Embellished, glued, ironed-on or sewn, here are our favorite ways to personalize an ordinary tote bag, and even a few ways to make your own from scratch.

The addition of a bold initial or vivid pattern can make a canvas bag newly stylish -- and unique to its owner.

With a few stitches, a bath towel can be turned into an all-in-one beach mat and tote bag.

A simple can of silver spray paint can is all you need to transform a straw tote into a chic summer accessory. Spray paint the entire tote, or just add spray-painted tassels.

Made from strips of folded fabric, bias tape adds a polished look to an ordinary tote bag.

Give mismatched buttons a new life on a bag.

With a few basic supplies, you can turn any towel into the perfect beach tote.

Pick leaves from your backyard to stamp a bag.

Turning an old T-shirt into a grocery bag is an easy way to go green.

Touches of raffia make a plain tote bag special.

Don't hide your favorite photos in your wallet -- flaunt them on your tote bag.

With very little alteration, you can turn one of your favorite beach towels into a handy tote.

Instead of using plastic bags, take your groceries home in a personalized printed tote.

Apples aren't just for eating. The cut side of an apple half, dipped in candy-colored paint, can be stamped onto ordinary canvas tote bags and backpacks.

This no-sew bag can be stowed in your purse for a quick trip to the market, yet is strong enough to carry fruits and vegetables.

A day at the beach needn't end with a bag full of sand; make a mesh bag to tote your beach supplies -- the sand will fall through before you reach the car or your home. 

You can monogram a canvas tote without a single stitch: Print the initial as large as possible from a computer, enlarge further on a photocopier, and cut out to make a pattern. Back fabric with fusible webbing, following the package directions. Lay the initial facedown on the webbing side of the fabric; trace, and cut out. Center the letter on the bag, and iron on.

One of the best ways to keep your yoga mat in good condition is to house it in a tote bag such as this easy-to-make version.

Why break the bank for a designer bag when you can easily make your own? This fashionable tote is constructed with two main items: a roll of duct tape and a stapler.

There's more than one way to wear a pair of jeans: With a length of denim, the perfect tote bag is a few stitches away.

Give an orphaned pillowcase a new home -- over your shoulder.

Use this simple technique to make beautiful silk-screen prints, perfect for decorating tote bags, T-shirts, and more.

It's not a tote itself, but this handy accessory can help organize your favorite bag. A three-pocket pouch is easily fashioned from a carpenter's canvas nail apron (available at hardware stores).

These unique tote bags are made with a traditional Hungarian reverse-applique technique.

This homemade satchel has quite a few tricks up its sleeves -- er, pockets. For one thing, it's not simply a tote bag; it's also a beach towel. Plus, it has pockets inside for holding goodies and supplies.

This carryall, decorated using a running stitch, is as stylish as it is sturdy, thanks to a simple pattern of threads in varying colors and textures.

A bag with a decorative silhouette is more than a useful carrier; it's a conversation piece.

Make your tote bag sparkle with this glittering rhinestone-embellishment technique.

Tote your pup, or at least his image, with you wherever you go with this adorable and easy-to-make bag.

Looking for your keys? There's no need to go scrambling around in your tote bag.

Just add a pocket (and a cute closure) to get all the small stuff under control. With a swatch of Ultrasuede fabric, a button, and a few quick stitches, you're good to go.

An iron-on initial in a woodsy typeface is an inspired (and easy) alternative to embroidery. Floral appliques extend the theme.

Turn a child's drawing into a long-lasting keepsake with this bag.

Cherry blossoms are famously short-lived, but on a sturdy satchel they can last long past the season.

A pair of sea stars float across a natural-hue tote. Because the canvas bag is too thick to print on, we used a lightweight canvas for the impressions (muslin also works) and appliqued them in place for a pleasing sense of dimension. The finished product is perfect for the beach, but it would look just as chic on a city street.

A cloth bag makes a natural canvas for young artists. This iron-on design will spur their self-expression.

White silhouettes give this tote bag a modern, screen-printed look.

A monochromatic log cabin design in soft cowhide gives the pattern a modern yet relaxed vibe.

To make the bag, stitch together an 8-by-5 1/2-inch rectangle and 3-inch-wide strips using a leather needle and heavy-duty thread. Be sure to increase the stitch length to avoid perforating the leather. Add a strap of natural canvas. If you like, you can sew a matching lining.

What busy woman couldn't use a great bag? Just as personal as a gift of jewelry but a little less expected, a simple tote bearing a chic design is baggage any girl would want to carry around.

Sleek silhouettes turn a modest bag into an artful accessory.