I want to share with you guys how to make personalized stenciled DIY canvas starfish beach bags or totes today.
This is about the time of year when our local beaches begin to get crowded with families and tourists who travel in from all over the world. Vacations are much easier when everything is organized and runs smoothly including a well packed beach bag. After living at the beach for the last 5 years, I can say we’ve got our beach bag routine down to a science. The best way to stay organized at the beach and keep the sand away is to have a place for everything.
The funny thing is, I’m sharing my DIY canvas stenciled beach bags project as I’m packing to leave the beach behind and head north to the North House Lodge in VT for another round of big home improvement projects. But more on that later…. 🙂
We’ve found the easiest way to keep things in place and sand free when at the beach is to use several small bags to hold our stuff. These stenciled DIY canvas starfish beach bags have draw string tops and work perfect.
They’re great for traveling too. Have you read my Best Organization Tips for Travel and Packing a Suitcase? It’s full of useful travel organization tips.
Supplies needed to make a set of stenciled DIY canvas beach bags :
- Canvas tote bags – Here’s the one I used. Here’s one with a zipper at the top that would work well also.
- Set of 3 drawstring bags – I found mine at Joann’s.
- Iron on transfer sheets
- Starfish Stencil
- fabric paint
- stencil brush
- iron
- printer
Simple DIY Canvas Starfish Beach Bags Tutorial
Step 1. Print the graphic in mirror format on transfer paper.
Make a simple words graphic and save it in mirror format. As always, my graphics are free to my subscribers. Get yours below.
Step 2. Iron onto the fabric totes. Do not use steam.
Wait for it to cool slightly before pulling off the backing.
Step 3. Add bright colors with fabric paint and stencils around the beach sayings.
Tip ~ Use a piece of the iron on backing to protect areas that might be close to a stencil that you don’t want to get paint on.
Step 4. Let dry and cure before washing. Wash in cold water inside out. I also don’t put my DIY canvas beach tote bags in the dryer.
Wouldn’t it be fun to make a set of DIY canvas starfish beach bags bags for a family trip? Everyone could have their name on it or a special phrase that suits their personality. Sometimes I wonder why I didn’t come up with these good ideas when my kids were small. Oh well, at least my grandson benefits from my creativity 🙂
Pin this project for later!
Do you have a summer trip in the works? Why not make a set of personalized canvas starfish beach bags? The big question is would you pick a beach theme or something else? Leave me a note below and tell me your favorite theme!
Want more summer projects? You may enjoy these other posts and DIY tutorials:
Tips for a Great Family Beach Day
Personalized Tie Dye Mermaid Beach Towels
Molly says
Hello Wendy, Please send me the sea graphics and word transfers. My granddaughter is making these adorable totes for all the beach lovers in our family for Christmas gifts. Thank you for this “beach-worthy’ idea!
Wendi says
Hi Molly! What a great idea for a Christmas gift! I just sent you the files! Enjoy!
Linda at Mixed Kreations says
I don’t go to the beach, but I love tote bags, and these are adorable! I love the starfish. I’ve never thought about personalizing my own. Pinning!
Wendi says
Hi Linda and thank you! These beach bags were so popular! They still are in my family, we use them a lot, especially at the beach. I hope ou get to make a set too!
sarah says
these bags look awesome congratulation thanks for sharing
Wendi says
Hi Sarah and thank you! They are a fun project for summer. Thanks so much for your visit!
Marie|The Interior Frugalista says
Very cute idea and now all I need is a beach…oh how thee needs a beach. lol
Wendi says
Hi Marie! Yes…you DO need a beach! I use these bags a lot for lots of things. One is with me now in VT…almost to Canada where you are 🙂
Jeanie says
These bags are adorable Wendi – thanks for the great idea and beach-going tips. Now I need to get to a beach!
Wendi says
Hi Jeanie and thank you! You’d make a super cute set of these my friend, I’m sure of it. I have no doubt you’ll be at the shore this summer. These little bags are perfect for day trips too…or even bicycle trips:) Thanks so much for your visit!
Wendy says
Love these bags! I’d like to get a copy of your graphics please! I see a project in my future!
Thanks for sharing!
Wendi says
Hi Wendy! Thank you, I’m so glad you like my project. The bags are so useful and they’ve held up well with washing. I’d be happy to send you the files. Look for them in your inbox later today.
phyllis says
I’d love a copy of the graphics you used! Thank you.
Wendi says
Hi Phyllis, Consider it done! Glad you liked my project. I think the graphics will look great on lots of projects too. Look for it in your email later today. Thanks for your visit!
Mara Scott says
Wendi, I’m a subscriber, but I don’t see the link for the stencils. Am I just ovdrlooking it?
Thanks, Mara
Wendi says
Hi Mara,
I’ll send you them today. I’m in the middle of changing email services and need to send them manual until I get the technical items straightened out:) Enjoy making a project with them and tank you for subscribing to my blog!