Ah, summer…beach parties, beach balls, beach picnics, beach weddings, beach towels, and oh yes, don’t forget the sunscreen, please!  A girl’s got to have something stylish to tote all those things to beach in, right? 

 May Arts is heading “Back to the Beach” so I thought I’d provide you with a little beachy inspiration to get those creative beach themed ideas going.  Most people think of luaus and palm trees but where we live in sunny Florida, the emphasis is on the sun, the sand and the crystal blue water.

I dove into my “thrifty gift closet” again because I remembered I bought some awesome canvas bags at a local discount retailer at the incredible price of 3/$5.00.  I am still upset that I didn’t buy them all after I got home and found out that similar plain canvas bags sell online for about $15.00 EACH.   These bags are sturdy, large and roomy enough for all those beach going supplies.

I was also thinking of all the weddings that are held on the beach this time of year before it gets really hot and the rainy season begins.   

 

 

Wouldn’t this make a great wedding shower gift stuffed with a cute pair of flip flops, some lovely smelling cologne and maybe a teeny tiny bikini?

 

Supply List:

• Canvas bag

• Chipboard (the backing of a paper pad is perfect)

• DCWV Citrus Stack  (I absolutely LOVE this sparkly, fresh stack of yummy summer colors!)

• Scor-Tape or other double-sided tape

• May Arts Ribbon – EM02 – 1.25” net  (this adds great texture); AW34 & AW02 – 2” Solid Crushed Wire  (gorgeous shimmer and the colors are so sand and sea)

• Sea shells, sea glass, coquina rock

• Hot glue/glue gun  (I used a low melt setting to cut down on burns…keep ice water handy just in case.)

• Spray fabric protector

 

Let’s get started:

1.        I pressed my bag first to remove the hard fold lines.  This shot is prior to pressing.

 

 

2.        Spray the bag in a well-ventilated area with the spray protector.  I had this one on hand and it protects like iron.

 

 

3.       Measure the base of your bag and cut chipboard/cardboard to fit.

 

 

4.        Cut DCWV Citrus Pack paper fit as though you were wrapping a package, trimming the ends as shown.

 

 

Flip and apply double-sided tape to the ends of the paper. Don’t forget the ends!

 

 

Wrap and seal the chipboard insert.

 

 

5.       I used a laminating to protect my cardstock from accidental spills.

 

   

   

Cut and wrap the chipboard in the same manner as the cardstock.

 

 

Place it in the bottom of your bag.

 

6.       Now it’s time to decorate!  I just hand pleated and hot glued the AW34/02 Solid Wired, trying to keep a loose pattern to reflect the movement of the sand and sea.  Then I twisted and turned the EM02 Net until I liked how it looked, securing it with tiny drops of hot glue.   I decorated both sides.  Lastly, add your shells and coquina rock.

 

 

A custom made beach bag that would cost upwards of $50…IF you could find one but you did it with May Arts Ribbon, DCWV and ”thrifty-gifting” shopping.  

Now go grab those flip flops, wiggle your toes in the sand and get those beach projects in for a chance to win some yummy May Arts ribbon!