Polka-Cats bag

Do you remember that cat-print backpack I was drooling over when I wrote this dream-school-supplies post? When I ended up with this plain khaki bag, I decided it would make the perfect foundation for my own DIY cat-print bag, and I only needed a few supplies that I already had on hand:

Supplies:

Plain bag

cardstock or heavy paper

scissors

a Sharpie

Step 1: Sketch your design on your cardstock. I used one of those free half-price books bookmarks they include with every purchase.

Your cat might try to help you with this part

 Step 2: Cut out your design to make a stencil

Step 3: Using the Sharpie of your choice (I chose black), use your stencil to add your design in a somewhat hap-hazard fashion all over your bag. You may need to put a book or other hard surface inside the bag to help you draw the design on.

Step 4: Keep going until your design looks the way you want it to. I discovered that the key with this design was to vary the angle and the distance just enough so that it didn't look too precise. I also read that if you want to make sure your sharpie design is "set" you should apply heat of some kind. I threw this bag in the dryer for a little while. I'll let you know how that works out if the bag gets wet, I guess.

Step 5: Take your bag out on adventures! (And keep an eye on your cat, who might try to sneak inside that new, cushy hiding place and go with you).