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HOW-TO-CRAFT - Hand Painted Owl Mini-Tote

I like to make little things. And a lot of the little things I make have no purpose other than to amuse me or whoever I decide to give the thing to. But sometimes they have a function outside of just being cheery.

So, I bought a set of 5 mini canvas totes from Michaels last week thinking I could sell them at the local markets I do. I also love to make things that kids enjoy and know that parents don't want to throw down a lot of $$ for something they will outgrow or lose. I'd love to think they hold onto them for years but I have an 8-year old. So, I'm realistic about that ideal. These little bags are perfect for a little one walking by or visiting my booth.

This project is also great if you want to make customized party or gift bags. Or keep and use yourself. I use mine to hold a few bucks and my phone. I'm always losing my phone in my purse and the mini tote helps me find it fast. Or it's a cute way to send a snack to school with the kiddos.

Any-hoo.... so, what you need...

MATERIALS
  • 1 ready-made blank canvas tote (a 5-pack at Michaels is less than $6)
  • Acrylic paint - suggest at least 4 colors, keeping in mind that your surface is white so don't go too light
  • Pencil
  • Paint brushes of various sizes and widths
  • Cup for water
  • Paper towels
  • Piece of cardboard or thick paper the size of your tote
You can purchase fabric paints if you like. They do work very well but they are more expensive than regular acrylic. My experience has been Martha Stewart Crafts brand works really well. Make sure the bottle you buy or have on hand says that it can be painted on fabric. It'd be a shame if the paint later bled onto something valuable.

PROCESS (if you want to paint both sides do one side at a time AWESOME, but only do after the one side is completely dry)

STEP 1
Place the cardboard or paper into the bag. This will prevent the paint from acting like glue.

STEP 2
Lightly draw an outline of an owl onto the tote bag. Here's how I drew mine today.


This shape looks like a "U"



Every owl needs big eyes. A triangle nose is classic.


These are happy flappy wings!



































STEP 3
Start painting in owl based on how you would like it colored. I suggest using at least 4 colors - one for the eyes, one for the ears, one for the body and one for the wings.
 
 
 
 

FINISHED!
 
WATCH FOR SMEARS - It's easy to paint and put your elbow or wrist down on the table. If you need to do this you might need to paint one part and let it dry before you move on. This paint is PERMANENT so once it's there that's all there is. It can't come off the canvas.
 
Let the bag dry for at least 24 hours before you use it.
 
ENJOY!


 

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