
We go to the beach and the pool A LOT during the summer, so a good beach bag is a must. We also do a lot of creative projects and art to keep the kids entertained, so a project that combined the two was perfect! For our DIY art bag, I found my inspiration in the new book Martha Stewart’s Favorite Crafts for Kids: 175 Fun Projects to Create, Build, Design, Explore, and Share.
It was released on June 18th. The book is a collection of charming, beautiful,
creative and educational crafts projects that parents and kids (ages
3-12) will love to create together.
The projects in the book are all are perfect for when
the kids are home from school this summer. Not only are the projects
fun, but they also serve a practical purpose: kids can wear, decorate,
and play with what they make. Projects include Pipe Cleaner Pals and
Paper Bag Puppets (for animal lovers), Water Fireworks and Solar System
Bedroom (for little scientists), Elephant Stilts and Carpet-Tile
Hopscotch (for the most energetic kiddos), and Schoolwork Scrapbooks and
Cereal Box Organizers (to keep all ducks in a row). The book is full
color with detailed, photograph instructions; there is also a photo
glossary of items needed for a well-stocked craft shelf and a section on
basic craft skills like a simple running stitch and paper mache.
And, for a bit of online inspiration, you can check out the brand new Martha Stewart crafts for kids video collection!
The iron-on transfer tote in the book was our inspiration for our beach bags.
My supplies:
-Iron-on transfer paper (available at most craft or office stores) I already had the dark shirt transfer paper, so that’s what I used.
-White craft totes
-Art that the kids made
First, I had the boys draw two colorful pictures on regular computer paper. Then, I scanned the image onto my computer, and printed them on iron-on transfer paper (following the manufacturers instructions. You can see how I did this in my no-sew Thing One shirt).

Next, I simply ironed the scans onto the bags. Let them cool, and they’re ready to go!

I put the scanned art onto each side of the bag for a little variety. What a fun way to incorporate your kids art into a usable bag! They could not only be beach bags, but overnight bags, reusable shopping bags, toy storage, even a personalized gift for a loved one. It’s truly up to you.









My kids love to do artwork so I would use this book to do creative projects with them over the summer!!
I would use this for bonding time with my nephew.
My son and I would have fun making some projects for the rest of the summer. 🙂
I would work on crafts while babysitting the grandchildren.
Hi Molly! I was going to comment anyway, but how nice that it counts in the giveaway! I love the bags! What a creative way to display the children's art! I so want to do this! Thanks for sharing, and thanks for hosting the giveaway! Oh, I would use the book for ideas and crafts to make with my four great-nieces (ages 8mo.- 4) when they are here, which is quite often! Blessings from Bama!
These are too cute! Thanks for sharing at Mix it up Monday 🙂
What a wonderful way to customize a bag! Love this!
Pinning!
Ritchil
http://chengand3kids.blogspot.com/
I have three little boys who love art projects! This would be so much fun!
I would use this book in my preschool classroom.
I love to do crafts with my grands. This would be great!
I would love to have the ideas especially because as a busy mom its easy to be unable to think.
Love the bags! Made something similar for their library books!!! So Cute!! Thank you so much for linking up to the Tuesday To Do Party!!! Can't wait to see what you share this week!!
Smiles!
Jami
The Blackberry Vine
http://www.blackberryvine.blogspot.com
I would love to use the book for some neat craft ideas to do with my sons. Sadly, I am the least crafty/creative person I know so my boys dont often get to do crafts at home- I'd love some inspiration! 🙂
My new years resolution was to spend more quality time with my kids. I could definitely use this book to achieve that goal.
This would be a weekend project with Josie!
edgenemmers@gmail.com
I'd use it to get creative with my kids
Julie Hawkins
I would use this for our junior church and 4H projects.
I would do a lot of crafts with my daughter. Especially good for rainy days.
id give this to a friend to do crafts with her child
I would use this book with my budding artist niece, Sophie.
My kids love art projects.
I love doing crafts with my nieces!!
I would use this as another way to spend time with my son having fun and being creative.