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TShirt Tote Bag #ExpressYourself #CBias

I was recently asked to come up with a craft for the #ExpressYourself campaign using Elmers Painters Paint Markers and fabric. The fabric part got me stumped. I thought I’d make Shae a cute shirt, draw a flower or fun saying on it but what’s so original and creative about that. Then it hit me, go DIY with it. I stood in the middle of my living room at a pile of laundry and I got the idea of making a t-shirt tote bag.

I’ve seen tutorials before and figured this would be easy. I got the kids in the car and headed to Walmart to find the Elmers Painters Paint Markers. It actually took me a little while to find them and I got worried that they didn’t carry them but finally found them with the acrylic paints and stencils.
walmart craft aisle #expressyourself elmers #collectivebias
I chose the Sherbet collection in Medium Point. I wasn’t exactly sure what I was going to do to the bag but figured medium point was a safe option.  Instead of purchasing a box of set colors all with the same point you can always buy individuals.  Priced @ $1.97 each at your local Walmart it’s a cheap craft supply when you only need one to two for a specific project.  My Walmart didn’t have a ton of bright color choices.  I almost bought the silver and gold Painters Paint Markers but figured I would wait to see how my project came out.  I’ll be getting more colors next visit to Walmart.
walmart painters paint markers #expressyourself elmers #collectivebias
Setting up my project took longer than the actual crafting but wait till you see what I came up with.
I scoured Rob’s t-shirt drawer and found an earthy green tee that he never wore. I grabbed my sewing machine and other tools and set out to get it done early in the morning.  The bag itself literally took minutes. Simply sewing shut the bottom of an inside out tee, cutting off the sleeves and making a larger opening was all it took to get a great bag. The trick here was to give it a unique and fun design with the Elmers Painters Paint Markers.

tshirt tote bag tutorial diy step by step craft project

I figured since the bag already had a “green” feel to it being a neutral color and a recycled/reused item I’d stick with the crunchy theme and go for a tree. I drew out a couple trees on paper to get the right look and size and them totally free-handed it on the bag.

elmers painters paint markers drawing shirt craft

elmers painters paint markers flower craft

A large brown tree with pink and purple flowers on a handmade upcycled tote bag is my final project.

handmade tote from t shirt upcycled recycled craftThese markers were so easy to use I let my 4 year old make her own upcycled tote bag but an old tank top sewn shut on the bottom. She copied mommy’s design and drew a tree with flowers.

painted tote kids craft

As she did her craft I did a quick second craft for myself; a decorated vase. This is the perfect size for thumbtacks, paperclips or even buttons.  It only took minutes and was simple.

painted jar craft project

Elmers Painters Paint Markers can be found at your local Walmart and other retail locations.  At about $10 for a pack of 5 it’s a small investment for tools that can be used for almost any project you may have.  As you can see from above these Painters Paint Markers easily go on fabric and glass but can also be used on wood, plastics, ceramics and more.  They are now a staple in my craft supplies closet since they are a cleaner and easier option than paintbrushes and tubs of paint.  Stay connected with Elmers and all of their other crafty supplies and projects on Facebook and Twitter.

“I am a member of the Collective Bias™ Social Fabric® Community. This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias™. #CBias #SocialFabric”




Comments

  1. Patricia says

    What a cute project! So sweet that your little daughter got involved too.

  2. Great bags! I can’t wait to try them out for myself.

  3. I love painters-and that tote is adorable!

  4. Super cute idea… never thought of a T Shirt bag.. LOVE it and look at those markers, aren’t they AWESOME? Your Princess sure had a ball showing off her bag..LOVE it

  5. Great job! These are something that I have been wanting to try, thanks for the info!

  6. Maureen @ Wisconsin Mommy says

    Love ALL the projects you did! And I love how you re-purposed old shirts!!

  7. Mallery Schuplin says

    That is so clever and your daughter is so cute!

  8. Hi Melinda, very cool that you made your own upcycled tote. I can’t wait till my kids are a little older and want to craft too. Congrats on getting your first shop done. Looks like you had a great time. Thanks so much for stopping by my post too.

  9. That looks like so much fun – always like to see the kids get involved. Love the jar.

  10. What a great idea to turn a tee into a tote!

  11. Rachel @ BubblyNatureCreations.com says

    So adorable!! I am loving the re-purposed bag… great idea!

  12. Super awesome idea making a bag out of an old shirt! I love to repurpose and now I know what to do with all those t-shirts I have.

  13. Jessica Beard says

    You are so crafty! I would have never thought about this. I’m sure your daughter thought it was fun too. I’m going to check out these paint markers.

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