Tiny Tote Instructions

Okay, as promised, here are the instructions for the Tiny Tote (please don't be scared by the many steps below -- it's really only 5 cuts using the Custom Cutting System Circle Patterns):

This Tiny Tote fits 3x3 sticky notes perfectly. You can adjust the measurements to fit business cards or gift cards. Call or email me and I'll help you figure out those measurements.

Tools/Supplies
Tape Runner, Scissors, Pencil, Eraser
Custom Cutting System Mat, Blades (Blue & Red), Circle Patterns (Med & Large)
Brads (12)
2 colors of cardstock and/or patterned paper (Paper A and Paper B)
1/16" handheld hole punch
Optional: Cardboard scrap

1. With Custom Cutting System (CCS) Large Circle Pattern and Blue Blade, cut one circle from paper A using outside track. Set aside. Cut a scrap the same size for a folding template. (More on this in #4 below.)

2. With CCS Med Circle Pattern and Blue Blade, cut two circles from paper B using inside track. After each circle is cut, do not move pattern, pick up red blade, cut again using inside track. This will give you two solid small circles and 2 rings (which will become the handles). SEE PIECES CUT IN PHOTO AT RIGHT. Click on any image for larger view/more details.

3. Fold paper B small circles in half. Cut on fold lines. Fold each half in half. Mark three pencil dots where the brads will go. (See photo of finished tote for placement. Note that half-circles are placed on "left" and "right" sides of the front and back of the tote, so you need to punch holes on opposite halves of the folded half-circles.) Punch holes, insert brads, set aside until tote is assembled, then adhere with Tape Runner.

4. Use ruler to mark the center of large circle. (Hint: Fold scrap circle in half, lay on large circle cut from paper A, matching edges. Make a pencil line along fold. Unfold scrap circle and fold in half the other direction. Draw another line along fold, perpendicular to 1st line. You just made a big plus sign.)

5. Measuring carefully, make another pencil line 1 5/8" away from one of the center pencil lines made in step 4. Do this on both sides of the center line.

6. Measuring carefully, do this again 3/4" on both sides of the other center pencil line.

7. Follow photo for cutting instructions, creating four flaps. (Note: you are cutting the longer lines.)

8. Place adhesive on flaps, fold them to the inside and assemble mini tote.

9. Adhere brad-embellished half-circles to right and left corners of front and back of tote.

10. Adhere handles and admire your adorable Tiny Tote!

(OPTIONAL: Make cardboard to fit in bottom, cut and assemble coordinating liner following steps 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8.)

It's really MUCH EASIER to do it than to explain it!!! (Writing instructions is NOT easy; writing clear instructions is even harder!) :-)

Let me know how yours turns out!