssar/sets/72157594541483601/

  37. # Kim Teasdaleon 10 Aug 2007 at 1:59 pm

    I LOVE this tote! It’s so study and I can see myself making many - they are just too darn easy, but they look like they take forever to make! Thanks so much for sharing it with us :)

  38. # Kathleen Hon 14 Aug 2007 at 10:20 am

    Cute tote! Thanks for sharing your pattern Leslie.

  39. # Lenoraon 15 Aug 2007 at 6:25 am

    Thank you; I made the cutest tote with your tutorial last nite. I use Wild Wasabi for the tote, accented with Whisper White random stamped with the Pricelss swirls (wild Wasabi), little and big flower, and the butterfly (all in Pomagranate in varying shades). I added silver eyelets (all if had) for the double stitched handles to feed thru. I used knots on the outside to secure the handles. I brought it to work today to “show off” filled with some cards made with more of the same random stamped accents from a One Sheet Wonder. Let me tell you, I have had 6 orders placed this morning. Thank you so much for the great projects.

  40. # Nancy M.on 16 Aug 2007 at 2:54 am

    Leslie, your tote is absolutely gorgeous, and I thank rohla on SCS for referring me to it. As a crafter and an engineer, let me say that your instructions are very well written and so easy to follow. I look forward to trying this project for holiday gifts!

  41. # Jen del Muro (genie1314)on 16 Aug 2007 at 10:40 am

    HOLY FRICKIN’ OMG COOOOL!!! Get the idea that I **kinda** like ‘em!!

  42. # Linda Son 18 Aug 2007 at 1:53 pm

    Thank you so much for your directions–very easy to follow.

  43. # Running With Scissors… » Blog Archive » A Few Toteson 19 Aug 2007 at 10:06 pm

    […] may remember this tote and tutorial I did for Ruby Tuesday recently.  I’ve been so happy to see that several of you have made […]

  44. # Karenon 20 Aug 2007 at 2:28 am

    Thanks for sharing. I will be making one of these this week! It is an awesome project.

  45. # Pam Morrison 20 Aug 2007 at 10:40 am

    I just made one with the Au Chocolate retired SU paper. I love it that there is enough of the 12×12 to make matching cards.

    I am going to have these for my stamp club to make next week. So easy and cute!

    Thank you!

  46. # Crystalon 01 Sep 2007 at 2:44 pm

    Aloha Leslie, I love these totes! You work is so elegant and beautiful. I saw the tote around SCS but thought there was no way. I finally decided to give it a try and was astounded. Your tutorial is great. Mahalo for sharing! You can see my tote if you want at my blog: http://crystalsscrapshack.blogspot.com ~Crystal

  47. # Melissaon 01 Sep 2007 at 4:26 pm

    Thank you so much for your fantastic tutorial; it made this so very easy. Here’s my go at it in blue bayou & soft sky:

    http://melstampz.blogspot.com/2007/08/vampire-tendencies-gift-card-totes.html

  48. # Susan (rainy)on 04 Sep 2007 at 8:07 am

    Leslie! Another exquisite project. You are amazing. And thank you so much for sharing… your instructions are so clear and easy to follow. (Obviously since I understand them!)

    I have CASED this (in part) for the FC Gallery this month and am linking to your blog here. Hope that is okay?? If not, let me know and I will omit the link.

    THANK YOU!

  49. # Andreaon 19 Sep 2007 at 9:04 am

    I just wanted to thank you for this fantastic tutorial. I have made three totes/gift sets and they are a huge hit!

    Check out my SCS gallery… I hope you approve! I am so inspired by your work!

    http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/showgallery.php?cat=500&ppuser=127190

    Thanks again,
    Andrea Diuguid

  50. # Joanne B.on 24 Oct 2007 at 6:56 am

    Thanks for the inspiration and the pattern too! I just love this design! I streamlined mine for a customer workshop without all the faux stitching which will slow things down… ;-) I love the detail, but with six clients, we’d be there ALL night!

    http://stampedbyhand.blogspot.com/2007/10/november-project-club-project.html

    Thanks for sharing!

  51. # Triciaon 24 Oct 2007 at 1:41 pm

    Just saw Joanne’s blog and linked back here. What a great project! It’s on my “to do” list. And… ummm… I never knew that there *were* vertical and horizontal guides on my punch. Thanks!! :)

  52. # Dealbaidaon 02 Nov 2007 at 11:57 pm

    Many, many thanks for taking the time and trouble to prepare this wonderful tutorial, and for your kindness in sharing. Thank you!

    Marion

  53. # Angelon 09 Nov 2007 at 3:11 am

    This is wonderful. Thanks so very much for the inspiration.

  54. # joyofstampingon 21 Nov 2007 at 3:47 pm

    Holy cow my friend! This is GORGEOUS!!!!!

  55. # Running With Scissors… » Blog Archive » Little Gifts With a Flourishon 24 Nov 2007 at 2:43 am

    […] before I folded up the box.  The construction is the same basic premise as the card tote in this tutorial.  Here’s a photo of the box as it was cut and […]

  56. # Linda Dueon 29 Nov 2007 at 8:36 pm

    OMG!!! You are killing me!! This is just beautiful!! I need to try this. TFS.

  57. # Shellon 03 Dec 2007 at 10:55 am

    Thank you so much for the tutorial. I gave it a go and LOVE the results. I’ve photographed what I made and put it on my blog: http://shellhonig.blogspot.com/2007/12/i-blinked.html

  58. # Carte Postale Card Set - SparkleDaisy.com - Marlayne Hardy, Stampin Up!® Demonstratoron 07 Jan 2008 at 9:13 am

    […] handle (we attached it to the inside using sticky strip) If you decide to gife this a try, Click HERE to go to the Running with Scissors Blog where I found the directions!  Let me know if you try […]

  59. # Summer Mini Catalogue « SOVEREIGNSTAMPERon 16 Jan 2008 at 12:43 am

    […] days off work and this afternoon decided to make this card bag that I found on leslie rich’s blog. It was so easy and it fits 5 cards in there. I haven’t any envelopes left after sending the […]

  60. # muzzeeon 19 Jan 2008 at 6:21 pm

    I just stumbelled onto your website and WoW! How refreshing to see a tutorial with photographs and easy directions. Thank you for both. You are now in my ‘favorites file’. I do make one simple card holder, I used it last christmas. Now I can make another kind of card holder next christmas and during the year. Thanks again and take care.

  61. # Hostess Club Project « geekgirl’s random ramblings….on 21 Jan 2008 at 5:36 pm

    […] my first notecard tote ever!  I want to direct you to a great tutorial by Leslie Rich, on her blog Running with Scissors.  Her tote is GOHJUS!  And her directions were easy enough for me to follow, so you can do […]

  62. # Tuesday again? « geekgirl’s random ramblings….on 29 Jan 2008 at 8:21 pm

    […] night, we created the notecard tote (designer Leslie Rich)  using SU designer papers.  They all did great!  The one below is using Spring Fling.  I […]

  63. # { paper leisure } » Blog Archive » A card-tote and tutorial :)on 31 Jan 2008 at 9:22 am

    […] for today’s project. She’s been doing these amazing card totes lately, based on a tutorial by Leslie Miller. So, thank you! : […]

  64. # Michelle Battistinion 06 Feb 2008 at 7:00 am

    Leslie,

    Thanks SO Much for this tutorial. I LOVE this tote. I linked your tutorial on my blog when I posted my projects. Your tutorial was fantastic.

    Michelle

  65. # Becky Elferton 09 Feb 2008 at 11:02 am

    Thanks so much for this tutorial! You rock! This is such an awesome project.

  66. # veronicaon 02 Mar 2008 at 8:19 am

    i have been looking at your blog ever since this tutorial. i love it. i have finally used it to make one of my own. i hope you like it. http://tooexcitedtosleep.blogspot.com/2008/03/card-tote-with-spring-solitude.html

  67. # Julie Kostkaon 09 Mar 2008 at 9:02 pm

    Absolutely gorgeous. I love the pattern and the colors of the paper. I surely wont be able to duplucate the beauty of yours, but i really want to try. Thank you so much for sharing. :)

  68. # Yvonneon 03 Jul 2008 at 4:16 pm

    Leslie, wanted to add GREAT TOTE! Easy to follow too! Thanks for sharing your creation! Just posted 1 that I did! I have to say they are addicting as is your site! LOL! Wonderful work!

  69. # A tote « Katiescraftworks’s Weblogon 12 Jul 2008 at 12:58 pm

    […] I got the tutorial for this little tote bag, from “Running with Scissors” […]

  70. # ruby tuesday blow upon 05 Aug 2008 at 1:02 pm

    […] of the tote. Your tutorial is awesome. I can??t wait to try it!!! Leslie you really blow my … http://leslierich.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com/2007/07/30/ruby-tuesday-stellas-tote-n-tutorial/Restaurant Chain Ruby Tuesday To Blow Up Its Store Live Online - AHNMaryville, TN CNS - Dining chain […]

  71. # Bridgett Owenson 10 Sep 2008 at 5:35 am

    http://hoosierstamper.blogspot.com/2008/09/more-birthday-fun.html

    Thank you for the wonderful tutorial! I made a little bag, too! It was very easy and fun! I needed a quick birthday bag and this was just perfect!

    Hugs,
    Bridgett

  72. # Sarahon 16 Mar 2009 at 3:14 am

    I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don’t know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.

    Sarah

    http://www.lyricsdigs.com

  73. # Andy "Melbourne jobs" Jameson 07 Apr 2009 at 5:24 pm

    Thank you for sharing your ideas!.. I can’t wait to try it!..

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