Tye dying stripes and freezer paper stencils!

Dying stripes with washout glue and fabric dye is so easy.  To get good stripes use painters tape!  This simple technique of creating dyed stripes is so fun and addicting! The best part is that you will only need Elmers washable school glue, blue painters tape and Rit dye to create the stripes. Embellish with Folkart fabric paints, freezer paper stencils, rhinestones, ribbons or anything that strikes your fancy.

Prewash and dry tote bag to remove any sizing or finishes that may interfere with the absorption of the dyes.

Lay dry bag on a flat surface. Place strips of masking tape diagonally across the bag, leaving ½” space between the strips.

Brush a medium layer of Elmer’s Clear School on the bag between the strips of tape.  When dyeing, this creates a resist that will result in a striped pattern. Let the glue dry for 5 hours.  Remove masking tape.

Wearing rubber gloves, mix one-half box of Fuchsia Rit Dye with 1 gallon very hot water.  Immerse wrapped bag in dye bath for about 10 minutes or until desired color is reached.

Remove bag from dye and rinse in cold water until water runs clear. Then wash bag in warm water with a mild detergent. Rinse and hang dry.

Draw or trace a horse carousel design on non-waxed side of freezer paper. Cut out inside of shape to make a stencil. Using a warm iron, iron waxed side of paper stencil to bag, as shown.
Brush black fabric paint inside the stencil. Let paint dry. Remove the freezer paper. Heat set the paint with a warm iron.

Glue rhinestone accents to carousel. Add ribbon to the handle and tie a black bow to handle of bag.