Hit the beach with a stylish summer bag

Decorate a canvas tote with fun, bright images

By Julie Stoyka

Summer’s here — the perfect time to get outside and explore! Whether you’re planning a day trip to the beach or a jaunt to a country market, a canvas tote is a wonderful — and durable — travel accessory. Before you pack your bag, take a few minutes to turn that plain canvas tote into vibrant portable art.

Materials

• canvas or cotton tote
• iron-on transfer paper
• colour printer
• iron with a no-steam option
• paper scissors

Search for the perfect blank bag

One of the best things about canvas is its durability — even after multiple washes. But durable doesn’t have to mean boring. Today’s canvas totes come in many fabulous shapes, colours and sizes. While you can still find standard beige totes at your local craft store, you can explore the nearest department store’s luggage section for a wider selection of fun and funky totes.

Select brilliant colours

Nothing says summer like colour. Add some bright hues to your accessory line such as aqua, fuchsia, coral or lemon. We created one template that’s popping with colour and another with a more subdued look. Or, search Clip Art for your own image. If you’re placing images on a bright bag, be sure to purchase iron-on transfers for coloured fabrics.

Step 1: Download a design template

• Download one (or both) of our Word templates: the World Traveller Template or the Beach Bag Template. Note: We flipped the text in the World Traveller Template because most transfer paper requires you to do so.
• Adjust your printer settings to the highest-quality setting to get the sharpest colour possible.
• Print a test sheet on normal paper before using the transfer paper.

Step 2: Transfer the image onto the fabric

• Use paper scissors to closely cut around the image on the transfer paper.
• Heat the iron to the highest setting and select the no-steam option. Place the image face-down on the fabric.
• Follow the instructions for the transfer paper — most transfers take three to four minutes to affix to the fabric.
• Move the iron in circular motions over the entire transfer, and make sure to cover all the edges.
• Let the transfer cool slightly (one to two minutes), and slowly peel back the transfer paper from the fabric.

With your personalized canvas tote, you’ll make a bold statement no matter where you’re headed this summer.

All styling and inset photography by Julie Stoyka of Zariel Creative