Gift Idea: Super Easy, Super Cute Monogrammed Tote

I got this adorable gift idea from the November issue of Woman's Day magazine.  When I read the directions, I thought, “There is no way this can be this easy AND come out this cute.”  But I was wrong!  From start to finish, one bag took me less than 20 minutes, cost less than $4.00, and is really cute.  The magazine recommends using an 18×13 tote.  I chose to use a 13×13 tote.  I found a pack of 3 for $9.99 at Michaels, making them only $3.33 per bag.  Combine with coupons here and you may be able to create one for under $3.

Supplies:

• Canvas tote (I used a 13×13 bag.)
• Black fabric paint (I used Tulip Slick in black)
• Monogram/Alphabet stencil (The magazine gives complete directions on making your own.  I had an alphabet set already, and just used that one.)
• Small paint brush
• Doily (I used a 10″ doily.)
• Spray adhesive

Directions:

1. If your tote is wrinkled, iron first. Spay adhesive on back side of doily.
2. Adhere doily to lower right corner of bag, partially hanging off (see picture above).
3. Paint over the outer edge of the doily, making sure not to go outside of the outer limit.  I wanted an “aged” look, so i intentionally used varying amounts of paint so that the color was not consistent.  If you want a more uniform color, use more paint.
4. While paint is still wet, peel off doily.
5. Let paint dry.
6. My stencil fit well within the wet paint, so I skipped step 5, saving time. Spray adhesive on back of monogram stencil of your choice.  (You can see, I used a “K”.)
7. Lay monogram stencil on the tote, centering inside the (already) painted pattern.
8. Paint over monogram stencil.
9. While paint is wet, remove stencil.
10. Let dry.
11. After all paint is completely dry, using a high heat iron, iron over painted areas to set your design so that the bag is washable.
12. Voila!

I can't wait to fill these with teacher goodies and gift cards to give to my daughter's preschool teachers for christmas.  You could also fill them with crackers, cheese, and/or homemade bread for your favorite neighbors.  The possibilities are limitless.

If you are interested in a subscription to Woman's Day, now is the time to try it out.  Check out this deal where you can get 1 year for only $3.73! Also, before heading to Michaels, check out these great coupons!