How to Paint a Canvas Bag, Ed Hardy Style
- 1
Black canvas tote bag...inexpensive accessories
PURCHASE YOUR CANVAS TOTE BAG:
Craft stores carry pre-made canvas tote bags for less than $5. I chose black, because it is less likely to show stains and makes the painting look very vibrant, like a stained glass window. - 2). CUT CARDBOARD:
Cut a piece of cardboard to fit snuggly inside the tote bag to stiffen it so it is easy to paint on. - 3
Simple vibrant image of flowers...found in clipart
SELECT A DESIGN:
Your accessories reflect your personal taste. For the Ed Hardy style, select a design that is fairly simple and lends itself well to a primitive painting style. Great inspirational pics are available on the internet, and my favorite, fabric swatches. If you're good at drawing, just make the sketch on paper, then transfer it to the tote bag with white graphite paper. If you're not so great at drawing, photocopy your design to the size you want, then transfer it to the bag with the graphite paper. - 4). SIZE OF YOUR DESIGN:
For greatest visual impact, go BIG! A 3" unpainted border between your design and the edge of the tote bag is plenty. Think of the bag as a canvas for your masterpiece. - 5
White graphite paper for transferring picture
DRAW THE DESIGN ON THE BAG:
Using a soft graphite pencil or white pencil outline your drawing on your bag, or, using white graphite paper, transfer a picture from paper to your bag. Position your picture where you want it, then tape it in place, only on one edge. Slide the white graphite paper between your design and the tote bag. Trace the dominant lines of your design. - 6
For greatest visual impact, paint design white first!
PAINT YOUR DESIGN WHITE:
Fill in your design with white fabric paint. Allow the paint to dry thoroughly, then, using a graphite pencil, sketch details of your design on the dry painted surface. - 7
TIME TO ADD COLOR!:
Using your reference artwork, fill in sections of your design with color. Make sure the white is completely dry. Add highlights and shading. - 8
Painted bag, outlined with gold glitter pen
HEAT SET YOUR DESIGN:
If you have ever spilled acrylic craft paint on your clothes, you know it doesn't require heat setting to become permanent. Textile paint, however, does. Use a pressing cloth and heat set your design before adding embellishment. - 9). ADD EMBELLISHMENT:
Once the design is completely dry, use a paint pen to outline parts of your design in black, white, or with glitter pens. The idea is ti increase contrast, as seen in primitive art. At this point, you can also add details with glitter paint and dimensional paint. You can also glue on sequins, plastic gems, beads, etc. Don't forget to sign your name. People will want to know who designed your awesome accessories!
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