Handprint shopping bag

You've seen them at all the local shops, recycled shopping bags you can buy for a buck or two and use instead of “paper or plastic”. Well, at Walmart, the store brand bags are only 50 cents but they aren't all that exciting to look at. So, when I was asked if I would do a project featuring Plaid products available at Walmart, I had to grab one of these shopping bags and try them out for some crafting fun.

I started out with the idea to paint the bag and then add kid art on top of the white paint. However, the bags are so porous, the paint just soaked right in. So plan B it is… create a workable canvas area, decoupage newspaper with Mod Podge right on to the bag!

Make your own handprint shopping bag

Materials:

• Recycled shopping bag
• Mod Podge
• Newspaper
• Plaid's Apple Barrel craft paint
• Paint brushes
• Someone's hand

Instructions:

1. Put a piece of cardboard, covered in plastic wrap, inside the shopping bag. This will prevent the paint and Mod Podge from sticking the inside of the bag together.
2. Decoupage newspaper on to the front of the shopping bag. Let dry overnight.
   If you're unfamiliar, decoupage by painting on a layer of Mod Podge directly on to the bag. Before it dries apply pieces of newspaper and quickly apply another layer of Mod Podge on top. Make sure the bag and paper are thoroughly wet.
3. Paint newspaper white. Let dry. Repeat until desired coverage.
4. Pour colored paint on to a paper plate (or other paint friendly palette). Don't mix the colors, just apply colors next to each other.
5. Place hand in paint, apply to bag where desired. Repeat for number of handprints you'd like.
6. Paint extra details such as dots, stripes and a border around the piece. Let dry.
7. Seal and protect with a coat of Mod Podge (optional).

Note: Paint the newspaper white before adding handprints.

Find more craft inspiration from Plaid: