We all love super cute monogrammed tote bags, the ones that make a statement and can be used for virtually anything. But they cost so much more if you buy one from the store or a custom online shop… not to mention searching high and low for your perfect monogram design! We think everyone should be able to have a beautiful monogrammed tote bag, so today we’re sharing this fun and simple DIY monogrammed tote bag project.

MATERIALS NEEDED FOR YOUR DIY MONOGRAMMED TOTE BAG

• Your favorite 2 oz. Rescue Restore Paint
• A complimentary 2 oz. Rescue Restore Paint color
• Alphabet Monogram Stencil
• Foam Dome Brush 1.5”
• Masking tape
• A Makers’ Studio canvas tote bag
• Optional: Gold ChalkArt™
• Optional: Gilding Leaf for pineapple stencil*

* Pineapple stencil is included on the Alphabet Monogram stencil

HOW TO MONOGRAM A TOTE BAG

1. Lay your tote flat on a surface, making sure to press out wrinkles or bumps.
2. Choose the monogram for your initials and place them where you want them on the bag.
3. Apply your first Rescue Restore Paint color to the first initial, making sure to apply an even layer to the fabric with your Foam Dome Brush. Let the first letter dry before applying the second and third. Repeat until all three initials are complete.

4. Wash your brush and the stencils, letting them dry thoroughly.

5. When letters are dry, lay out 2 strips of tape vertically across the tote, 1 1/2 inches apart. These vertical lines should align with your monogrammed initials.

6. Next, lay two pieces of tape horizontally across tote to protect the letters. These tape lines will also align with your initials and intersect the vertical tape lines.

7. Use the Foam Dome Brush to apply your second Rescue Restore Paint color to the taped off sections. Remove tape gently and allow to dry thoroughly.

8. Once your first stripe is dry, tape off 2 1/2 inch sections on either side of the middle stripe. Lay 4 pieces of tape vertically and 2 pieces horizontally to protect the middle strip and your monogrammed letters.

9. Use the Foam Dome Brush to apply the same Rescue Restore Paint color you used on your monogram letters. Remove tape immediately after application and allow the paint to dry.

10. Apply the pineapple stencil to the center strip, just above your initials. Use Rescue Restore Paint or Gold ChalkArt™ to paint the pineapple stencil on your tote.

11. Optional: For extra sparkle, you can apply your choice gold, silver, or copper gilding to the paint.

12. Let the paint dry overnight before using your new bag. Then, #enjoythebraggingrights — and a beautiful tote!

Because our Rescue Restore Paint is made with high-quality, natural pigments, you can expect your tote to handle plenty of use. Make one for yourself and all your friends, or apply these same steps to other materials, like lunch bags, pouches, and more. Make sure to take care of your stencils so you can use them again and again.

We want to see you wearing your new DIY monogrammed tote bag, so share it with us! Tag @amakersstudio on Instagram and use #enjoythebraggingrights to make sure we (and your community of fellow Makers) can see your beautiful work!