diy painted beach bag

I recently picked up a cute enough, yet somewhat boring beach bag from Goodwill.  It was originally from Target, still new with tags.  I kept looking at it, trying to figure out what to do with it, and not wanting to commit much time to transforming it.  I finally realized I could quickly paint it using a little triangle template/stencil.  Fun and graphic!  If you'd like your own fun painted beach bag, you'll need:

1. beach bag
2. paint colors in your choice (I chose bright summery colors)
3. brush or paint sponge
4. wax paper

First you'll need to draw a triangle in the wax paper.  I wasn't very exact with this, but if you're a math person, go ahead and measure exactly (you control freak).

Cut it out.  I used an exacto knife on a cutting mat.

Make the same amount of stencils as your paint colors.  I used 4 colors, so I made 4 different triangle stencils.  Now for the fun part- the painting!  Start your stencil anywhere on the bag.  I did not have a plan, but a haphazard pattern emerged anyway.

Holding your stencil down firmly with one hand, start your painting!  I patted my brush over the stencil instead of brushing it across.  This helps keep it from bleeding out.

Ta-da!  Your first triangle!  It's exciting, no?  I had a helper who was very excited, so I guess I was feeding off of his energy.  He also did his own painting while I worked.

Here is my work in progress and my mini-Matisse's work, too.

You can be as precise or as random as you'd like with your stencil.  Have fun, it's just a beach bag!  But a pretty beach bag once you're finished.

I like how this turned out so much, I think this will be my go-to tote for the summer, not *just* my beach bag!  Happy painting, friends.