This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Michaels. All opinions are 100% mine.

If you are looking for a fun summer project for kids, these DIY coloring tote bags will be a big hit for all ages. Michaels has everything you need to get started screen printing with your Cricut or Silhouette machine.

The Cricut Maker for DIY Screen Printing

My Cricut machine is hands-down my most favorite tool in my craft room.  There are so many things you can make with a vinyl cutter.

The Cricut Maker, in particular, can cut through so many different materials.  The interchangeable blades makes this a versatile machine for a variety of craft projects – from cutting leather to felt and so much more.

I most frequently use my Cricut Maker to cut Oracal 651.  I use this adhesive vinyl to attach to my screen printing frame as an alternative to traditional screen printing.

I have found that screen printing with vinyl is quicker and less messy than traditional methods.  Any designs that I can cut on my Cricut can be screen printed!

Why Screen Printing Instead of Iron-On Vinyl?

I made shirts and totes with iron-on (HTV) vinyl for years. Then, I discovered that I could screen print with these same designs that I was cutting on my Cricut machine.

One of the reasons I love screen printing with vinyl is the feel and quality.  A screen printed design has a nice professional look.  And, with Speedball fabric inks, the color just soaks into the fabric – leaving it soft to the touch.

If you are tired of your iron-on vinyl peeling off over time or just want a more professional end product, it's time to get screen printing with vinyl a try.

But, the real advantage of screen printing over iron-on vinyl is that you can make multiple prints with just one vinyl cut.

Any time you are making more than one of the same design, screen printing is the way to go.  With one vinyl cut, you can screen print 75+ items. This is a huge savings compared to iron-on vinyl.

All the Crafting Tech You Need at Michaels

You can find the supplies you need to get started screen printing at your local Michaels store.  The online ordering process with same-day, in-store pickup comes in handy when you are ready to start crafting right away.

These are the supplies you will need to follow along with this tutorial:

• Cricut Maker or Cricut Air2
• Oracal 651 Vinyl Sheets
• Cricut Applicator
• Cricut Tool Set
• Cricut 12×12 mat
• EasyPress2
• Speedball Screen Printing Frame
• Speedball Fabric Ink
• Speedball Squeegee
• Tulip Fabric Markers
• Crayola Fabric Markers

Screen Printing on Michaels Tote Bags

1. Cut your design on Michaels using your Cricut Maker or Cricut Air2.
2. Transfer the design to your Speedball screen printing frame.
3. Place the screen on your tote where you would like the design to appear.
4. Squeegee ink over the screen, pressing hard.
5. Lift the screen to reveal your printed design.
6. Allow the ink to dry completely.
7. Heat set the ink using your EasyPress2 set at 320 degrees for 40 seconds.
8. Use fabric markers to color in your design.

Watch the Video Tutorial