Monday, July 10, 2017

DIY Pom Pom Mermaid Beach Tote

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We are headed to the beach in a couple of weeks and I can never have enough tote bags to carry our towels, snacks, and other beach essentials! I picked up this plain, neon tote on a recent trip to the Dollar Tree with the plan of making it cute! I decide to use my Cricut Explore Air and Iron-on Vinyl to "mermaid" it up a bit!

Want a cute tote bag for the pool or beach? Turn a plain Dollar store bag into a bright mermaid tote with pom poms using your Cricut!

Last year at the beach, I bought a tank top that said "Mermaid Off Duty" which is why I picked that saying. I wanted to keep the design simple, so I chose a clam shell image from the Cricut Library.


This was my first project using the NEW Cricut Design Space and I liked how well the "Search" feature worked.

Supplies Needed for the Iron On Mermaid Off Duty Beach Tote


Plain tote bag
Cricut Explore Air
Iron on vinyl
Cricut Standard Grip Mat
Iron
Towel or piece of cloth

Want a cute tote bag for the pool or beach? Turn a plain Dollar store bag into a bright mermaid tote with pom poms using your Cricut!


First, I inserted the clam shell image. Next, I added the text. It took me a minute to figure out how to edit the text since the menu option was not in the right hand side bar like in the old Design space. I also could not find any Free Cricut fonts, which I am sure I was just missing. If ya'll have used the new Design space, help a sista out in the comments!

Want a cute tote bag for the pool or beach? Turn a plain Dollar store bag into a bright mermaid tote with pom poms using your Cricut!


After I got everything sized correctly, I used the Attach feature in the bottom right corner to make it all one piece so I could easily transfer it to the bag. Don't forget to mirror it before you cut!

Want a cute tote bag for the pool or beach? Turn a plain Dollar store bag into a bright mermaid tote with pom poms using your Cricut!

I like that in the new design space, it gives you a progress circle while the machine is cutting, so you know the status.

Want a cute tote bag for the pool or beach? Turn a plain Dollar store bag into a bright mermaid tote with pom poms using your Cricut!

Weed the un-needed vinyl from the liner and place the design face down on your tote bag and use the iron to apply the design.

Want a cute tote bag for the pool or beach? Turn a plain Dollar store bag into a bright mermaid tote with pom poms using your Cricut!


Want a cute tote bag for the pool or beach? Turn a plain Dollar store bag into a bright mermaid tote with pom poms using your Cricut!

Full disclosure here, cause I like to keep it real...the tote bag melted where the iron touched it outside the iron on liner...even with a towel over it. I guess that's what I get for using a bag that cost $1. So check to make sure your bag is made of material that can withstand heat! That leads me to the second part of this DIY, cause I had to cover up the burnt spots so the project was not a total fail. (If you look closely at the next picture, you can see the damage)

Want a cute tote bag for the pool or beach? Turn a plain Dollar store bag into a bright mermaid tote with pom poms using your Cricut!


For the pom pom part you will need the following supplies:

Pom Poms
Fabric Glue

Decide where you want to place your pom poms. I did a random color arrangement up both sides of the straps. Apply a bead of fabric glue then place the pom poms on it. Let dry overnight.

Want a cute tote bag for the pool or beach? Turn a plain Dollar store bag into a bright mermaid tote with pom poms using your Cricut!

I actually like the addition of the pom poms, since it adds interest to this plain tote! Now I have to come up with some more projects for the left over pom poms!

Want a cute tote bag for the pool or beach? Turn a plain Dollar store bag into a bright mermaid tote with pom poms using your Cricut!

Want a cute tote bag for the pool or beach? Turn a plain Dollar store bag into a bright mermaid tote with pom poms using your Cricut!


What saying would you put on your beach tote? If you like this Mermaid Off Duty design, you can get it HERE.

PIN ME for later!


Want a cute tote bag for the pool or beach? Turn a plain Dollar store bag into a bright mermaid tote with pom poms using your Cricut!


You may also like this Mermaid Tank Top or this DIY Glitter Anchor Mug:




Disclosure: I am part of the Cricut Blogger Program and may receive supplies to complete my projects, but all thoughts are 100% my own. I love my Cricut and am excited to share my projects with you!

6 comments:

  1. What a fun tote! I just love pom poms!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Becky! I have been wanting to do a pom pom project!

      Delete
  2. Love this fun tote! It's perfect for summer expeditions!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Cute! Let us know how to poms hold up on the bag during your trip. I am always unsure of how long no-sew glue lasts.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The pom poms held up great! This no-sew glue works really well...I have used it on several things and it has held up!

      Delete

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