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:
- DIY Doily Canvas Bag at AshleyAnnPhotography
- Doily Stencil with Sharpie (no paint, no mess!) at One Pearl Button [via whipup]
- This Doily-Stenciled Pumpkin is amazing! No carving necessary, at Talk Crafty to Me
- Paint Edges of Book Pages for Unique Decor at Mich L. in L.A.
- T-shirt designs created with stencils & bleach at cre.ations.net
11 Comments
LizAnderson
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
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
awe thanks for posting my fun project Heather!!
jen @ tatertots and Jello
I LOVE that tote!!! So cute. LOVE it!
xoxo
Jen
PAULA
WHERE ARE THE DIRECTIONS FOR THE TOTE BAG??
heather
@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
I totally love this, I think it will become Christmas presents this year. Oh,and I actually still have that Esprit bag…
Michelle
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
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 :)