DIY Tribal Painted Backpack
As an artist, I find myself spending time looking at trends in and out of my wheelhouse – trends in home decor, clothing, kitchens, art, and design. I read magazines, check blogs, visit websites, and even brave watching some design shows to stay up on what is happening. Sometimes I see color combinations that inspire a project. Other times, I see a decadent item that I try to recreate in a more economical way. Still other times I find patterns or designs that I want to incorporate into my work.
Lately I have been completely obsessed with tribal patterns in everything – clothes, blankets, and décor. The patterns vary and can come in variety of styles, but one thing is always certain – tons of bright and fun colors mixed with geometric shapes. The vibrancy and life that they provide can enhance just about anything.
That said, last weekend, I saw a purse and I fell in love. It was bright and full of texture and design elements that spoke to me – that was, until I saw the price. Darn it!
Isn’t that what always happens? We see something and fall in love, only for it to be budget-prohibitive. I think that this is when I find inspiration, however, and when I am motivated to do something different and innovative with my craft supplies at home.
Enter the DIY idea generator! I will make my own – and I will show you how to do it, too!
This backpack is faux leather, but the paints and supplies I use will work on fabric as well as real leather, so it is perfect as a purse or for back to school!
Materials List
- Fabric Creations™ Block Printing Stamps – Medium – Aztec Tile
- Fabric Creations™ Block Printing Stamps – Small – Aztec Tile
- Fabric Creations™ Soft Fabric Inks
- Fabric Creations™ Tools – Foam Printing Mat, 2 pc.
- paint brushes – variety of sizes
- washi tape or painters tape
- backpackpaper or cloth – to protect work surface
Instructions
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Set up your work space by protecting your work area with paper or a piece of cloth.
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Using your washi tape, set up your work grids
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Start adding paint at the top in little dabs. Allow it to dry completely before adding the next coat. You can also start adding stripes below.
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Allow all of the layers to dry and then remove the tape.
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Place the foam blocks inside the pocket for extra support
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Add paint to your printing block. Carefully stamp the image onto the backpack, applying even pressure.
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Add complimentary stamps onto the backpack
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Then, using a fine tip brush, add in dots, dashes, and doodles to help enhance your design. It is an organic project, so it is ok if there is variation!
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You can get extra creative and hand paint an image – I did a rose… not necessary, but I wanted to add a little bit of floral flair to make it a bit more me!
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Now all that is left to do is grab your bag, fill it up, and put it to use!