A tote bag is a bag with two handles. Decorating one makes a great project for both creative types and kids. You can make a tote bag that has a message on it, or one that reflects your own style and tastes.
A hand crafted tote also makes a nice gift for a friend. You can get blank tote bags at craft stores. Or you can get a used one and recycle it. The idea is to make it your own.
This is a very easy project!
You will need —
• A fabric or leather tote bag
• A square of cardboard
• Waxed paper
• Fabric paints
• Craft paint brushes
• Chalk
• Transfer paper
• Sewing needle
• Thread
Decorationss, such as silk leaves, appliqués and buttons (depending on what you want to make. Use your imagination while you are in the craft store. Old broaches, broken chains and jewelry can also be used to decorate the tote bag.
Select a tote bag in an appropriate color. Keep in mind that fabric paints don’t show up as well on dark colors. Make sure your colors aren’t so wild that the bag will not go with anything!
Pre-wash the bag before you paint it. Do not use fabric softener and allow it to hang dry completely. Make sure it is completely dry before you start painting or you will not be pleased with the results.
Cover a piece of cardboard with waxed paper and place it inside of the bag. This will prevent the paint from bleeding through and sticking on the inside of the bag.
Trace a freehand design in chalk. Chalk can be wiped away if you don’t like it and want to start over. Visible chalk lines can be wiped or wash off after the tote bag is done. Draw whatever kind of design you like!
If you are not great at freehand drawing use transfer paper.
Transfer paper is found in craft stores and used like carbon paper. You place it over your tote bag, then place the paper with the design you like on top of it. Trace over your design with the back of a paint brush or a chop stick. Be careful not to let the papers or the tote bag move as you are doing this. When you remove the papers, you will have an outline of your design. This is a good option if you’re not confident of your freehand drawing skills.
You can paint a design on the bag with fabric paint as well. Just use a paint bursh as you would regularly. Another option is to select fine tipped paint tubes to squeeze paint directly onto the fabric. To prevent smearing allow the paint to dry before painting on or next to it with another color.
Before you sew buttons or any other type of bling on it all the newly painted tote about 24-48 hours to dry. Keep in mind that the squeezed o paint will take a lot longer to dry.
Be sure ew on silk flowers and leaves, appliqués, patches or buttons to further decorate your bag. The goal is to completely customize it and make it yours!