About this Product
On one side, a vibrant red strawberry appliqué takes center stage. Cut from salvaged fabric and stitched onto a cream-colored cotton printed with delicate fruits and flowers, the strawberry is brought to life with free-motion embroidery— a technique where the feed dogs of the sewing machine are lowered, allowing the artist to draw freely with stitches as if sketching directly onto fabric. This gives the appliqué a raw, expressive quality that feels like a page from a hand-illustrated field journal.
Flip the bag to reveal the reversible side, made from a beautiful aqua linen-like fabric that feels fresh and summery. This side features a large reinforced pocket in the same cream fruit-and-flower print. Stitched on the pocket are individually embroidered strawberries, also created using the same free-motion technique and highlighted with fabric paint for extra depth and detail.
✨ This tote is:
Fully reversible — choose between bold strawberry art or soft aqua minimalism
Features a hand-drawn look achieved through free-motion embroidery (not pre-programmed machine embroidery)
Includes a reinforced pocket on the reverse side with embroidered and hand-painted details
Made from salvaged fabrics
Perfect for farmers markets, berry picking, garden strolls, or sunny everyday errands
A true one-of-a-kind creation — no two are ever exactly alike
Please note: Raw edges, visible fabric selvage, and frayed details are intentional design elements. These touches are part of the tote’s handcrafted aesthetic and do not affect the strength, structure, or quality of the piece.
? Handmade with care. Sustainably created. Drawn in stitches. A perfect pick for strawberry lovers and whimsical souls alike.
Ships from a smoke-free, pet-free home studio.
Little Beetle Designs
Meet the Maker
Hello and thank you for your visit! At Little Beetle Designs, we believe in creating with purpose, heart, and a whole lot of whimsy. We are a family-operated, Latina-owned, and teen-led micro-business based in the heart of rural South Florida, inspired daily by the plants, animals, and natural beauty around us. Our creativity is also sparked by the magic of books, the rhythm of music, the art of fiber, and our deep love for all things quirky and handmade.
We craft a variety of goods that are as gentle on the planet as they are joyful to use. From reversible totes made with salvaged fabrics to plush stuffies stitched with vintage or organic yarn, our work centers on reuse, sustainability, and thoughtful design.
We’re intentional about the materials we choose:
Eco-friendly paints for our clay pieces and pins
High-quality Czech glass beads—a renewable material that can be endlessly recycled without losing quality
Repurposed, salvaged, or organic fibers whenever possible
While most of our materials are earth-friendly, we’re transparent about the few that aren’t (like vinyl stickers or acrylic beads), and we're always on the lookout for more sustainable alternatives as they become available.
Giving back is also core to who we are. Every three months, we spotlight a special product collection and donate 50% of the profits to a nonprofit or animal sanctuary that aligns with our values.
We may be small, but we aim to sprinkle kindness, creativity, and consciousness into the world—one handmade creation at a time. Thank you for supporting our journey and helping us make a meaningful impact, both near and far.
Stay tuned as we continue to expand our collection with even more unique and exciting products!
How it’s Made
Behind the Bag: My Creative Process
Each tote I make begins with a spark of inspiration — often from nature, textures, or simple everyday moments. I sketch my designs either by hand or digitally using Procreate, carefully shaping the layout of the final piece.
From there, I select fabrics that bring the design to life — all chosen from salvaged and upcycled materials, giving each bag a sustainable and unique origin. Once the fabrics are selected, I break the design down into color-based elements and create patterns for each piece.
Then comes the fun part: I hand-cut the fabric pieces and apply them to the base fabric. Using free-form embroidery, I "draw" over the appliqué with thread, creating a sketch-like, textured look that gives every tote its artistic signature.
To add a carefree, boho spirit, I decorate the handles with hand-ripped fabric strands — each one removable so you can change up the vibe. I then construct and embellish the pocket (usually with a simple, complementary design), and finally, I assemble the full tote and attach the straps.
No two bags are ever exactly alike — each one is a slow-made, expressive piece of functional art.
Note on Free Form Embroidery: All stitched designs are created using free-motion embroidery — a technique where the feed dogs of the sewing machine are lowered, allowing me to "draw" freely with thread by hand. This is not machine-embroidered from a digital pattern, but rather a spontaneous, artistic process that gives each piece its own expressive, sketched character.
Shop Policies
Returns and Exchanges
We are happy to accept returns and exchanges within 30 days of your purchase excluding custom made items. To be eligible, items must be unworn, unwashed, and unaltered. You have 30 days from the date of receipt to initiate a return or exchange.
Custom items deemed acceptable may be eligible for store credit, please email us to inquire.
How to Return or Exchange an Item:
Contact Us: Please email us to request the return address or to coordinate an exchange at one of our local markets. Be sure to specify whether you're requesting a return or an exchange in your email.
Return Shipping: If you choose to return an item, please note that you are responsible for the return shipping costs.
Condition of Item: Upon receipt of the returned item, we will inspect it to ensure it meets the return criteria (unworn, unwashed, unaltered). If the item does not meet these requirements, we will contact you directly.
Exchanges:
Once we confirm the return meets our criteria, we will promptly prepare your replacement item. We will then notify you with instructions on where to pick up your exchange at one of our local markets or provide information about the new shipping cost.
Refunds:
Refunds will be processed to your original payment method, and you will be notified via email once the refund has been issued. Please note that shipping and duties paid are non-refundable.
