Nasturtium Leaves Tote

Farideh came into the test kitchen with a bouquet of what looked to me, like lily pads. She placed them on my work table and said, “These are nasturtium leaves. Wash ‘em and do something with them.” I looked down at them in confusion. 

“Like…a salad?” I asked. 

“Sure,” she said.

Okay, so not salad. How does a tote bag sound!? 

This is a stupid easy and inexpensive craft you can do for any occasion with any leaves, paint color or blank surface (i.e. napkins, pillow cases, or t-shirts). I used this blank tote which is on the smaller side, but perfect for a quick trip to the farmer’s market. 

T <3 

 

Nasturtium Tote Supplies

~*~ NASTURTIUM LEAVES TOTE ~*~

MAKES: 1 TOTE ⎪ LEVEL: EASY

Mise en Place 

nasturtium leaves  

plain tote bag 

green craft paint (acrylic or fabric) 

paint brush  

Nasturtium Tote Paint Dots

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1. PAINT THE LEAVES

Place a leaf on a piece of newspaper, cardboard, or parchment paper (you don’t want to ruin that beautiful hard-wood table). Turn the leaf over so the veiny side is facing up. Dot paint around the leaf, then bush the entire surface. 


*NOTE* You can paint a thin or thick layer of paint for different results. Practice on another surface to see what amount of paint looks best. 

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2. PRESS ON THE TOTE

Turn the leaf over, paint-side down, and carefully place anywhere on the tote bag. Place a paper towel over the leaf to prevent paint stains. Then roll over the leaf using a rolling pin or glass bottle to transfer the paint onto your tote. 

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3. WEAR

Remove the leaf and discard. Repeat this process with however many leaves you like! Hang the tote to dry for 15 minutes. Use it as a grocery shopping bag, bring it to the farmer’s market, or use it as a purse. Clean in the washing machine on a regular wash and dry cycle.  

 

 

Food for Thought

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