Easy Upcycled Canvas Holiday Tote

I really didn’t know if this holiday tote was going to be a craft fail or not. I had this canvas grocery bag, that had been given to me at some point, somewhere. I love reusable shopping bags, mostly because the plastic ones pile up and it’s a pain to recycle them (around here you have to return them to the store.) But I always forget to take them in the store. Plus, I know some are cute, but I really try to avoid flashing brand logos all over the place. It always feels a little awkward taking your Fresh & Easy bag into Trader Joe’s.

So with this lovely canvas shopping bag, I wanted to make it cute for the holidays. Oh and since my craft supply room is overflowing, I wanted to use supplies that I already owned. Errr, except for the stencil, I bought that a couple weeks ago because I had a coupon. (I’m trying not to buy more craft stuff! It’s hard!)

It’s really easy to make, it has held up well and I’ve gotten lots of compliments on it!

Supplies – canvas tote, Americana Chalky Finish Paint in Carbon, Americana Decor Varnish, in Light Satin, two foam brush (3 inch), antler stencil, foam pouncer, liquid gold leaf, Black Acrylic Paint, fabric medium

Start by painting your whole bag with the Chalky Finish Paint (except the handles). I painted the inside as well, so that you can’t see any white canvas when it’s open. With the handles I mixed the acrylic paint with fabric medium and painted them. I used fabric medium on the handles since they were not getting covered with varnish. Let it completely dry.

Double check that the paint has gotten in your seams, otherwise you’ll have little hints of canvas showing through.

Once dry, figure out placement for the stencil. Use the pouncers and the liquid gold leaf to stencil the antlers. Remember to pounce lightly with the gold leaf so that you don’t get too much seepage under the stencil. Oh and do this in a well ventilated area.

Once the stencil is dry, use the varnish on the painted canvas. I did the bottom first, let it dry, then did the rest.  I hung it to dry in a well ventilated area.

Let it dry. Now it’s time to use it for all your important purchases!