DIY Beach Bag

by To Work With My Hands

20 Materials

$10

45 Minutes

Easy

Is anybody else headed toward fall kicking and screaming?

Okay, I'm probably weird like this, but I love summertime! Just as soon as school gets out and we get our toes in the water, it seems like the back-to-school sales are hitting the stores and then you blink and everything is pumpkins and scarecrows!

I'm pushing back this year! It's still August and fortunately where I live that means at least 2 more months of beach-worthy temperatures and weather.

And what better way to head to the beach, than with a custom-made beach bag?

I started with a plain canvas tote from Hobby Lobby.

Then I gathered a few supplies. In addition to the bag I used a cheap pair of kid's flip-flops (get them cheap because they'll go in the trash when we're finished), beach-themed buttons, fabric paint, a sponge brush, alphabet stencils, a stencil brush, and hot glue/gun. I also used grossgrain ribbon and 6 flat-backed stones that didn't make the photo. If you're curious why, you can get the whole sad story on the blog .

Start by cutting the straps off the flip-flops.

Next, paint the bottom with fabric paint. I think a sponge brush is perfect for this. Be sure to get paint down in the treads.

I slid a piece of heavy cardboard into my bag in case the paint went through. It also was a good, solid backing that helped keep the bag smooth while I worked.

Press the flip-flop down on the bag, making sure you press it down well with your fingers over every inch. Simply "stamping" it down won't give you a good transfer.

Repeat with the second flip-flop. Don't worry about the holes - they'll be helpful later.

Next, choose the message you want and arrange your stencil. I love adhesive stencils for this project.

Now you can sew on the buttons wherever you like.

For the straps, add a length of ribbon a little longer than the distance from the top "hole" to one of the bottom "holes". Attach with hot glue, then twist the ribbon and attach the other end at one of the bottom "holes." Repeat for the other side.