Ever notice that events that require your presence, and a present (birthdays, housewarming parties, anniversaries, baby showers), always seem to come in clumps?! Seriously…you can have a few months of dry spell, then WHAM…you need 5 gifts in two weeks.

Since I don’t like to do things the easy way, I prefer to create gifts when I’m not lazy I can. Some very sweet, little people in my life had birthdays earlier this summer. I knew they’d get plenty of toys and clothes, so I opted for something personal. Because let’s face it, a trip to Target for three toys would run $60-$80 (plus the $100 you’ll spend on the stuff you’re hypnotized by while you’re there!)

I found all the supplies for cute backpacks and a tote bag at Jo Ann’s Fabric. And 30 minutes later, I’d turned this:

Into this:

And this:

Into these:

Well, actually, I started with two blank ones…not one like the picture indicates. I’m good, but not that good!

I’m not going to insult you by walking you through the How-To…just follow the instructions for the iron-on decals. The tote bag is canvas, so there were no issues with the heat of the iron. The backpacks, however, are some man-made fakey material, so I did have to be more careful about how long I kept the iron on them.

(Um, June, if you happen to be reading this post…yes, EMM and HCM are your cutie-pies. Yes, her birthday was in May. No, I have not mailed them to you yet!) Hey, I’m just crafty…not punctual!

The backpacks totaled $6 each, and the tote was $8. I added some books and trinkets, and I think they turned out pretty cute! And hopefully the recipients feel special and loved!!