Is there anything cool and arts'n'crafty-martha stuart i could do with tote bags?

If it is possible, you can remove the handles and replace them with cool acrylic, bamboo or leather handles; try adding beading or faux jewelry to the front of the bag; if you are good with art put your own personal artwork on the front of the tote; there are so many iron-on transfer embroidered patches in the craft/fabric stores or put an iron-on transfer of your favorite photo or even artwork on the front of the bag (that is what I do with my canvas messenger bags).