How to Paint Totes
- 1). Draw your desired stencil image on tracing paper and cut it out with a craft knife to make your own stencils. Move the stencils around on your tote bag until you find a composition you are happy with. You can also layer stencils on top of one another to add dimension to your design.
- 2). Squeeze fabric paint out onto the paper plate. Fabric paint comes in a wide variety of colors and can be purchased at most craft stores. Dab the stencil brush in the fabric paint.
- 3). Hold the stencil in place on the tote bag with one hand and move the stencil brush up and down over the stencil. Take care to keep the brush perpendicular to the stencil at all times. Tilting the brush could allow for some of the fabric paint to seep under the edges of the stencil. Cover the stencil area completely with the fabric paint.
- 4). Slowly peel the stencil off your tote bag, being careful not to smear the image beneath. Allow the paint to dry completely before adding additional stencils in an adjacent area or over the top of the first stencil.
- 5). Continue adding fabric paint to your tote bag until your design is complete. Some fabric paints require ironing or drying in a dryer to fully set the paint. Consult the instructions on your fabric paint for additional heat-setting instructions.
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