This time of year my kids are always on the run, and tote bags dedicated to their various activities help keep us organized. Over the years I’ve stenciled many bags for my friends and family, and they make a great way to carry library books, swimming gear, or piano books. I also keep one stocked with kids’ magazines and puzzle books for doctor’s office visits.
This cute little tote bag was painted for a John Deere tractor crazy two year old, using the tractor from Nancy Tribolet’s Down on the Farm collection.
This piano bag was stenciled using Artistry by Glovier’s keyboard stencil and Whimsical Wall’s Musical Notes stencil.
This swim tote was stenciled using designs from Whimsical Wall’s Oceanic Odyssey collection (Blue Fish, Shells).
My favorite totes are the BAGedge 12 oz Canvas Tote with Contrasting Handles. The handles are long enough to throw over your shoulder and you can pick a color to coordinate with your stencil design.
When painting on canvas, I prefer to use a solid creme type of stencil paints and Whimsical Wall stencil brushes. 
The split bristles on these brushes are specially designed to hold a LOT of paint, and the domed shaped helps get in between the fibers of the fabric.
Update: Whimsical Walls designs are now owned by Designer Stencils. Where possible, affected links in this post have been updated to direct you to Designer Stencils’ website. The stencil brushes shown are no longer available.