I published this craft earlier on CraftsUnleashed- but here it is (with a slightly different product list). Links below may be affiliate links.
Halloween is just around the corner, and my kids are so excited. They’ve been talking about what their costumes would be since May! However, I’ve noticed that most folks give little thought to the actual bag they will carry to hold all of their trick-or-treating goodies. Here’s a fun, interactive craft you and your kiddos can do together.
You’ll need:
- Natural or white canvas tote
- Tulip Fabric Spray Paint or Orange & Yellow Simply Spray (read my review of Simply Spray, too)
- water/plant mister
- Tulip Slick 3-D fashion paint in Black & Glow
- Pencil
- Flat-tipped paintbrush
- black glitter (optional)
The first step is optional. The color of the canvas bag may be just what you’re going for, but we wanted an orange tote so we could make our pumpkin face! To dye the tote, spread out newspapers or a plastic disposable tablecloth to protect your surface. Wet your tote bag down with the plant mister just until it’s damp. Then dye the tote as desired. Let it dry completely- overnight is best.

This one is dyed with orange and yellow Simply Spray.
The next part your kids can help with, if they’re able. Sketch a pumpkin face onto the tote with the pencil. (Or, have the kids tell you what shapes to use for eyes, nose, etc. This can be a great opportunity to discuss shapes for the little ones and emotions with the slightly older ones!)
Now color in the shapes using your black paint and flat-tipped brush. The paint is nice and creamy and covers the canvas well. While it’s wet, sprinkle some black glitter on! (I waited a bit too long and had to go over the black with some Elmer’s Fabric Glue) Let the glitter completely dry, then tap off the excess into a tidy mate tray and save the rest for other projects!
When the glitter is all dry, outline the eyes, nose, and mouth with the Tulip glow-in-the-dark 3D slick paint. Add squiggles, stars, dots, your kid’s name- whatever! This fun glow-in-the-dark paint will help drivers help see your kid in the dark- so it’s practical as well as fun!
Last, attach a glow stick bracelet or two to the handle and crack to activate right before your little goblin heads out the door for a safe, FUN trick-or-treating experience!
I think Halloween fun should be tempered with a side-dish of safety, right? And the better our little ones can be seen, the safer they are!
We had such a good time making this for my daughter, my son asked for his own version, too! You can see that one here:
http://www.crafttestdummies.com/craft-projects-2/kids-craft-glow-in-the-dark-trick-or-treat-tote/
You may also like these other kid-friendly Halloween party and treats:
- Frankenstein Lantern
- FrankenMallo Pops
- Teal Pumpkin Project
- Festive Halloween Juice Box Sleeves
Just a reminder-you can get more fun crafty tips on my Facebook Page, join the conversation on Twitter, or even follow my Pins on Pinterest. And if you don’t want to miss a single day of CTD, sign up for my email list on the side bar. Thanks!
Have fun & happy crafting!
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Love the bag. Glow in the dark is so cool and so important for Halloween. We may be enhancing a bag this year. : )