DecoratePaintings. April 12th, 2024

50 Tote bag painting ideas

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Learn to paint on canvas and fabric tote bags with types of paints that stay on fabric after washing. Find easy and cute painting ideas that you can hand paint using fabric and acrylic paints.

Picture this: your everyday tote bag, faithfully by your side through bustling market runs, impromptu beach outings, classes, and everything in between. It’s more than just a practical carry-all; it’s a canvas waiting to be adorned with your creativity. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or simply someone with a passion for DIY projects, the allure of transforming a plain tote into a personalized masterpiece is undeniable.

Note: Some common queries that might be on your mind are addressed at the end.

So, grab your paintbrushes, unleash your imagination, and let’s breathe new life into an ordinary fabric tote bag:

tote-bag-painting-ideas-and-projects

PAINTING ON CANVAS TOTE BAG

Easy and Cute Tote Bag Painting Ideas

Paint Ponds and Frogs from Etsy.

hand-painted-bag-handmade-printed-tote

Cute Giraffe Painting by Craftionary.

cute-easy-giraffe-drawing-painting

 

Hugging Cats with Posca Pen Touch-ups by Fatima.

Hugging Cats with Posca Pen Touch-ups

Lemons and Leaves Grocery by Average Hippie.

How To Paint Canvas Tote Bags

Easy-Peasy Smiley Emojis by Dhwani Bakshi.

Easy-Peasy Smiley EmojisEasy-Peasy Smiley EmojisEasy-Peasy Smiley Emojis

Painting Fruits for Supermarket Tote by MAI.

Painting Fruits for Supermarket Tote

Basking Girl with Fabric Markers by Khadidja Refai.

Basking Girl with Fabric Markers

Watermelon Painting by Beaded Bliss.

Watermelon Painting

Cute Scenery by Naomi’s space.

HAND PAINTED TOTE BAGS

Coffee Lovers’ Art by Young Brush.

Coffee Lovers’ Art

Cute flamingo painting from Pinterest.

Cute flamingo painting

Acrylic Tote Bag Painting Ideas

A unique painting of things you love by Entangled in Art.

A unique painting of things you love

Cactus Plants with Acrylics by Emma Jones.

Cactus Plants with Acrylics

Acrylic Painting on Tote Bag by Art by Mahima.

Acrylic Painting on Tote Bag

Sunset Scenery by Kris Arts.

Easy to paint sunset scenery

Tropical Designs by Shanaiya Britto.

Tropical Design

Simple Hand Painted Tote Bag Painting Ideas

Painting Mountain by Sun Freckled Studio.

Painting Mountain

Fiery Hand-Painted Flames by Moiz Ashfaq.

Fiery Hand-Painted Flames

Golden Leaf Foil Stamps Painting by Maria Lopez.

Golden Leaf Foil Stamps Painting

Minimalist Motifs Painting by Rafaela Perasinic.

Minimalist Motifs Painting

Lovely Hand-Painted Sun by Lucky Bear.

Lovely Hand-Painted Sun

Add a touch of Bohemian elegance by painting a dream catcher by Susan’s Story Table.

Add a touch of Bohemian elegance by painting a dream catcher

Mandala on tote from Art by Titli.

Mandala on tote

DIY Flower Tote Bag Painting Ideas

Colorful Floral Painting by Art by Vidya Ayer

Colorful Floral Painting

Peach Garden by Ceila Mara.

Peach Garden

Purple Flower with Fabric Paint by Garden Therapy.

Purple Flower with Fabric Paint

Hand-Painted Flower with Blue Background by Niru’s world of Art.

Painting on Canvas Tote Bag with Acrylic

One-Stroke Floral Painting by Paulina Art.

Painting a Canvas Tote bag with Paulina Art

Floral Field with Fabric Paints by Love Letters to Milo.

How to paint a Tote Bag

Flower market painting from Pinterest.

Flower market painting

Sunflower painting by Yolanda.

Sunflower painting

Black Tote Bag Painting Ideas

Vibrant Floral painting by Sadiya Art.

Vibrant Floral painting

Honey Bee with its Hive by Guinessyart.

Honey Bee with its Hive

Drawing with White Posca Pens on Black Fabric by Draw Boy Seanie.

Abstract + geometric patterns on a tote bag

Pinkish Sunset On Black Canvas by Airin Kusumawardani.

Drawing with White Posca Pens on Black Fabric

Hand-lettered tote Bag Ideas

Hand-Painted with Acrylic Paints by Lucy Wadell.

Hand-Painted with Acrylic Paints

Mother’s Day Tote Bag using Acrylic Pens from Etsy.

Mother’s Day Tote Bag using Acrylic Pens

Vivid Nature by Lauren.

Vivid Nature

Use only black color fabric or acrylic marker and spell your magic by Sre. shii.

Use only black color fabric or acrylic marker and spell your magic

Hand Lettering Summer-Themed tote by Coloreando Estrellas.

Summer-Themed tote

Advanced Painting on Tote Bag

Classic Asian Bridal Portrait on Tote Bag by AS Art and Craft.

Classic Asian Bridal Portrait on Tote Bag

Painting Geometric and Abstract Patterns by Michelle Van Art.

Abstract + geometric patterns on a tote bag

Beach Themed Dual Shade Painting by Aura Art and Studio.

Beach Themed Dual Shade Painting

Mushrooms with Natural Background by Sree-does-Art.

Mushrooms with Natural Background

Raised Leaf Patterns on Bag by Craft Series.

Raised Leaf Patterns on Bag

Mandala Art and Abstract Designs from Etsy.

Mandala Art and Abstract Designs

3D Painting on Brown Tote Bag by Clouds under my eyes.

3D Painting on Brown Tote Bag

Starry Night Painting by Eliza Arting.

Starry Night Painting

Classic Tie and Dye by Pretty Life Girls.

Classic Tie and Dye

Urban Toronto Hand Painted Tote Bag from Etsy.

Urban Toronto Hand Painted Tote Bag

DIY Hand-Painted tote Bag using Stencils or Stamps

DIY hand painted with stencil by Lauras Crafty Life.

DIY hand painted with stencil

Effortless stenciled hand painted tote by Laura Redneiki.

Effortless stenciled hand painted tote

Eco-friendly banana stamped from Etsy.

Eco-friendly banana stamped

 

What paint do you use on Tote bags?

When it comes to jazzing up tote bags, acrylic paint is the way to go! It’s perfect for beginners and pros alike, drying quickly and offering a wide array of vibrant colors to choose from.

But if you’re after something extra special, fabric paints are where it’s at. With options like glitter or puff paint, they can elevate your tote game. Just make sure to use paints made specifically for fabric if you want your designs to last through washes!

 

How to paint a Fabric or Canvas tote bag?

Painting Supplies:

– Tote bag

Shop Tote Bag Here

– Fabric or acrylic paint

Shop Acrylic Paints here

Shop Fabric Paints here

– Fabric markers or acrylic markers

Shop Fabric Markers

Shop Acrylic Markers

– Paintbrushes

Shop Fabric Paint Brushes

– Painter’s tape (optional)

– Palette (if mixing colors)

-Acrylic Painting Kits (for beginners)

Shop the Acrylic Painting Kit here

Steps to paint a tote bag:

1) Prep: Clean your tote with a lint roller, then sketch your vision lightly. Get ready to turn a blank canvas into your masterpiece!

2) Paint: Dive into your paint palette and let your creativity explode onto the fabric. Mix, match, and let the colors flow! Alternatively, grab those fabric markers or acrylic markers and start bringing your design to life with precision.

3) Patience Pays Off: Let your creation dry completely. Trust the process; good things come to those who wait!

4) Optional Flair: Low heat set (with a layer of fabric on top such that the iron won’t stick to the paint) your design for extra durability. It’s like adding a protective shield to your wearable artwork!

5) Ready to Wow: Once dry and set, your tote is ready to dazzle the world.

 

Which paints would you recommend for tote bags if I want my designs to endure washing cycles?

For tote bags that are destined to dance in the washing machine, your best pals are fabric paints. They cling to the fabric like old friends, ensuring your masterpiece remains intact wash after wash. Alternatively, acrylic paints can also join the party, but they require a bit of extra love – mix them with fabric medium and give them a low heat-setting session (with a layer of light fabric on top such that the iron won’t stick to the paint) for maximum durability.

 

Are acrylic paints good for painting on tote bags?

Acrylic paints are the unsung heroes of tote bag artistry. They glide on effortlessly, dry in a jiffy, and offer a variety of colors to spark your creativity. Just don’t forget to pamper them with a gentle heat-setting hug after painting to ensure your designs stay vibrant and captivating.

 

Can you use Sharpies or Posca pens on your tote bag canvas?

Sharpies and Posca pens are like magic wands for adding quick bursts of personality to your tote bags. They’re perfect for spontaneous doodles or whimsical lettering. But if you’re aiming for designs that endure the test of time (and laundry day), it’s wise to enlist the help of fabric markers or paints.

Shop Sharpies here

Shop Posca Pens here

 

How can you seal acrylic paint on the fabric of your tote bags or canvas?

Forging a bond between acrylic paint and fabric is an art form in itself!

Here’s the scoop: You can either mix your paint with a special fabric medium for a seamless connection or seal the deal with a fabric sealer once your masterpiece is dry. Oh, and don’t forget the gentle heat-setting session with an iron – it’s like a warm hug that ensures your artwork remains steadfast through countless adventures in the washing machine!

Shop Sealer Here

 

How to transfer a design onto the Tote bag?

Here are some easy-peasy ways to transfer your awesome design onto it:

1) Freehand Drawing: Just grab some fabric markers or pencils and doodle away directly onto the tote. It’s like creating your wearable art!

2) Tracing: No need to stress about perfect lines – use transfer paper or carbon paper to trace your design onto the tote, then paint away.

3) Stencil: Get your hands on some stencils (or make your own!) and paint inside the lines for a super crisp design.

4) Projection: Feeling fancy? Project your design onto the tote and trace or paint over it for a pro-looking finish.

5) Vinyl: If you’ve got a cutting machine like a Cricut, whip up some vinyl stencils, stick ’em on the tote, and paint away.

6) Freezer Paper: No cutting machine? No problem. Cut your design out of freezer paper, iron it on, paint over it, and peel it away for a cool DIY effect.

In conclusion, let’s celebrate the modern artistry blooming on our tote bags. These versatile accessories have become our canvases, inviting us to express ourselves in vibrant ways. Whether you prefer serene sunsets or whimsical florals, embrace the chance to add your touch of style. So, grab your paints, let your creativity flow, and let’s make our tote bags a reflection of our unique personalities, one stroke at a time.

Written by: Sabah Waqas

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Hi, I’m Hani

I’m a mom of 2 decorating and soulfully designing our home. I love to share crafts and simple ideas for home and garden.

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