How To Make A DIY Evil Eye Tote Bag
How To Make A DIY Evil Eye Tote Bag
The evil eye symbol is believed to protect against negative energy and bring good fortune. By incorporating this powerful motif into your artwork, you can infuse your creations with both style and symbolism.
In this tutorial, we'll explore how to design and draw DIY evil eye tote bag patterns using Sharpie markers, allowing you to add a touch of mystique and protection to any project.
The result? A beautiful cotton canvas tote bag with DIY evil eye tote bag pattern - this will make a super fun beach bag!
Recently I was searching for a cute tote bag to transport my art supplies from my studio to the schools where I teach. Like many of you, the best crafting experience is when people can make things that are low frustration and open ended.
Sure, I do support people with skills techniques, and steps, but the most passionate crafts are the ones where you can create your style.
I especially love this one because no fancy fabric ink is needed and with the beautiful design, you'll instantly move beyond the handmade market straw bag! Plus when you DIY something, you know its fair trade :)
Supplies you'll need to create a DIY evil eye tote bag - sharpie tote bag
Canvas tote bag - see if you can find one with an interior pocket
Sharpie permanent markers in blue, white, black, and any other desired colors. I prefer the multi-pack
Plastic tablecloth or garbage bags (to protect your work surface)
Plastic gloves (optional, to protect your hands from ink stains)
How to create a DIY evil eye tote bag using rubbing alcohol
Cover your work surface with a plastic tablecloth or garbage bag to prevent stains. Alternatively, you can do this project outdoors - especially when working with kids.
Ensure adequate ventilation in your workspace, as Sharpie fumes and rubbing alcohol fumes can be strong. You may also want to wear plastic gloves to protect your hands from ink stains.
1. Sketch the Design (Optional)
If you're new to drawing or want a precise layout, lightly sketch the outline of your evil eye pattern on paper or canvas using a pencil. Start with a large circle for the eye's outer edge and add smaller circles and shapes within it to create the iris, pupil, and surrounding details.
Use a ruler for straight lines if desired. In my experience, the best design patterns happen when you do not plan too much. For my evil eye tote bag, I took the Sharpie directly to the tote bag and began drawing.
If an evil eye bag isn't your thing, there are a lot of unique designs you can create.
2. Outline the Design with Sharpies
Once you're satisfied with the sketch, trace over the outlines of your evil eye pattern using Sharpie markers. Start with the outer circle and work your way inward, adding detail and definition as you go.
Use a black Sharpie for the outlines and any bold lines or features.
Next, fill in the various sections of your evil eye pattern with Sharpie markers.
Draw the evil eye pattern using Sharpie markers
Traditionally, the iris of the evil eye is depicted in shades of blue, so use blue Sharpies or a combination of blue and other colors to create depth and dimension.
Experiment with different shades and blending techniques to achieve the desired effect. You can also add additional details such as eyelashes, eyebrows, or decorative patterns around the eye.
Do not spend too much time making this perfect - again, lots of unique designs are born once the rubbing alcohol is added.
3. Add rubbing alcohol
Fill plastic cups or containers with rubbing alcohol. Using an eye dropper or pipette, drip alcohol onto the areas where you applied Sharpie ink.
Use a pipette to drip rubbing alcohol onto the ink
Allow your evil eye tote bag to dry completely. This may take several hours, depending on the amount of alcohol used and the fabric's thickness.
Once dry, remove any rubber bands and admire your vibrant creation!
4. Set your design
To ensure your design is permanent, you can heat-set it with an iron. Place a clean cloth over the tie-dyed fabric and iron on high heat for 3-5 minutes. This will help set the colors and prevent them from fading or washing out.
Once heat-set (if desired), your tie-dyed creation is ready to be washed and enjoyed. Wash it separately in cold water to prevent colors from bleeding, and avoid using bleach or harsh detergents.
Hang or lay flat to dry. Sharpie tie dye will be bright and beautiful, but might not be as vibrant as traditional watercolor.
Feel free to add embellishments like rhinestones or sequins to make it more interesting.
To make your evil eye pattern even more striking, consider adding accents and highlights with white and metallic Sharpie markers.
Use white to add highlights to the iris and reflections to the pupil, creating a sense of depth and luminosity. Metallic markers can be used to embellish the design with shimmering accents or to outline certain features for added emphasis.
Once dry, your evil eye pattern is ready to be displayed and admired. Now that you've successfully created an Evil Eye shoulder bag, consider making something without the same critical functions - move beyond just a summer bag and make a whole line of products with this technique!
Consider making a unified design and framing it for a polished look, or incorporate it into other projects such as greeting cards, home decor, or wearable art.
Place your creation in a prominent location to ward off negativity and invite positive energy into your space. Some other options are to take photos of your creation (make sure to take good quality photos with excellent lighting) and import them into your graphic design software.
Use a pattern editor and design a line of clothing - your next pattern can be a Mexican tote bag or perhaps a bucket hat with another pattern.
Think of where you can sell these works of art - on the latest version of the Etsy app, at summer craft shows with loads of interested buyers or perhaps you might find the perfect mount sellers right on your website! The possibilities are endless!
What can you use your tote bag for:
Transporting items from one office to site work (I need tote bags constantly for my art classes)
These make a great farmer's market bag
Travel carry-ons
Gifts for friends - in my experience if you want to do handmade gifts, look beyond Etsy's global offices and recruit the opinions of individuals - I guarantee you'd get the best five-star reviews if you make it yourself!
Tips for Success:
Experiment with different shapes, sizes, and colors to customize your evil eye pattern to your liking.
Don't be afraid to get creative and add your own unique twists to the design.
Take your time and work patiently, especially when filling in details or blending colors.
If you make a mistake, don't worry – Sharpies are forgiving, and you can usually cover it up or incorporate it into the design.
Embellish your design even further by adding a giant evil eye sequin patch right in the middle.
Find cotton tote bags with lots of unique features like compartments designated for phones.
Go find tote bags at a thrift store - these recycling practices often result in the best pieces of upcycled art.
Creating an evil eye pattern with Sharpie markers is a simple yet powerful way to infuse your artwork with symbolism and style.
Whether you're drawing on paper, canvas, or other surfaces, this versatile technique allows you to express your creativity while invoking the protective properties of the evil eye symbol. In my experience, this is one of those projects that makes everyone happy.
Even the least talented artisans can make a reusable tote bag look stunning.
I especially love how the bold prints end up looking like watercolor or tie dye when the project is complete. So gather your Sharpies and start crafting your talisman against negativity today!
Want to make a tie dye tote bag? Learn how to tie dye with Sharpie!
