DIY Waxed Canvas Tote Bag

We are loving the look and feel of waxed canvas tote bags lately. They feel so sturdy and have a unique weathered look that we are just crazy about. You can add leather accessories to them like this bag…

…or you can create something uniquely vintage like this lunch tote.

Regardless of what you make, we are LOVING this trend. One of our Creative Crew members, Kimberly Newman, put this technique to the test on our Ruffle Canvas Tote and we can’t wait to create more using her instructions. Here is the bag before…

And here is the bag after it went through the waxed transformation:

So how can you create your own? Get your hands on a canvas tote (we provide many different styles, sizes and shapes), some Tattered Angels mistable paint and follow the directions below!

Materials:

• Canvas Large Tote with Drawstring and Ruffle
• Cardboard- Baseboard 2oz
• Grass- Baseboard 2oz
• Parifin Wax
• Beeswax
• Paint Brush
• Jar (for wax)
• Sauce Pan (for heating wax)
• Blow dryer/heat gun
• Iron & waxed paper(optional)

Directions:

1. Prepare the bag to be painted by placing the tote bag into a plastic shopping bag, leaving only the handles exposed.

2. Paint/mist handle with Tattered Angels Baseboard, Grass (leave the bag on the tote until the handles dry completely).

3. Remove tote from the plastic bag.

4. Spray a light coat of water onto the canvas bag, and mist the front and back with Tattered Angels Baseboard Mist, Cardboard.

3. Melt wax per the package instructions, then apply the melted wax with a paint brush. Wax is hot so be careful!

4. Using a heat gun or blow dyer, blow hot air across wax coated area. This will help seal the bag and enhance the water-resistance while creating a rustic/weathered look. Or to to create a more pressed look, layer waxed paper and iron tote.

5. Enjoy it and tag us on instagram @canvascorpbrands so we can see the finished product!

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