I can't tell you how many of those "free" tote bags I have that are given out as promos or swag. Often, they're made of fabric and great for using again. But how many plain tote bags do I really need? So, we decided to dress up a simple fabric tote with some color-blocked pom-poms to turn it into something new! It's so easy and fun to make. Here's how…

You'll need…

– 2 different colors of yarn (we used a multi mix and solid neon pink)

– pom pom maker

– needle and thread

– scissors

– a tote bag (we dyed our bag pink but you can use the natural color as it comes, too)

Here's how…

1. If you want to fill up the whole face of one side of the tote, make nine pom poms using a pom pom maker. We made these color-blocked by wrapping one side of the clamp in a multi-color yard and the other side in a neon pink yarn. The fuller you fill up the maker, the more dense the pom poms will be.

2. Once you've made all nine, trim so that you don't see any excess yarn from the tied knot. Then, using a needle and thread, secure each pom pom from the base of the knot to the tote bag. We spread them out evenly in three rows of three. But you can group them however you'd like!

Now, your once plain tote bag looks way more fun and chic!

{Photos by Casey Brodley, styling by Julia Wester, crafting by Jess Hong. Dress from Boden.}