Introduction
Stockings vs. Tote Bags
Adding a few holiday touches to a blank canvas tote bag is the perfect way to create an easy, grab and go Christmas morning tote bag that can be filled to the brim with stocking stuffer goodies.
Step 1
Gather Blank Tote Bags
You can find tote bags at many home goods retailers, craft stores, etc. These are the small version of the original LL Bean tote bag, which can be found in stores or online.
Step 2
Bag #1: The Holiday Paint Treatment
Holiday stencils, craft paint and a sponge-tipped pouncer impart some holiday cheer onto blank canvas. Dip the pouncer in paint, dab some off, and then gently press over the stencil.
Pro Tip
Tape the stencil in place so that it’s easier to hold it in place and produce clean lines.
Step 3
Pause For Wet Paint
Allow the paint to dry fully before moving on to any further painting in the same area.
Step 4
Letter With Stencils
To stencil lettering, either use the pouncer again, or for very crisp lines, trace the stencil in pencil.
Pro Tip
Use a strip of painter’s tape to ensure that all of the letters are level.
Step 5
Fill In Lettering
Once the lettering is traced, use a small, flat tipped paint brush to fill in the pencil outlines.
Step 6
Bag #2: Transformed With Felt Garlands
Not interested in paint? An even quicker and easier decorating trick is to take felt garlands to use as decorative elements.
Step 7
Trim Felt Garland Into Sections
Measure the felt garlands into properly sized sections for the tote bag.
Step 8
Affix The Felt Garlands To Tote
Hot glue the felt garland sections to the tote bag.
Step 9
Add Lettering
Once the felt garland sections are affixed, add the owner’s name using paint or felt letters.
Step 10
Bag #3: Silver, Snowflakes, And Bells
For a less “red, green, and Christmas all over” look, create a snowflakes, silver, and bells motif using the same holiday stencils, a little silver paint, and a few holiday bells.
Step 11
Stock The Christmas Tote Bags With Goodies And Cheer!
Arrange the finished totes by the fireplace and rest easy knowing you can fill them on the fly.
