With Covid-19 still ever present in all of our lives, mask wearing and hand washing has become the new norm. When we leave our houses we grab our phones, keys, wallets, AND our masks (which are now part of our normal routine). Most of us have been looking forward to the warmer summer months to take a much-needed vacation with our family, friends, or significant others. However, many of those planned vacations have become canceled due to Covid-19.
Instead of giving up entirely on the idea of getting in some rest and relaxation during the pandemic, people are getting creative and having stay-at-home vacations: also known as a “staycation”. More time is being spent engaging in outdoors activities like picnics, camping, and hiking. Instead of just tossing your Staycation essentials into any old bag, why not make this DIY Staycation Tote Bag! It’s the perfect place to house all of your belongings and will be a reminder for years to come of the summer that was different than any other!
What’s great about this bag is you don’t need an electronic cutting machine like a Cricut to create the “Staycation” design for the bag. All you need to do is print, cut, trace and iron to make your very own bag. Check out the full video tutorial below to see how you can see how to make your own DIY Staycation Tote Bag!
Supplies:
- Heavy Canvas Tote Bag with Colored Trim
- Staycation Template
- Iron-on Vinyl (I used Neon Yellow, but you could use any color you prefer)
- Pen
- Scissors
- Craft Knife
- Cutting Mat
- Cricut EasyPress and Mat (or Iron and Ironing Board)
Step 1: Click on the above template link and print it out on your printer.
Step 2: Start by using your scissors to cut out the template. Once you cut out the entire word, place it on top of the cutting mat. Use a craft knife to cut out the insides of the letters a,y,and o.
Step 3: Flip your iron-on vinyl over so the liner (and color) is face down. Then, flip your word over and place it backwards on the back.
Step 4: Trace over the word using your pen. Be sure to hold the letters down so they don’t move. You don’t want to mess up your design!
Step 5: Next, cut out the vinyl with your scissors. While you’re cutting, be sure to cut outside of the pen marks–you don’t want them showing through. Again, you’ll use a craft knife to cut out the centers of the letters a, y, and o.
Step 6: Cut a strip of vinyl .5 inches wide and 11 inches long.
Step 7: Cut the strip in half and then cut each of the strip into thirds.
Step 8: Place the colored trim tote bag on top of the ironing mat. Heat up the space where the vinyl will go for 5 seconds.
Step 9: Lay down the vinyl words on top of the tote with the liner facing up. Make sure the word is centered on the front pocket.
Step10: Place the EasyPress (or iron) on the vinyl and heat it according to the directions on the package of your vinyl.
Step 11: Flip the bag over and press the back of it for another 15 seconds.
Step 12: Once the vinyl liner is cool to the touch, slowly peel it back. If any of the vinyl starts to come off, place the liner back down over the vinyl and add some heat to it again. Then, slowly peel the liner completely off of the vinyl.
Step 13: Place 3 of the cut pieces of vinyl on one side of “staycation” and the other 3 on the other side.
Step 14: Go over all of the vinyl pieces with the EasyPress (or iron). Flip the bag over and place the EasyPress on top.
Step 15: Once the liners are cool to the touch, slowly peel back each one.
This DIY Staycation Tote Bag is such a unique bag. This pocket in the front allows for more room to stash your stuff. Whether you’re heading to the beach and need a space to stash your snacks or sunscreen, or if you’re off to the park for a picnic, the bag and the extra pocket is the perfect size!