Thursday, October 16, 2008

My kids thought I was crazy...

when I told them I was going to make a tote bag out of the dog food bag. But, now they aren't so sure:-). I think it turned out great! The bag material is like tyvek, very heavy duty and water resistant. I lined the inside with a contrasting, yet coordinating fabric and attached these purse handles that I got on clearance at Michaels. It measures about 16" wide and 12" high.Ok, so this may be going pretty far as far as reusing and repurposing, but I am pretty proud of the final product. What do you think? I have another dog food bag, do you think I should make another? Do you think anyone would buy it? I would LOVE your feedback!
For more inspiring ideas, check out Make It From Scratch over at 11th Heaven's Homemaking Haven.
And for more frugal ideas, visit the Festival of Frugality at The Might Bargain Hunter.

17 comments:

Luke Holzmann said...

It seems like it would smell like dog food. The bags we had for my dog growing up were rather pungent. How did you beat that?

~Luke

Anonymous said...

Hi! I read your blog all the time - just don't hardly ever comment. I love your practicality.

Feedback... the size of the bag is perfect. Is the inside of the dog food bag white? Maybe if you turned it inside out before you lined it then it would blend in a bit more with more outfits. ;-) The lining is great. I could picture that kind of bag as the perfect library bag, or a nice shopping bag for quick runs.

- Angie -

dolphin lady said...

Luke,
Thanks for the comment!
Because the bag is some kind of woven plastic, it was very easy to scrub clean. I can't smell any dog food smell, however, my dog still can smell it - but he can smell when I open a package of chicken in the kitchen from outside:-)
Erica

Anonymous said...

I love it! You did good girl, inspired.

Anonymous said...

OK, I think it looks cool as is. It will definitely catch the attention of fellow dog lovers.

Cat Melton said...

I am impressed! Being a cat person that sews...I can see Cat Chow Totes.

Nice job. And I appreciate the fact that you are reusing, especially material as tough as some of those bags are.

Cat

American Homemaker said...

I think that's really cute... I've done the capri sun and koolaid bags, but I've never thought to use dog food bags :)

Grammy said...

I love your ideal that is co creative.
Have a great week.
Grammy

RecycleCindy said...

Being a lover of recycled bags, I LOVE your bag. It is a wonderful use of otherwise trash material which you create something useful and cool. It's a great grocery tote or book bag. Keep the great ideas coming!

delanequilts said...

Just found your blog - what great ideas. I LOVE your dog food bag idea. How do you feel about others doing the same? Were you planning a pattern? (I design patterns and am very sensitive to copyright issues). I'd love to make one and maybe share the idea with others....

That's So Gaye said...

I buy both my cat and dog food in those bags, because I knew they could be repurposed, but all I ever seem to use them for is garbage bags.
I was wondering if you could wash them in the washing machine to help remove the smell?
I agree with another post, I like them with the printing on the outside--repurposing is VERY chic! And I think the pick contrasts really well with the green.

dolphin lady said...

delanequilts,
Pattern away! I have no plans, just having fun playing around. Would appreciate a link when you publish, that's all.

Gaye,
I don't see why you couldn't wash in machine. Although it is very easy to wash, and soaking in a little baking soda would also probably end any residual smell.

Unknown said...

This is just about the cutest thing ever! It would be great for dog lovers who always cart around dog toys.

Anonymous said...

LOVED IT!! That is so creative! You should sell them on ETSY!

Anonymous said...

You have a great blog. i found you some how when i was looking for things on our sons birth defect esophageal atresia. I wish you all the best.

the pearson ANTiCS said...

Hi there!
Good luck with the holiday card giveaway on bloggy giveaways! :)

However, if you don't win, and are still interested in sharing greetings this season...I'd love to have you take a peek at my site and view my 2008 line. You can access the link at www.graphici.blogspot.com.

I had a new baby girl 3 weeks ago, so I'm offering pre-designed templates in lieu of doing custom designs [as I've limited myself to in the past].
Because of this, you can get 50 cards for ONLY $40!!
If you're interested, act soon...as there is a 3 week turn-around and December is coming fast! :)
Thanks so much!Stephanie
sp82877@yahoo.com

ps...love the dog food bag!!!! ha!

Anonymous said...

I happen to love this. I have made a few. They make perfect "doggie bags" for your pets. They are great for toting all those dog supplies back and forth from the dog sitter (when I take the rare weekend getaway) and I have also donated some to dog rescue groups that like to give a little something extra to new puppy parents. Pair it with a new homemade collar and leash and maybe some great homemade puppy treats.