Hand-painted Tote Bag

Now that Easter has come and gone I've been focusing on Mother's Day gifts. As always, I'm looking for ways to save money and stay budget-conscious, even in my gift-giving. While poking around Pinterest I saw some adorable totes that would be perfect as gifts EXCEPT for the $150 price tag!!! I knew I could create something very similar at a much better price.

I found this tote at Through the Country Door online. They have some really cute home decor and home living items!! I got this tote on sale for $10! The paint and brushes, which I already had, came from Michael's and I used my Silhouette Cameo to create a template for the design.

Conversation Bubble Beach Tote

Remember the 3-pack of canvas totes I bought from Michael's? Here's take 2.

I wanted to make a fun, bright tote this time so I chose the black bag and used my favorite aqua paint.

I used one of one of free templates I got from the Silhouette online store during their March promotion. I just love this fun conversation bubble!! If you don't have a Silhouette the bubble would be easy to draw free-hand and you could use letter stencils for the text; or you could use designs from PicMonkey.

I used the Silhouette to cut the stencil out of freezer paper on the vellum setting. Next, I ironed the stencil onto the bag (shiny side down).

Easy Stenciled Nautical Tote

 

I had another post all set to publish today but I just couldn't get excited about it. I wanted something different and fun and new. So much for having projects done ahead of time and waiting in the queue!!

I made a quick trip to Michael's after work to pick up a pack of canvas totes, craft paint, stippling sponges, and ribbon. I had a 40% off coupon burning a hole in my pocket, after all!!

I used my Silhouette Cameo to cut an anchor stencil out of freezer paper. You could also print one out, trace it onto the paper, and cut it out by hand. Make sure you use freezer paper and not wax paper. Freezer paper is only waxy on one side.