Craft question! Help!

[micheleq]

As the room mom for DD5's preschool class, I've got to get my supplies today to make tote bags for the teachers (3) for teacher appreciation. We wanted to have the kids decorate tote bags with fabric paint or markers.

So here's the question, we have an LL Bean outlet near us. Has anyone ever used fabric paint or markers on the LL Bean boat bags? They are super thick, which I love, and the outlet has them at a steal of a price usually. I don't mind getting the totes at JoAnn Fabric, but if I can score three LL Bean bags cheap I'd like to do that.

Any tips on how to use the fabric paint (we were going to have each kid do a thumbprint and turn them into ladybugs & Bees and write their name next to their "bug") & markers? I'm a craft novice

 

[scrappingizlife]

That's a neat idea. I haven't used the LL Bean bags, but if they are cotton of any kind, or just the canvas totes, it should be fine.

 

[micheleq]

Thanks! Just wanted to make sure the paint & markers would adhere to the canvas.

I'm headed to the outlet after lunch, last time I scored a large bag for 7.99!! It had a monogram on it (must have been a return), but I used an iron-on patch to cover it up I'll get plain bags for the teachers. We wanted to keep it simple for the kids (4 & 5 years old), and I'm a former teacher, so I think the tote bags would be appreciated and used.

 

[zoemurr]

but for whatever reason it really takes away from a "kid" gift (for me) when the adult does a lot of the work.

Since they are 4/5 I would get some fabric markers and have them sign their own names. A thumbprint flower next to it would be nice (Have them dip one finger in a color for a center and another color for 4-5 spots around the edge) They cand use the fabric marker to draw a stem, or they can use the makers to make a small smiley face or something similar. Don't worry if it's not perfect.. it will be made with love. Just stay right on top of them and make sure they understand what is appropriate. Even guide their hands if you are worried. Most kids want it to look nice though.

I teach preschool and it drives me batty when the parents don't give the kids a second to sign their own names on a gift for me.. especially 'cause I know they are perfectly capable. Just makes it much more special to me.. especially since I taught most of them how to do it.

 

[Alesia]

but for whatever reason it really takes away from a "kid" gift (for me) when the adult does a lot of the work.

Since they are 4/5 I would get some fabric markers and have them sign their own names. A thumbprint flower next to it would be nice (Have them dip one finger in a color for a center and another color for 4-5 spots around the edge) They cand use the fabric marker to draw a stem, or they can use the makers to make a small smiley face or something similar. Don't worry if it's not perfect.. it will be made with love. Just stay right on top of them and make sure they understand what is appropriate. Even guide their hands if you are worried. Most kids want it to look nice though.

I teach preschool and it drives me batty when the parents don't give the kids a second to sign their own names on a gift for me.. especially 'cause I know they are perfectly capable. Just makes it much more special to me.. especially since I taught most of them how to do it.

As another preschool teacher, I agree