Take-Along Unity in Diversity Tote Bag/Coloring Activity

I love making things that serve multiple purposes. This clever tote bag stores in its own attached pouch that can be looped onto your belt, purse strap or laptop bag and go with you everywhere! You will never be without an easy way to carry an armload of groceries, a stack of books, or a selection of pamphlets.

It is ALSO a fun coloring activity for older kids. They can decorate it with permanent markers to personalize it.

Unity in Diversity is printed in quirky letters in purple on a bright yellow bag. The attached carrying pouch has the outlines of the People and Hearts design. It comes as it is pictured in the first two pictures. The bag makes a positive statement all by itself.

Now add colors, swirls, stars and unique doodles, and it becomes an expression of a young person’s diverse personality.

I recommend light colored markers for inside of the letters, and darker markers for the outer pizzazz. Fine-point markers (not extra-fine) come in lots of colors in sets. Because they are permanent, this is a project for older kids, who won’t color themselves in the process.

HINT: Put a sheet of paper or cardboard inside the bag before coloring it, so the ink doesn’t bleed through. Test colors on the handle to see how they will look on the yellow. For complex designs, draw the pattern on a piece of paper and slide it inside, then trace it.

The bag is made of strong but light-weight woven polyester, and has two built-in handles for easy carrying. When you are done using it to carry things, just tuck it into the corner pouch and pull the drawstring. Then loop the drawstring around your purse strap, laptop handle or belt loop and it will be there next time you need it.

These are durable gifts that your friends will use for a long time. They are low cost enough that you can give them as party favors, thank-you gifts, or community-wide Ayyam-i-Ha gifts (make decorating them part of your party). Since I had to print a lot of them, I got a good price, so they are super-affordable.

The bag is 15″ wide by 20″ tall, counting the handles. Tucked in its pouch, it is a 3″ ball and soft, so it can also fit in a pocket.