Personalized Totes for Tots

I created a line of personalized embroidery canvas tote bags for kids that measure 9" by 12" allowing children to carry their own items to their activities. The initial idea was to keep preschool glitter out of the backpacks that aren't easily washed and to identify ownership of the tote bag by designing it with the child's name. As we focus on our daughter and our upcoming adoption of little sister, I have learned to include a child's English name in Chinese Characters (available for most names) and thus celebrate their Asian heritage. If possible I like to include a lining and additional embroidery that focus on the particular child's interest or use for the tote bag. My daughter has one she carries to preschool, one she carries to the health club, and another one she uses for her dance class. That way we can have the tote bags loaded with items that she needs for each activity and we aren't running around looking for items at the last minute. Since she is starting ice skating lessons soon, I will probably make her an additional bag with either ice skates or snowflakes on it.

I am increasing my embroidery collection, so I can handle most things that kids are into. I also have designs for preteens and adults as well. Any sporting activity like swimming, volleyball, basketball, baseball are easily created. Since I have a little princess, we've collected several designs for that as well. I have to be careful with trademarks and copyrights, so I don't make bags with things like Disney characters. School mascots or school logos are generally not copyrighted. Collegiate designs must not resemble the schools logo, but there is no harm in creating the college name in a varsity style script. I will not duplicate the schools mascot or logo unless it is available without licensing agreements.

I have included a link to the slideshow that I created on slide.com showing several that I've made. I enjoy creating new and different designs that I've never tried before and my creativity is only enhanced by other people's input or imagination. Currently I'm selling these tote bags for $20.00 each which is a real bargain. I want to establish a market for these new items. Prices may have to increase at a later time to cover the cost of my time to design, but for now I'll continue to sell them as cheaply as I can.