DIY Gold Screen-Printed Tote Bag

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Let’s be honest here, since having kids my purse collection has decreased while my diaper bag selection has grown immensely! When Brian and I head out for a date night or to a movie, I can never decide what bag to bring. It can’t be too small (gotta sneak in those movie theater treats!) and most of the time my diaper bag is too stuffed with diapers and board books to fit anything else. I had an extra blank tote bag that was begging to go with us to the movie theater, but it needed a little update. Nothing a little gold paint can’t solve! Tutorial for this DIY screen-printed tote bag (and some of my favorite date night essentials) below:

Supplies Needed:
-Canvas Tote Bag
-Freezer Paper
-Iron
-Gold Paint + Paintbrush
-Exacto Knife (or Scissors)

Step One: Draw heart onto freezer paper. (Make sure the shiny part of the freezer paper is facing down, and you’re drawing on the not-shiny part. The bottom of the freezer paper is what sticks to your bag.) Using an exacto knife (or in my case scissors since I couldn’t find my knife!), carefully cut out stencil.

Step Two: Carefully place the freezer paper stencil on your tote bag. Keeping the shiny side face down, iron the paper onto your bag. Iron well, making sure every edge is pressed down tight.

Step Three: Insert a cardboard piece / thick paper in the bag, to keep the paint from seeping through. Use a paint brush or foam brush to softly brush gold paint inside your heart stencil. Fabric paint is best, but if needed, acrylic paint works just as well! (I used a gold metallic paint –super cheap brand – from Walmart.)

Step Four: Let your paint dry for 10-15 minutes. Carefully pull off your stencil, the paint will still be damp. After the paint is completely dry, run a warm iron over the paint. This will help the paint set and keep it from coming off in the wash. (Make sure paint is totally dry before ironing, so you do not get paint all over your iron! I speak from experience here 😉

Step Five: Fill with all your date night essentials! I’m all about being prepared, so here are a few of my favorites that I always keep in my bag:

–ChapStick Total Hydration: This is pretty much the best chapstick for the cold, dry winter months here in Utah. It instantly smoothes and moisturizes, so I apply it often!
-Treats & Snacks: I’m totally one of those people that sneak in treats to the movie theater. I love buying popcorn (especially kettle corn!), but anything extra I sneak in my bag 😉 Also handy to have? Mints!
-Wipes: Brian always teases me that when it comes to spills I’m worse than Ellie, and it’s true! Regardless of whether we are going out with kids, I always keep wipes handy!
–Hand Sanitizer: Hashtag germaphobe. Hashtag I hate being sick. 😉
–Advil Liqui-Gels: I learned from my mom to always keep some Advil in my purse, just in case a headache sneaks up on me and I need fast relief! (Use as directed)
-My Phone: I try to keep it tucked away safely in my bag during dates, but I have to bring it with the littles at home.
-Water bottle: I’m always thirsty, so I try to keep an extra water bottle in my bag, along with a case in the back of the car!
–Emergen-C: I use this stuff all winter long! I’ve been trying to find ways to have More Healthy Days, More Healthy Nights. I like to toss a packet into my water bottle and drink it on the go!
-Sweater: Restaurants and movie theaters are always so cold, so I make sure to bring along an extra sweater or jacket!
-Camera: Is that at all surprising? Ha!