I'm going to go ahead and make a bold statement: triangles are the new chevron. Meaning that they look good on anything, in any color, and I just can't get enough of em.

I needed a new library bag. I couldn't keep embarrassing my kids by showing up to story time with a broken down plastic grocery bag and looking like a hot mess. I took a simple tote and used a triangle stencil to add some style.

Want to make your own?

Supplies needed:

a bag // stencils // craft paint // foam pouncers // painter's tape // cardboard or paper bag to insert and protect from bleeding

How to make it:

Tape off the edges of the bag with painter's tape so you have a crisp, clean line. It also helps to secure the bag to your surface.

(I used these triangles to play with the spacing and layout.)

Make a plan and get the colors you want ready to go. For the emerald color, I mixed the lime green and turquoise.

Dip into the paint, and blot the brush on the cardboard, then onto your bag.

tip: don't use a ton of paint! Less is more: otherwise the paint can bleed and your bag can get sloppy.

Blot and blot and blot some more until your stencil is filled out. Skip around the bag being careful not to place the stencil over a wet spot. I also liked adding painters tape near the edge of the stencil so that I wouldn't mess up.