Remember the wildflower seed bombs I made a while ago? I figured they would make the perfect party favors for a garden party, wedding, bridal shower, baby shower, or whatever; all they needed was to be prettied up a little so they don’t just look like dried lumps of clay! So I painted a few plain fabric bags to make super cute, stenciled party favor bags that are perfect for any occasion!
These “GROW” bags are perfect for the wildflower seed bombs, but you can stencil any design on your bags and make completely customized party favors for any party, wedding, theme, or occasion! And they’re so simple to make!
DIY Stenciled Garden Party Favor Bags
Here’s what you need:
- fabric paint (I used Americana Multi-Surface Satin paints and love them!)
- small fabric bags (I found these at Michaels)
- small makeup sponges
- Cricut Explore Air (or you can use a Silhouette Cameo or Portrait, or scissors or an X-Acto knife if you have steady hands)
- adhesive vinyl or adhesive stencil vinyl
- wildflower seed bombs
NOTE: I made my own custom stencil with my cutting machine and some adhesive vinyl, but if you find a pre-made stencil that you love, that will work too!
I love using small makeup sponges when stenciling; they’re the perfect density to get a nice solid coat of paint on your project, but unlike brushes, you won’t accidentally brush paint under the edge of the stencil when painting.
The first thing you need is a stencil. I decided to make my own using my cutting machine and some adhesive vinyl. I found a super cute design online, then pulled it apart into separate layers. I wanted each part of the stencil to be painted in different colors, so I pulled all of the stems into their own grouped stencil, all of the small flowers into another, the two large flowers into another, and the two yellow centers into a fourth separate stencil. Then I typed out the word “grow” and made that its own layer as well.
I cut out all of the layers of the stencil using my cutting machine and then weeded away all the inner parts of the stencil. I wanted to start with the word first, so I peeled that stencil layer off the paper backing and stuck it to the fabric bag.
Adhesive vinyl sticks well enough to fabric, but make sure you press it on really well around the edges of the openings. This is another reason I love using makeup sponges; even if the stencil doesn’t stick perfectly, the up and down “dabbing” motion you make with the sponge will make much more clear, crisp lines than the left to right “brushing” motion of using a paintbrush. (If you don’t have makeup sponges, you can use a nice thick stencil brush and “dab” the paint on with that as well, but I feel the sponges have better coverage.)
Dab the paint on, then carefully peel away the stencil. I did the stems next; again I weeded away all the inside pieces, then carefully removed the paper backing and stuck the stencil to the bag.
Make sure the previous layer of paint is dry before you stick a new stencil layer on top of it! It should only take about thirty seconds for the paint to dry, but if there’s a thick layer on there, give it a few minutes so you don’t smear your previously stenciled layer with the new stencil.
Carefully dab paint onto the new stencil layer using a makeup sponge.
Then peel away the stencil vinyl.
Continue adding new layers of the stencil and dabbing paint in different colors until your entire design is stenciled, and you’re done! Give it another few minutes to dry, just in case, and your stenciled party favor bags are ready to fill!
I put the DIY wildflower seed bombs I made in these bags, and now they’re ready to give as gifts! You can also add a small piece of paper with instructions for using the seed bombs: Just toss the seed bomb into a pile of dirt, and wait for it to grow!
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Christine | Where The Smiles Have Been says
I love this idea! So unique and something that everyone would love taking home. I am also super impressed about using makeup sponges for painting the stencils….so stealing that in the future! 🙂
Dawn says
what a great idea! I still have a ton of those bags and this would be perfect for a bridal shower this summer! thanks for sharing
Michelle from Weekend Craft says
These came out great! Love how you layered the stencils! Also you have such a green thumb I learned a lot from your basil video. My basil plants have never been so big!
Jessi Wohlwend says
Oh yay, I’m so glad the video was helpful!
Emily @ Two Purple Couches says
These favor bags are so cute! I pinned these plus your DIY Seed Bombs post! So perfect together 🙂
Brittany @ DIY Just Cuz says
These. are. so. cute!
Such adorable party favor bags…I’d love the bag without anything in it!
Meredith @ unOriginalMom says
These are so, SO pretty – I love them!! And I have never thought of using make-up sponges for painting before, that is *brilliant.* Thanks for the tip!
Kelly of Simply Kelly Designs says
These turned out beautifully Jessi! This is a great idea for a favor bag.
Melissa ~ The Stamp Doc says
I’m in love with these bags! Thank you for the wonderful step-by-step instructions. I can’t wait to try it myself.
Pam - GetSilvered says
These are such a gorgeous idea Jessi. What a great party favor idea!
Mackenzie says
What a CUTE idea! We gave out Wildflower Seed Packets at my wedding as favors. I wish that I had seen this back then. Such a cute idea!