Love Bug Party Bag!

When I sat down last month in a morbid post-Christmas slump to sketch this project, I promised myself I'd meet my goal of making it "the crazier the better!" This tote bag is not only crazier than a bed bug, err I mean love bug, but I made two of them. And they will be delivered to the front doors of my daughters-with-kids on February 14th bearing everything needed for a fun, happy family Valentine's Day party!....a "love bug infestation" snuggled inside a hand made, lightly quilted 18" x 20" bag that also serves as a showcase for the hand prints of all five grandchildren.

The hand print blocks are 6" square. Hand quilting encircles the "bug bodies" and accents the red squares. (If you adapt this idea with an original front panel, use pre-quilted fabric for the outside borders, backing, and handle to complete.)

Glittered hearts (Dollar Tree) cut in half become insect wings, attached with Gorilla glue. Same for wiggle eyes. Fine point (005) permanent marker defines antennae, eyelashes, legs and the name of the bug. Obviously not washable "as is," but then I can't imagine any heavy use, such as marching into church with this slung over a shoulder!











Maybe we'll just designate these whimsical totes a gathering place for all things VD....storage for decorations, games, prizes and cards bought ahead for next year. When the bag reemerges, the kiddoes can line up to see how much their darling little hands have grown over the past year - and stick their cute little noses deep inside to see if grandma sent along enough candy to keep everybody jumpin' off the walls! (Hmmmm....that well may be the subconscious motivation for the dump-and-drive nature of this gift!)

This year the bags will contain a set of the "Family Reunion" bingo cards I made last week, an equal number of prizes for everybody (dinosaur and princess sticker sheets, glow swords and heart topped wands (oh, how did I ever live before Dollar Tree?), sticky string, light up necklaces, etc.) and some heart shaped cookies for munching along during the game.

 Smack!.....I love my little Valentines (here's 2/5 of them!)....and ya know...I think those little bugs just might love me right back!