DIY: Drama Llama Tote

Monday December 4th, 2017

I decided I wanted to do a DIY that involved the use of homemade tassels. The first thing that came to mind was a llama wearing tassels, as they sometimes do. Initially I was going to make this into a pillow, but I felt like it was going to be so cute, that it deserved to be taken out into the world. I'm so pleased with the results and cannot wait to gift it to a friend. Here's how I made it, using materials from Michael's and items I had at home.

Budget: $
Skill level: Beginner

Materials needed:

1. Iron
2. Sharp scissors
3. Sewing needle
4. Blank tote
5. Jolee's Iron on transfer paper
6. Embroidery floss


7. Templates:

You will first want to print out the templates above onto your iron on transfer paper following the directions that come with the paper. **You want the words backwards for when you iron them on. Right click on the templates above and then print individually onto the transfer paper. Llama number one is shown below printed on the iron on paper.

I first ironed my tote bag so that the surface was nice and smooth for ironing on the transfers. Cut out the printed images and lay them out on the tote to see where you want them to be. Then follow the directions on the iron on paper to iron the images onto the tote bag.

Now that your images are on the tote it is ready for some tassels! Let me show you now to make those next.

First pick out the colors you want to use from your selection of embroidery floss. You will want to pick at least two colors per tassel, for contrast. Grab a whole packet and wrap a small piece of painters tape around to mark the center.

Now take the packet of string and snip two small pieces (about 2 inches long) and tie around the end as shown below.

Repeat on the other end and remove the black labels. You can now snip the middle of the painters tape so that you now have two small tassels.

It's time to add some contrasting color around the top. Pick out a differnt color than the tassel to use to wrap around the top and cut a piece about 6 inches long. Hold at the top of the tassel and create a small loop as shown below.

Start wrapping the string around the top of the loop and continue to wrap until you have at least 1/2" left. You will then feed the piece you have been wrapping through the loop you have created.

Once pulled through, grab the straight piece at the top and the piece you pulled through the loop and pull each gently at the same time. It will then tighten and affix the string to the tassel.

Now snip the two ends and voila! You have a tassel! I trimmed mine down to make it the right size for this project. Repeat in another color if you want two layers of contrasting color (as shown in the bottom picture).

Repeat, making four tassels for each llama (or more if you are feeling it, can't have too many if you ask me).

Next lay the tassels out on your tote, to get an idea of where you want to sew them on. Use a simple stitch to affix the tassels to the tote and it's ready to take out into the world!

I simply adore how it came out and it's already got me thinking about other variations (think cacti with pom flowers).  I can't wait to make more, as well as pillow versions as originally envisioned.

Enjoy! 

XOXO Kym