How to Decorate Tote Bags
Things You'll Need:

* Fabric tote bag
* Cardboard
* Waxed paper
* Fabric paints
* Craft paint brushes
* Chalk
* Transfer paper
* Sewing needle
* Thread
* Embellishments, such as silk leaves, appliqués and buttons
Decorating a tote bag makes a great craft project for kids and adults. You can make a tote bag to reflect your own style and tastes. Make one for different uses, such as a beach bag, library bag and knitting supply bag. They also make great gifts for friends and loved ones for any occasion. Blank tote bags can be purchased at most craft stores, or you can recycle tote bags given away at stores or events. There are many ways to decorate a tote bag, so you can get very creative.

Instructions
1.
Step 1

Select a tote bag that is light in color. Fabric paints don't show up as well on dark colors.
2.
Step 2

Pre-wash the bag before painting it. Do not use any fabric softener in the rinse. Allow it to dry thoroughly.
3.
Step 3

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.
4.
Step 4

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 when you're finished painting. Draw whatever kind of design you like, such as flowers, stars, bats and baseballs, your name, or your favorite cartoon character.
5.
Step 5

Use transfer paper, if you prefer, to transfer designs or drawings. 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.
6.
Step 6

Paint on the design with fabric paints. You can use a paint brush, or select fine-tipped paint tubes to squeeze paint directly onto the fabric. To prevent smearing, allow one paint to dry before painting on or near it with another color. Allow paint to dry 24 to 48 hours before sewing anything onto your bag. Squeezed-on paint will take longer to dry than brushed on paint.
7.
Step 7

Sew on silk flowers and leaves, appliqués, patches or buttons to further decorate your bag.

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How to Make a Book Tote Bag

When making a book tote bag, it is important to reinforce the handles, so they will be able to hold the weight of the books. The size of the tote bag can vary, depending on the size and the number of books you intend to carry. Before you undertake making an extra large book tote bag, consider if you really want to carry around all that extra weight. The exterior of the bag can be decorated with fabric paint or adorned with photographs by using photo heat transfer paper. Instead of adding graphics on the cover, you can choose interesting fabric or use a hot glue gun to add embellishments, such as buttons and stones.

Instructions
1.
Step 1

Iron fusible fiber to the back of appliqué fabric.
2.
Step 2

Create the design for your appliqué on a piece of paper. Cut the design out. Trace around the design on back side of desired appliqué fabric. Outline will be drawn directly on fusible fiber.
3.
Step 3

Cut the design from the appliqué fabric following the outline guide. Peel the backing off the fusible fiber.
4.
Step 4

Position the appliqué on your tote bag. Press it with a hot iron until the design adheres to the tote bag. Your iron should be set on a setting that does not include the steam function. Turn the tote bag inside out and press the backside of the appliqué to guarantee a good seal. Each side will need to be pressed for approximately 30 seconds. Turn your tote bag right side out again.
5.
Step 5

Use your sewing machine to zigzag around the outline of the appliqué design.
6.
Step 6

Create more complicated designs by repeating steps 1 through 4 with different colors or designs. After all appliqué pieces are ironed on your tote bag, zigzag around the edges of all pieces.


Tips & Warnings

*
Make sure to read the directions to adhere the correct side of fusible fiber to the appliqué.
*
When zigzagging the appliqué into place, make sure to position the open end of your tote bag over the arm of sewing machine. This will avoid sewing the two sides of your tote bag together.
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How to Paint Canvas Totes


Canvas totes provide great blank canvases for painting. Nowadays, canvas totes are commonly used as an environmentally-friendly alternative to paper or plastic shopping bags. You can also use your canvas tote as a book bag, beach bag or gym bag. Personalize your canvas totes by painting them in any way you choose. Make sure you prep the bag beforehand and use appropriate painting supplies.

Instructions
1.
Step 1

Line the inside of the tote with wax paper. This will prevent paint from soaking through the canvas and staining the interior.
2.
Step 2

Purchase fabric paint to use on your canvas tote. Standard paints can make canvas particularly stiff so use fabric paint to keep the canvas soft and pliable.
3.
Step 3

Lay the canvas tote on a flat surface that is free from dirt, dust and other debris. Use a piece of tape to remove any lint from the exterior of the tote. This provides a clean surface for your painting.
4.
Step 4

Use a pencil to lightly sketch what you would like to paint. The pencil will not be evident once you paint the tote so feel free to get creative in your sketches. Use stencils if you don't possess drawing talent. Make sure you are satisfied with your sketch before you actually paint over it.
5.
Step 5

Paint the tote, using fabric paint and paintbrushes. If you are painting a detailed piece, you should have paintbrushes in a few different sizes. Larger brushes allow for broad strokes while small paintbrushes are good for small, specific areas. Expect to use a good amount of paint on the totes since it must soak into the fabric's fibers.
6.
Step 6

Allow the paint to completely dry before moving the tote. Generally, this takes at least 24 hours.
7.
Step 7

Wait at least