Perfect Summer Tote

Meet my new love: Heat Transfer Vinyl (HTV). HTV may seem a little intimidating but, let me tell you, it's a cinch!

I worked with Expressions Vinyl to create this Perfect Summer Tote using the Pacific Ocean HTV Pack. It's the perfect mix of blues and just encompasses summer to me.

Materials: HTV Pack c/o Expressions Vinyl // Liquid Rit Dye in Lemon Yellow and Kelly Green // Canvas Tote via Michael's Stores.

I dip-dyed the tote using Liquid Rit Dye in Lemon Yellow; and a mix of Lemon Yellow and Kelly Green to create the lime green color. I simply dipped one side in the yellow and the other in the green for a couple of minutes then rinsed in cool water and let dry.

 I designed the images and text for the bag using the Silhouette Cameo application. I wanted to do a beach and summer theme on each side of the bag. I played with designs and placement until I had something I was happy with.

Next, I determined what color HTV I would use for each image. I then grouped them by color on a new work board on the application and arranged them to make maximum use of each sheet of HTV.

REMEMBER:  Be sure to reverse your images before you make your cuts, especially text.

I placed the HTV on the cutting mat shiny side down and set the blade to 6. The application recommended 2 but 6 worked well for me. I repeated the process for all 4 colors of the HTV.

Next, I separated each image by cutting around it with scissors. Then peeled off and weeded the extra HTV around them leaving the clear backing. This left just the image that would go on the bag.

Using a hot, dry iron I ironed on each image. I pressed firmly, but kept the iron moving back and forth until I was able to lift the clear backing off. I repeated this process until all the images were ironed on.

 To create the layered images, I ironed the bottom image, then ironed on the next layer.

I LOVED working with the HTV and with Expressions Vinyl. I have already ordered another HTV Pack for more projects!