DIY Pet Tote

For the creative pet person, this Animal Tote Craft by Country Living Magazine is a cute and simple way of making a perfectly adorable yet functional bag. Country Living provides templates for woodland animals, like deer, an owl, and a squirrel. However, one could easily make a template of one's pet's silhouette. (Take a profile image of your pet against a blank backdrop. Print. Trace onto card stock. Cut. Use as template and proceed with the project).

DIRECTIONS to Make Custom Tote (compliments of County Living Magazine)

Step 1: Print the animal template of your choice from the list below and cut out. Using our photo as a guide, pick a mix of fabrics and place your template's pieces on the fabrics; trace and cut out.

Step 2: Next, trace the template's pieces onto iron-on adhesive ($3.99 per yard-long roll; joann.com) and cut inside the lines so the adhesive shapes are slightly smaller than the fabric ones. Following the package instructions, iron adhesive to the back of fabric.

Step 3: Remove the adhesive's backing. Working pattern side up, center the animal's fabric body on the bag and iron in place. Follow with the other pieces of the animal, again using our photo for guidance. Finish by sewing on button eyes for the owl and squirrel.

(image credit: Country Living)