🎨 How to paint your own tote bag at home: Easy DIY tutorial for all ages

Tote & Paint
Apr 29
2 min read

Updated: May 8

Looking to add a splash of creativity to your day? DIY tote bag painting is not only fun but also a sustainable way to express your style. Whether you're a crafting newbie or a seasoned artist, this guide will help you create a tote that's uniquely yours.

Four women proudly displaying their hand-painted tote bags featuring books, pineapples, strawberries, and fish at a creative DIY workshop in Toronto

Why paint your own tote bag?

Eco-friendly and reusable: Say goodbye to plastic and hello to a stylish, personalized tote.
Creative self-expression: Showcase your personality through colors and designs.
Perfect for all ages: Whether you're planning a solo creative session or a group painting party, tote bag painting is an accessible and rewarding activity for everyone.

🖌 What you’ll need

Blank canvas tote bag (preferably organic cotton)
Fabric paints or acrylic paints with fabric medium
Paintbrushes (variety of sizes)
Pencil and eraser (for sketching)
Cardboard (to place inside the bag to prevent paint bleed)
Water cup and paper towels

🌼 Step-by-step painting instructions

1. Prepare your space

Cover your work area with old newspapers or a plastic sheet. Slip cardboard inside your tote to create a flat, paint-proof surface.

2. Sketch your design

Lightly draw your design with a pencil. Not sure what to paint? Start simple with shapes, flowers, or even a quote. Here's some spring painting ideas 🌼

3. Paint!

Start with lighter colors and fill in your design. Use smaller brushes for finer details. Let each layer dry before adding more.

4. Let It dry

Once finished, let the tote dry for at least 1 hours. For extra durability, iron the design through a cloth after drying.

5. Show It off!

Take your tote for a spin at your local market or share it on Instagram. Don’t forget to tag us @toteandpaint!

🌱 Eco-Friendly tips

Use non-toxic, water-based paints.
Wash your tote bag by hand to keep it looking fresh.
Repurpose old fabric as test sheets for your designs.

✨ Join our tote painting challenge!

Create, share, and inspire.

Post your masterpiece with #ToteAndPaint and tag us for a chance to be featured.

Smiling group of women gathered around a long outdoor table for a tote bag painting workshop in downtown Toronto under a modern metal art structure

🎉 Live in the GTA?

If you’re based in the Greater Toronto Area, we’d love to host a private painting party for you and your friends, family, or team!

👉 Contact us here to plan your event.