Pam's Vinyl Tote

Materials:

2 clear vinyl placemats (17-1/4" long)
2-1/2" x 14-1/4" * piece 1/2" thick wood shelving
light green acrylic paint
4 large 1/4" grommets
24 upholstery nails
Stretch Magic 1.8 mm bead & jewelry cord
1 yd. of 1/4" cording for handles
1/8" hole punch
1/4" hole punch
clear glue
ruler or tape measure
pen or pencil
scissors

Steps:

1. Measure and

3. Punch two 1/4-inch holes along the top edge for the handles. Ours were in the center third of the mat. Repeat matching holes in the second mat. These holes are larger because grommets will be placed in them.

4. Cut a length of the plastic cording about 2-1/2 times the height of the mat and starting at one of the corners sew the two mats together using an over hand stitch (figure D). At the first stitch make a knot, leaving a tail to be woven through the first few holes, or secure the knot with clear glue. Cut any extending tail. Repeat at the top edge.

5. Repeat the sewing on the opposite side of the mats.

7. Cut the handle cording in half, knot one end of one length and pull it through the grommet from the inside of the purse to the outside (figure F). Insert the opposite end in the grommet next to it, this time inserting the cord from the outside to the inside. Knot on the inside. Cut any extending cording and coat with a layer of Fray-Chec or clear-drying glue to prevent further fraying.

8. Paint the board and allow to dry.

10. Insert the board and push the first tack through the middle marks on both the mat and the board (figure H). Repeat with the other two marks. You now have three tacks in along one side of the tote to get you started. Repeat on the other side of the tote.

11. Insert remaining tacks up both sides of the tote, placing them all equal distances apart. When you get to the ends and have to go around the corner, place the tacks as close as possible to the center seam on the mats. Gather in any surplus material. Done!