“Choose To Be Grateful” Painted Tote Bag

Let’s get started with our simple supplies. You can get this burlap tote bag at a craft store – we found this 12″ x 12″ burlap gift bag at a Joann craft store, but there are comparable bags on Amazon.

I recommend a stencil for the lettering. However, I didn’t find a stencil with the right font style or proper size for this bag, so I decided to trace around sticker letters and fill each letter with paint. You can choose whichever method you prefer, depending on the message you’d like to print on the bag.

If you’re using a stencil, the process is pretty simple. Measure your space and use a pen to lightly mark where you’d like each word to begin and end. This will ensure that the spacing is equal and the printed message is centered on the bag. Place your stencils on your bag – you may want to use painters tape to hold your stencils in place while you paint. BEFORE you begin painting, place a large piece of paper inside the bag to keep paint from seeping through the burlap. Be careful not to apply too much paint so that things don’t get messy.

If you’re not using a stencil and you prefer to use the slightly more complicated option of tracing around stickers, then start placing the stickers on the bag, using a ruler to position each word (see the image below).

The sticker-trace method gives you some flexibility, as it allows you to visualize how the printed message will actually appear on the bag and you can adjust each letter until the entire message is properly aligned. This method is also pretty error proof, if you take your time. Trace with a pen and then begin painting inside each letter with a small paint brush. Try not to coat your bag with too much paint – you don’t want the letters to be all goopy, and it will take longer to dry. Allow to dry for about 20 minutes and you’re all done!

I’ve got to say, I LOVE carrying my burlap tote bag! I carry it with me all the time now, especially on trips to the grocery store. The best thing about carrying this bag is that it reminds me to be grateful for all of the things that I’m fortunate enough to put inside of it.