Tuesday, November 15, 2011

White recycling bags get a coastal makeover. Regatta Rags part 2

The day I found the blue boxes at Ikea I also found this set of  recycling bags.

What I liked about them.
They are white.
They were so clean looking
Easily folded and tossed in the trunk instead of the not so pretty shade of blue lidless Rubbermaid™ container that takes up way to much trunk room to do errands after going to the recycling center.



The one size in particular (15 x11 x 10") that Zoie is modeling was perfect for a trip to the farmer's market for some melon, cheese and berries.


 
It held quite a hefty load.  Zoie by the way is 8 pounds and she was in the bag after it's use at the farmer's market, not before.  I should mention it's rated to hold 7 pounds.

 Made from  100 % polypropylene simply turn them inside and and give them a good wash.


The taller one shown in the back of the first photo was perfect to bring along to an estate sale I had gone too.  I just kept stuffing things in it.

 

Don't get bored yet like Zoie here who was supposed be helping me photo my clay starfish that you see in the photo

What I really saw in these fabulous bags was p-o-t-e-n-t-i-a-l with a capital "P".

Potential nice crisp white gift bags, market totes, perfect beach bags and of course for the boat!  My dearly beloved on the other had saw another project I was so immersed in that I didn't even pick my head up to say hello when he walked in the door.

I was so excited I just had to perform my "R&D" like it was some sort of emergency surgery.  I thought they looked fine with the white clay tags and ornaments but, then thought a touch of navy would be just right. Okay, so it's more royal blue which isn't my favorite but, used it anyway.


Being polypropylene means paint would not stick.
Possibly the Krylon Fusion might work. I didn't want to chance it.
Auto body paint would might work as well but,
it's not like I have that around anywhere.

Sewing would work.


I opted for something else entirely and created several designs.


24 hours later my finger was still swollen from all the tedious 
cutting using very small scissors.

This branch coral is five separate pieces that I just began cutting.

I modified a stencil for the lighthouse.





I wanted to cover the Ikea tab up. Cutting it meant the chance of cutting the bag with my luck and I like the solution much better.  It's personalized now. I cut a rectangle larger the the tab and wrapped around the back and stuck it on..


Exhausted and happy I flashed my completed line of bags in front of
my DB who studied them for a moment and said "Wow!
you could sell these"   I'm already looking for sources dearie to
make them part of my "Regatta Rags™" line.


Viola! Coastal shopping bags or gift bags!
Won't I be stylin' at the grocery store after the holidays!

Regatta Rags™ re-formed, re-imagined, recycled, rescued.

15 comments:

Completely Coastal said...

I so wish Ikea was closer by. These are great! Zoie's new hideaway??

Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces said...

Those really look great, Rita...so fresh and coastal! And cute Zoie has my heart...

La Dolfina said...

These are so cool!!!
I love them.
You are so talented

Jane said...

Love these ideas... And Zoie looks adorable in the bags!

Rose West said...

I liked the bags before, but after the blue beachy accents, I love them! Great job!

Anonymous said...

Perfect! And love your four-legged model! So many looks!

Happy Thanksgiving! Enjoy all your accomplishments and kudos from 2011!

Linda
Sand and Sea

Leo said...

These came out great!! So pretty.

Karena said...

I adore these and they will definitely sell. Zoie is too cute!!

Thank you so so much for the well wishes after my hip replacement. I am doing rehab and getting better every day!

Love and Hugs,

Karena
Art by Karena

the old boathouse said...

These are fantastic! I love the coral print! I must say Zoie is super cute. xx Katherine

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

OH WOW! THESE ARE SIMPLY GORGEOUS! What is it about clean, crisp lines that I love......I love opulence, but the older I get, the more I am loving simplicity and these bags are marvelous. ZOIE IS JUST A HOOT!!! She found her spot, for sure!

Dearest, thank YOU for coming to visit yesterday, and I wish you a magnificent and BEACHY Thanksgiving! Wouldn't it be splendid to have a Thanksgiving feast on the beach?

Anita

Blooming Rose Musings said...

How very creative! The bags are great!
Zoie is too cute for words.
Love your bags and love Zoie too!
I hope you have a very Happy Thanksgiving.

La Dolfina said...

Happy Thanksgiving my wonderful friend!
I'm wishing you and DB a very cozy, yummy and restful holiday weekend.
I apologize for being incommunicado...
I owe you a phone call and will try to call sometime this weekend...

I am so very grateful to have you in my life!!!
God Bless

Terri

Pearl Maple said...

Nicely done!
so chic and classic
thanks for sharing the creative inspiration

Melissah from Coastal Style said...

They look great - perfect for living down the coat!
x
Melissah

dave said...

I like your idea about giving recycled bags a coastal look. By the way Zoie looks great.

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