Painted Tote Bag

For a painted tote bag you will need:
Art sponges of different shapes
Different colors of fabric paint
2 pieces of 14 x 18 inch rectangles from heavy material
(we used denim material)
2-26 x 3 1/2 inch pieces of fabric for handles or use 1/2 inch webbing

Sewing Tote Bag Instructions

Lay your two rectangles on a flat surface. You may want to put newspaper or cardboard underneath in case the paint goes through. Put paint of each color on a flat plate. Dip your sponge in the paint and press down on the material. Decorate as you'd like.

Allow to dry several hours or overnight. Place right sides together and sew along three edges leaving the top open.

Turn top edge down 1/2 inch and pin. Sew a hem taking out pins as you go.

To make handles take a long strip and turn edge down to middle. Overlap other side over the top. Pin in place. Sew lengthwise down center of handle.

Pin handles on each side of bag. Sew in place. Turn bag right side out.