Introduction: DIY Tie Dyed Pencil Case

About: I'm a hippie flower child who loves Led Zeppelin, music in general (seriously though, I'll listen to anything! <3) nature, summertime, and thunderstorms. :)

Hey everyone! I'm back with another #backtoschool2016 DIY! I was looking around on the internet and noticed there weren't really any tutorials for tie dyed pencil/marker/whatever art supplies you use cases so I decided to add one. Let's get started! ;) And kids, if you see this and want to make it, please ask an adult you trust or your older brother or sister to help you. This project involves sharp points and a hot iron. Thanks! =)

Step 1: Grab Your Materials

Here are the things you'll need for this DIY:

-A tie dye kit

-Plain white cotton

-Scissors

-Fine round paint brush and a smaller flat one

-Tracing paper

-Freezer paper

-Pins

-Iron

-Zipper

-Tulip soft fabric paint

-Disappearing marking pen

-Rubber bands

Step 2: Soda Ashin'

Cut your cotton so it's the same length as your zipper and set aside. Take some hot water and about a tablespoon of soda ash and mix it in your container. I use a peanut butter jar for this, but you can use any container you like. Just make sure it has a lid. Place your pieces in the soda ash solution and set your timer for 20 minutes.

Step 3: Tyin' and Dyin'

Remove your pieces from the solution and wring them out as well as you can. It's tricky with smaller pieces, but still possible. Lay down some plastic (your kit should come with a sheet of plastic) to protect your work area and mix up your dye according to the manufacturer's directions. Apply it to your pieces and then wrap them up in plastic. They'll need to sit overnight for maximum color intensity.

Step 4: Untyin' It

The next day, carefully untie your pieces and lay them flat on something you don't care about getting dye on. I placed mine outside on some old cardboard but you can use anything you have around the house. After they're dry, rinse them until the water runs clear.

Step 5: Cut, Cut, Cut

Grab your freezer paper and cut two pieces to fit your material. Iron it on the back. This stabilizes your material while you're painting on it.

Step 6: Designer Look

Grab a piece of tracing paper and a pencil and make your design. I did a henna flower design but you can do any design you like. When you're done, transfer it to your pieces. I did this by flipping the design over and going over the back of it with a pen.

Step 7: Paint It...Gold?

Now grab your fine paint brush and go over your design. You can use regular fabric paint for this, but I recommend the soft paint because I've found the regular paint cracks over time. Let it dry. The soft paint needs to dry for 72 hours before you can wash it as well.

Step 8: It's Interface Time

Grab your interfacing and cut it to fit your pieces. Iron it on according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Step 9: Zipper Side Up

Place your lining material face up and place the zipper on top of it. Now place one of the outside pieces on top face down. The interfaced side should be facing you. Pin and sew it together. Repeat this on the other side.

Step 10: Let's Go...Top Stitching!

After you finish sewing, flip your bag over so the design is facing you and top stitch along the zipper.

Step 11: Flippin' Out

Now flip your bag back over. Place the two pieces of lining and the two outer pieces opposite each other and pin. Sew all around, making sure to leave a gap for turning. Don't forget to undo your zipper about halfway so you can turn it right side out. After you're done sewing, clip your corners and then turn it so the stitching is on the inside. Close the hole in the lining, push it back in the bag, and enjoy your awesome pencil bag! This project can be done in a weekend so it's perfect for long holiday weekends or when you've just got some free time on your hands. =) Have a safe Labor Day weekend. y'all.

If you recreate this DIY, I'd love to see it! Hit me up on Twitter @The_CraftyChica. Thank you for checking this DIY out. :)