Jute Hessian or burlap is one of the cheapest, affordable and the toughest of all natural fibers and considered as the fiber of the next generation. It is one of the most versatile, durable natural fibers that are extremely sturdy, strong and has the life expectancy of over a thousand plastic carrier bags.

Jute bags and cotton totes have numerous uses. Jute and cotton bags can be used as a primary bag, carrying textbooks, folders, lunch, and mails.  It can also be used as a shopping bag primarily because it can be served as a substitute for disposable plastic shopping bags. Both jute and cotton bags can also be used as a Beach bag for all those beach buddies. It is also being widely used as an office bags in developing countries.

If your jute and cotton totes look old and rusty, instead of throwing them away, you can use these bags for art and craft projects for your kids. The following are a few tips of using this ecofriendly carrier in art and craft.

  • Acrylic Painting: If your jute tote looks old with the passing of years, you can create them new by using acrylic paint on the old bags. You can use fabric painting media mixed with acrylic colors to give some twists in your creativity. Select the acrylic using contrasting paint colors for a bold look. Makes sure your painting has a subtle, textured appearance which is soothing to the viewers

Not only jute, but cotton bags can be used for acrylic painting. Make sure you have washed the bags so that they are squeaky clean.

Using a proper brush could give more creative look and personal touch to your tote bags. Choose brush sizes according to your creative spurge. For painting a wide portion of the bag as a background, use thick brush for smooth strokes.

  •  Using Stencils and Stamps

 

Use large stencils and stamps to create multiple patterns on your tote bags. Try using simple designs with the stamp as too many complexities in design could destroy the fabric. For larger, grocery tote bags, use home decoration patterns. For small bags use small shapes like butterflies, house, flowers, birds and other attractive single patterns.

  • Layer the colors

 

Use stencils, brushes, acrylic paints to add more texture and depth of color on the bags. Layer the colors using variety of forms and procedures. For example, use a stencil to paint a bird, and use a small brush to paint the wings.

Acrylic painting is machine washable. Hand wash the jute and cotton bags in a sink filled with warm soapy water.  Let them air dry completely both inside and out. And voila! Your handcrafted designed bags are ready to be used again.