DIY Tote Bags
The Idea —
We painted little woven beach bags back in June. I am publishing this in September, which I think we can all agree is a very normal and organized way to run a blog.
In my defense: they could easily be turned into fall bags! They're the bag you carry a bottle of wine to someone's house in. They're the bag that holds your book.
This is the easiest craft night I have ever hosted. No glue guns, no molds, no drying situation taking over my kitchen for three days. You put a piece of cardboard in a bag, you hand people paint, and they entertain themselves for two hours. The reel got 777 comments asking for the supply list, so I'm taking that as a sign to actually write it up.
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Supplies —
Acrylic craft paint. We used regular craft acrylic, nothing special, it won’t wash off once dried.
Acrylic paint brush set
Plastic paint tray palettes OR disposable plates
Bag charms and keychains — I linked a bunch: resin seashell and starfish sets, gold beach charms, a lobster, and some cute acrylic animal ones for the girls who wanted to go a different direction
Silk scarves or bandanas to tie on the handles
Paper towels, cups for water, baby wipes
Everything I used is linked here: https://liketk.it/6ePu8
How To—
Sketch lightly in pencil first if you want. It disappears under the paint and it saves a lot of feelings.
Load your brush lightly. Jute is thirsty and textured — a wet, loaded brush spreads and goes fuzzy at the edges. Dab and press instead of long dragging strokes.
Go bold and simple. This is not the surface for tiny detail, and it doesn't need to be.
Let it dry an hour before anyone carries one to the car, overnight to be fully set.
Clip on a charm, tie a scarf around the handle, done.
