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Make a Doily Monogrammed Tote Bag

22 August 2010 8,319 views 11 Comments Pin It

by heather

When I was in middle school, the most popular bag you could carry was a big square Esprit bag made of canvas that said "Esprit" on it. Anyone remember those? I saved up and bought one so I could get in on that trend. Now that I'm grown up, I'm thankfully immune (mostly) to the fads, but I still like to have a good tote bag (or twenty... yes I am one of those people. I am addicted to them!) TidyMom posted this awesome custom-painted tote bag she made by using a doily as a stencil. She also added a monogram for good measure. I think it's stunning, and what a great technique. [how to make a doily stenciled bag] [thanks]

Project Estimate:

  • Canvas tote bag, on hand or $1
  • Doily, $1 (pack of 6 or more)
  • Acrylic craft paint, on hand or $1
  • Spray glue, on hand
  • Sponge brush, on hand
  • X-acto knife or craft cutting machine

Total: $1 and up

Additional Resources:

11 Comments »

  • LizAnderson said:

    My tote bag obsession is hidden by calling them reusable grocery bags. See? Works perfect! Tote bag on!

    Exceptionally nice work on this project. It sure ups the ante.

  • Tsoniki Crazy Bull said:

    Seriously, love this. I have at least 20 shopping bags that could use a makeover. Maybe I could get the kids to do the stenciling!

  • TidyMom said:

    awe thanks for posting my fun project Heather!!

  • jen @ tatertots and Jello said:

    I LOVE that tote!!! So cute. LOVE it!

    xoxo
    Jen

  • Sticky Business: Posts We Liked This Week | An Eclectic Blog said:

    [...] Dollar Store Crafts show us how to make a doily monogrammed tote bag. [...]

  • PAULA said:

    WHERE ARE THE DIRECTIONS FOR THE TOTE BAG??

  • heather (author) said:

    @PAULA Check the end of the first paragraph for the link. It’s usually in brackets [like this]

    Here’s the link: http://tidymom.net/2010/monogram-stenciled-canvas-bag/

  • Crys said:

    I totally love this, I think it will become Christmas presents this year. Oh,and I actually still have that Esprit bag…

  • Michelle said:

    In the process of making 6 of these for christmas presents for the women in my family!

    1)Make sure your brush is completely dry if you want it turn out crisp and clean edges. On one of my bags the brush was wet so when I pushed it down a bit to get the paint in the small spots it watered the paint down! I did this to the rest of the pattern and I like the way it turned out but it is for an edgier/trendier person since.

    2)I also used tiny doilys for a small monogram thing on the front as well! I’m contemplating adding bows for people I know would like it or stripes on this side as well.

    3)I used acrylic paint (only $2 for more than enough versus $1.69 of the soft paint for enough for two bags) and it works just fine. Just don’t put too much on it cause it will chip!

    4)I also used just plain glue stick rubbed on the back of the doily for a temporary stick (didn’t want to pay $5 for a small can of something I wasn’t sure I was going to use all of) and it worked fine! I’m sure you would totally eliminate the tiny messups that happened when I moved a section of the doily but its not noticeable.

  • Tauni said:

    Ha! I totally remember the Esprit bags. I loved mine…we must be close to the same age :) To be honest, Tidy Mom’s bag is far classier :)

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