How to Make a No-Sew Cross-Stitched Monogram Tote Bag

When it comes to personalized DIYs, monograms take the cake… and jackets… and jewelry. You get the picture :) Monograms are simple but excellent for repping your name, loud and proud. Today we’re going to show you a way to stitch your initials sans needle and thread. With some basic supplies and beginner painting techniques, you can faux cross-stitch a tote bag. Talk about DIY hack to the max.

Materials:

— tote bag

— acrylic paint

Tools:

— scrap cardboard

— scissors

— ruler

— masking tape

— pencil

— pen

paintbrush

— graph paper

Instructions:

1. Cut out a 1/2-inch square from the corner of the scrap cardboard. This will serve as a guide to create straight “x”s on your tote.

2. Plan out your monogram on the graph paper. Add lines along the side of your letter. This will serve as a guide when you paint it on the tote.

3. Use painter’s tape to create lines along the sides of your tote that mimic the lines alongside your image on the graph paper. Then, mark your starting point with the pencil.

4. Paint the first x. Continue to follow the pattern on your graph paper, making x’s on your tote bag using the cardboard as a guide.

The 1/2-inch square cutout will serve as a painting guide. It is equivalent to one square on the graph paper, making it super easy to copy your design onto the bag. Simply slide the cardboard along the tote as you paint each x.

Plan out your monogram on your graph paper. You can use half-x shapes to create slanted edges. Draw straight lines along the sides of the letter. These will serve as a guide when you’re painting. To mimic these lines, tape off 1/2 inch on each side of the bag. This edge will make it super easy to follow your pattern. Remember, each square on the graph paper is equivalent to 1/2 inch. Start painting in the left-hand corner. Then move the cardboard along the bag following the pattern (and number of “x”s) on the graph paper.

Add some gems for a little extra bling!

Don’t worry if a few of the x shapes are a bit wonky. It will be hard to notice, we promise! Just have fun with it and get lost in the “stitching.”

What projects are you going to faux-stitch this summer? Share them with us using the hashtags #britstagram and #iamcreative.

(Styled photos by Haruka Sakaguchi of The Denizen Co.)

The tote bag has been a style staple for generations, and it's not going anywhere. You can use tote bags to pack a big picnic, hit the beach, go to work, or prep for a yogaclass... the list is endless. I personally have too many tote bags to count, but I am always looking to add to my collection. There's no better place to shop for totes than Amazon, and I found 6 handy bags that'll be able to handle your everyday essentials while still looking super cute!

Amazon

Lhmtqvk Corduroy Tote Bag

This classic tote bag design comes in so many different patterns. It's perfect as a reusable grocery bag, but still has inner pockets for your phone, keys and wallet. I would easily get five of these bad boys, because they are only $10!

Amazon

WantGor Corduroy Tote Bag

This corduroy tote bag is durable and spacious to fit anything you may need. I love the front pocket design that allows you to quickly throw your phone or a small book in. Bonus – the zipper ensures nothing gets misplaced or slips out, and you can keep everything snug inside the bag. You can buy this tote bag in 11 colors for $16.

Amazon

Valleycomfy Vintage Casual Corduroy Tote Bag

In comparison to other tote bags, I love this one with structure. This square-shaped vintage tote is very versatile. You can bring it to the beach, to work, or to run errands. The added messenger bag strap also allows for the convenience of slinging it over your shoulder! Make this your go-to summer bag for $17.

Amazon

Homespon Large Canvas Tote Bag

Pockets for days! I love when everything has a specific spot in my tote bag. This tote would be perfect as a carry-on or even a school bag. The external pockets give you easy access to the items you need more frequently, and its only $20!

Amazon

Barsine Large Tote Bag

This is the best everyday bag I have seen in a while! The inside of this tote bag is an organized dream, with plenty of room for all your essentials like pens, makeup tubes, and more! You can find this bag in 8 two-toned colorways for $28.

Amazon

Bag Wizard Laptop Tote Bag

I am obsessed with the leather-canvas material on this tote. It can be dressed up or down depending on what you're up to. This tote bag design gives you a lot of space on both the inside and the outside, thanks to the additional pockets. You can shop this bag in 7 different color options for $31.


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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Lead image via Amazon.

Things are heating up betweenSelena Gomez and Benny Blanco since late last year to the surprise of some, but it seems like the couple's romance is just getting started. They're not shy about PDA and posting each other on social media and pretty much telling anyone who doesn't like it to get lost. We love how fiercely supportive they are of each other, giving us so many good green flags! Here's everything we know about the lovely new couple so far.

Selena Gomez And Benny Blanco's Relationship Timeline:

Amy Sussman/Getty Images

March 2019

Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco first collaborated on the song "I Can't Get Enough" along with Tainy and J. Balvin in 2019. Though they were featured in a cute scene together, there weren't any rumors about them being romantically linked then.

August 2023

They didn't work together again until late summer 2023 when he produced Selena's single "Single Soon" with Cashmere Cat.

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

December 2023

Before 2023 ended, Selena started leaving comments on Instagram that suggested she and Benny Blanco were in fact together. One of the comments she left appear on this Instagram fan page and it reads, "He is my absolute everything in my heart."

Some fans weren't so thrilled to see the two together though and they weren't afraid to express their opinions. But, this only prompted Selena to leave more comments that defended her relationship with Benny.

People grabbed a screenshot of one of the comments Selena responded that revealed the couple had been together for a while. "Not mad. It’s been 6 months bb. I will always defend my friends, family and fans till the day I die," she wrote. They even shared another screenshot from Selena's Instagram Story that showed her wearing a "B" ring on one of her fingers.

Craig Barritt/Getty Images for TIME

December 15, 2023

Soon after that, Selena shared a photo carousel on Instagram that included some of her favorite moments in New York and Benny Blanco can be seen in BTS moments. The last picture of the carousel features them sharing a kiss in a black and white photo that basically confirms the responses the singer had for fans.

December 28, 2023

Before the new year began, Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco spent some time at a cute art exhibit during a date. From the looks of things, it seemed like they discovered their love language of physical touch early on.

Presley Ann/Getty Images for GQ

January 2, 2024

Feeling the love of being with Selena, Benny Blanco took to Instagram Stories to officially signal that the two are dating. People grabbed a few more screenshots that Benny shared and all we can see is the happy glint that was in Selena's eyes.

Sarah Stier/Getty Images

January 3, 2024

The next day the couple were seen court side at one of the Los Angeles Lakers' game. Once again, their love language was on full display in the most intimate way. A source revealed to People that they understood why people had so many opinions about Selena's relationship with Benny. "Everyone was a fan of hers before Only Murders [in the Building], and now everyone is protective of her."

Neilson Barnard/Getty Images

January 15, 2024

Later that month, Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco showed up to the Emmy Awards together. They were sitting side-by-side and weren't afraid to show affection with each other.

Jesse Grant/Getty Images for AFI

March 2024

When Benny Blanco's birthday rolled around, Selena Gomez shared a sweet message to him on Instagram. She wrote, "Happy birthday baby! Your emotional endurance, positive disposition, unbelievable talent (that blows me away), undeniable humor and loving, kind heart absolutely kill me. I love you @itsbennyblanco 🎂🥹."

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

April 2024

Although we're only four months into the new year, Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco's relationship is still going strong! The Only Murders in the Building star has been seen smiling in every pic she posts which indicates she's genuinely happy in her relationship. A source hinted to People that the two are doing well. "It’s a very serious relationship, and they’re making long distance work while she’s in New York for work commitments," they said.

Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Spotify

April 25, 2024

In an interview with WSJ, Benny Blanco gave his POV of how his relationship with Selena Gomez began and it was the cutest revelation. "It’s crazy how your partner could just be sitting there the whole time, right in front of your eyes...And then you have a Clueless moment where you're like, Wait, I'm in love," he says.

A man who compares his relationship to that moment in Clueless where Cher and Josh admit their feelings for each other gets brownie points from us!

May 15, 2024

It looks like Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco's relationship may be ready for the next step — that's if you ask Mr. Blanco. He appeared on The Howard Stern Show yesterday to chat about everything, including his relationship with Selena. When Howard Stern asked, "You want to have kids with Selena? Have you told her you want to have kids yet," Benny replied, "That’s my next goal, to check the box. I have a ton of godkids. I've got a ton of nephews. I love being around kids."

However, he's not in a rush and wants everything to happen naturally. All that matters is that the two of them are in each other's life. He said, "I just know that when I look at her, I just say, ‘I don’t know a world where it could be better than this.’ That’s what I always say to her.”

Neilson Barnard/Getty Images

May 29, 2024

Selena Gomez tells TIME just how much Benny Blanco means to her — no matter what anyone else says. "My own fans, who I adore and feel like have shaped who I am, will say the most hurtful things to me about how I live my life," she says. "But he has the strength in him that none of that noise fazes him. It’s really impressive, and I just cherish every moment with him. I don’t know what the future holds, but I do know that he’s not going anywhere any time soon.”

Selena Gomez/Instagram

October 27, 2024

Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco looked amazing in their Alice in Wonderland couple's Halloween costume. "Curiouser and curiouser," Selena wrote on the post, which is totally reminding us of Taylor Swift's 1989 (hello "Wonderland"!!!).

Selena wore a corset dress in what looks like slate blue with cap puffed sleeves and a tulle skirt, along with a blonde wig, black bow, and slingback shoes. Benny went all out as the Mad Hatter with face paint, a wig, a top hat, and a waistcoat. We'd follow them down the rabbit hole!

November 11, 2024

Benny Blanco's been featured in People's'Sexiest Man Alive' issue and we're kind of feeling it! What started off as an unlikely choice for Selena has turned into a deep understanding of why she loves him so much. The man is an excellent host, cook, and gentleman which makes him an off-the-charts lover. And when it comes to date night, he believes in making sure every time is special. "I [still] go all out for every date. It doesn't mean spending your entire bank account. It means being attentive and listening," he said.

His most memorable dates with Selena involve the times she "rented out a whole botanical garden" and he "got her Taco Bell" before proceeding to make her "movie-theater nachos" and deep-frying her "favorite pickles from Texas" for Valentine's Day.

He also gushed about his favorite time of the day. "I'm a real morning person. It's my favorite time to spend with Sel, because we both wake up really early. It's like our moment before the rest of the world wakes up." Not only that, but the music producer is thrilled he has "a true best friend" he gets to spend his life with.

What do you think about Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco's relationship?Follow us on Facebook for more celebrity news!

This post has been updated.

I live for a purse that has a pop of color or pattern that complements what I’m wearing, but mom life has taught me there’s beauty in a simple black tote bag. They’re a chic way to elevate your t-shirt and sneakers, making them the most multifaceted accessories you can own.

Here’s a little secret though: black tote bags may look similar at first glance, but they aren’t all created equal. Little details like the texture, stitching, and lining of one can give it a different vibe from another. It’s likely that you love paying attention to detail which is why I have 8 amazing options to share with you!

And P.S. You don’t have to be a mom to rock one (or two) of these black tote bags!

Shop Our Favorite Black Tote Bags

Coach Willow Pebble Leather Tote

I'm biased, but Coach has the best black tote bags IMO. This design features subtle gold details that give it personality without overwhelming the bag. Also, the pebble leather and internal fabric lining means you don't have to fret about carrying something you won't be able to wear longterm. It even has a special place your cell phone so you'll know where it is when you need it.

Anthropologie Faux Leather Commuter Tote

Everything about this sleek black tote bag is calling our names! Okay, I'm exaggerating here. What I will say is you'll be surprised at how easy it is to clean it. All you need is a damp cloth and you'll be good to go! Plus, you'll get a more expansive outer pocket that'll allow you to slip your favorite book club read in it or your kindle!

Madewell The Zip-Top Medium Transport Leather Tote

This team loves Madewell's bags, and the Zip-Top Medium Transport Leather Tote is no exception! The leather is great quality, the shape allows for plenty of storage, and the double straps offer carrying versatility. Classically cute and subtly sophisticated to say the least!

CALPAK Haven Laptop Tote Bag

This laptop tote bag is HIGH on my spring wish list because it's like it was designed for specifically for those of us who carry our laptops around. If you work from home and need to get out of the house, you can place your laptop in it and head to your local book store. What I especially love is that the laptop sleeve is removable and the shoulder strap is adjustable. It doesn't get any better than this!

Everlane The Recycled Nylon Tote

If you decide to get some done in your apartment complex's resident lounge, all you need is this medium-sized tote by Everlane. It's designed to fit a 13" laptop along with a couple of notebooks if you need them. The extra padding inside helps keep your technology safe from bumps and bruises while the pockets help you store your writing utensils.

If that didn't catch your attention, the fact that this tote bag is certified by the Global Recycled Standard will! It's made of recycled nylon and polyester so you'll have something sustainable on your arm.

Rebecca Minkoff Megan Large Leather Tote Bag

Want to have something that's subtly chic? Reach for Rebecca Minkoff's larger leather tote bag. It comes with shoulder straps that'll fit comfortable on your shoulder and it has an open top with a magnetic strap. Inside you'll find an internal divider that helps you organize your items a little better. There's a chance you may still throw things in your bag, but at least you'll know to look on a specific side!

Reformation Medium Vittoria Leather Tote

This slouchy black tote bag from Reformation is absolutely everything! It gives effortless, it gives put together, it gives...plenty of room for whatever you need to pack for the day! Plus, the bow on top is the perfect finishing touch that's both timeless and on trend!

Tory Burch Ella Tote

Tory Burch is another classic brand that knows how to creative simple yet effective designs that fit seamlessly into your everyday life. Instead of a zipper, this tote bag features a magnetic closure that makes opening and closing it easy! There's also two different pockets to store or separate your items!

I'd personally wear this if I'm running errands and want to look put together while wearing one of my casual spring outfits.

Dreubea Soft Faux Leather Tote

This faux leather tote may look pricey but it's actually less than $20! The price alone makes it a viable option for anyone who's a part of the chic on the budget club. The other thing I love about it is that it includes a bigger pocket inside and a smaller external one. For easy access, slip your lip oils in the outer pocket when you need to moisturize your lips throughout the day!

MANGO Faux Leather Shopper Tote

Have a little more to spend? This $50 tote from MANGO is so chic with its adjustable straps and longer body. I love how you can get that pebbled leather look for so much less!

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Brit + Co. may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Header image via CALPAK

Major Outer Banks season 4 spoilers ahead!

ICYMI, Outer Banks season 4 dropped its second half on November 7, and fans have a lot of very strong feelings about it. Despite the fact JJ's entire character arc is about defiance, hope, and being the ultimate Pogue, Outer Banks season 4 ended with his biological dad, a kook named Chandler Groff, killing him in cold blood.

It's an absolutely devastating ending for everyone's favorite character, and fans are having a hard time coping with the loss. The fact we only got 10 episodes of JJ and Kiara together (a relationship written into the show after viewers picked up on the chemistry between Rudy Pankow and Madison Bailey) makes it even worse — and a lot of fans are saying they won't watch the show again.

"I can’t even watch the previous seasons anymore knowing how it all ends," viewer Jordyn Bruder says in an email. "JJ was the literal heart of OBX and he was the glue that held the Pogues together. There is no OBX without JJ."

Outer Banks Fan Reactions To JJ's Death

​In which episode does JJ die?

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

JJ dies at the end of Outer Banks season 4 episode 10, "The Blue Crown" after rescuing Kiara from his father Chandler Groff. "I feel mad, betrayed, disappointed and heartbroken to say the least," Bruder adds. "JJ went through a lot of crap through the show and he was the one character who deserved his happy ending the most. When the series first came out, people fell in love with JJ and [Kiara]."

While the cast obviously found out about the ending while filming, fans are frustrated with how they chose to promote the show. "Obviously the cast can’t spoil a character death, but to blatantly lie and mislead fans by saying that Jiara was 'evergrowing' and fans would be happy with how the season plays out?" Bruder says. "Jiara fans deserved so much better than what we got, ESPECIALLY when they knew they were killing JJ off."

Why are Outer Banks fans so upset?

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

The show is the kind of phenomenon that made instant stars out of its cast, but it also made waves because of how the first season portrayed issues like classism, substance abuse, and domestic abuse. "As someone who has been around domestic abuse, I think the handling of the character JJ was detrimental culturally," another fan (who would like to remain anonymous) says. "The character suffered abuse at the hands of a man who was not even his biological father, and the writers almost framed it as if that was okay because in the beginning, his father loved him. Instead of telling a story to victims of abuse about hope and making it through trials, the writers went the opposite way. I also find it interesting that they stated this was a planned death. I think writing a character who is suffering from anxiety and clear mental health issues as well as abuse who is very young like JJ only to let him fall in love and kill him right when he starts to feel happiness doesn’t necessarily make a lot of sense narratively."

Another viewer adds that ending JJ's story that way felt "disrespectful...especially when in an interview following the episode, one of the creators literally referred to his death as pointless." She even says "it feels almost like the show died along with him."

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

Actress Madelyn Cline (Sarah Cameron) called JJ the "heart of Outer Banks"and for a lot of fans, JJ also became a beacon of hope, a reminder that you can endure, persevere, and come out stronger on the other side. Since the first season of the show dropped during April 2020, it's been one consistent, fun thing for TV fans since the COVID-19 pandemic began, which makes the loss feel even greater.

"Seeing him die at the hands of another abusive father was honestly kind of sickening," the viewer adds. "It’s also unfortunate that his death didn’t seem to mean anything. A character death like this would be one thing if it meant something. If he had died protecting his friends or actively protecting Kiara, rather than having already saved her and then getting killed afterward, it might’ve be easier to get past."

"It’s like a connection to something good and steady was just broken," X user @onlykiep4l says. "Killing a character that has literally gone trough so much trauma and was finally happy just doesn’t make sense. It’s not just the character that’s gone — it feels like a part of the show has ended too."

Why does JJ get killed off?

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

Rumors have been circulating for years about behind-the-scenes drama between actors Rudy Pankow and Madison Bailey, which has fans believing Rudy asked to be written off the show(for the record, Outer Banks creators Josh & Jonas Pate and Shannon Burke have said it was the plan from the beginning). With Rudy's exit, the writers had a difficult choice in front of them. JJ isn't the kind of guy to abandon his friends, meaning the writers obviously felt like killing him was the only option. But according to an additional viewer, "Outer Banks hasn't been that type of show."

"To attempt to turn this fun, summer, boat show into some dark, depressing story where the heart of the show is gone destroys everything that the show started out as," she says.

Another anonymous fan calls the choice "a character assassination," adding other moments from the season that feel like a different character than the one fans have come to love: barely reacting to John B. and Sarah's pregnancy announcement, or to the fact Rafe had come to talk to Kiara — especially after his reaction to Rafe catcalling Kie in the first season is a moment that led fans to ship them in the first place.

The fan continues by calling JJ's treatment a "lack of respect" toward the character. "The fact that the writers tried to make us dislike him, to soften the blow of him dying. It didn’t work. It has everyone distraught because many people’s favorite character ended up dying after 'finding happiness' for about 10 minutes in Episode 10."

​Does Sarah get pregnant in Outer Banks season 4?

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

But JJ's death isn't the only moment that has fans reeling. In addition to the fact viewers are saying the Pogues barely reacted to the death of their lifelong best friend, Pope is now a murderer and Kiara makes an absolutely chilling vow to get revenge on Groff — a far cry from the characters we fell in love with in season 1.

"Outside of the JJ of it all, a lot of plot lines/dynamics in part 2 felt off," one of our anonymous fans continues. "Sarah’s pregnancy plot line, especially when coupled with the quote from a creator about ‘giving her a baby specifically because she wasn’t ready’ feels incredibly tone deaf given the current state of things here in the US. The fact that there wasn’t even a conversation of if she wanted to continue with the pregnancy felt very icky. Overall, episodes 1-4 of this season did feel like Outer Banks, but everything after that felt like it was from an entirely different piece of media."

Jackson Lee Davis/NetflixYep, 'Outer Banks' Season 4 Just Killed Off THAT Character

However, some fans are excited to see where the show goes from here. "JJ was such a strong character and his presence will obviously be missed, [but] I am excited to see how the Pogues react and what they do to get revenge on Groff," Virginia McGrew says in an email. "I also think that the scene of JJ dying with Kiara was extremely well done and emotional, making his passing even sadder. I ultimately believe that JJ’s passing serves as a reminder of the themes the show."

"JJ made the group even more aware of friendship, the importance of chosen family, and loyalty, which was seen throughout the season and especially in the finale," she continues. "Now that he is gone, the other Pogues will have to step up even more, creating a shift in their dynamic. While many believe that Outer Banks might not be worth watching after this finale, I truly think that it is only going to get even deeper and more interesting."

Let us know your thoughts on the Outer Banks season 4 ending on TikTok. And check out why This Heartbreaking Outer Banks 5 Theory Makes THAT Death Even More Emotional.

Outer Banks season 4 part 2 finally dropped November 7, and after theories were swirling around our favorite Pogues — is Sarah pregnant? Will JJ die? Will the group FINALLY get their hands on some treasure (and NOT lose it?) — we got the answers we'd been waiting for. And unfortunately, not all of them were answers we wanted. Sarah is indeed pregnant but the Pogues finally avenged Terrance, but in the final moments of the Outer Banks season 4 ending, we also lost JJ which is something I literally can't believe I'm writing. JJ and Kiara are the one couple fans latched onto (and that the cast and crew never saw coming) and to finally see them in a relationship only to lose JJ 10 episodes later? I'm heartbroken.

Creators Josh & Jonas Pate and Shannon Burke recently revealed Outer Banks season 5 will be "an epic fifth and final season," and there's one theory going around that makes that finale even more emotional. Here's everything you need to know aboutOuter Banksseason 5. Bring it on home John B.!

  • Outer Banks season 5 will be the last season of the hit Netflix show.
  • The series will follow Kiara and the Pogues getting revenge on Chander Groff for JJ's death.
  • Josh & Jonas Pate and Shannon Burke say "it will be our best [season] yet."


Is JJ really dead?

@unsiredd#obx#outerbanks#jjmaybank#johnbroutledge#johnb#sarahcameron#obx4#fyp#foryou#fireworks♬ Where'd All the Time Go? - Dr. Dog

There are a few theories about how Outer Banks season 5 will handle JJ's death (aside from Kiara's chilling vow to get revenge, of course). Some fans have their fingers crossed the group will use the Blue Crown to wish him back to life, while others are holding onto hope he was simply unconscious. But there's one theory that stands out among the rest to me: JJ is really dead, and this whole time, John B.'s narration has been telling his unborn child about his namesake.

The show teased Sarah and John B. will name their baby JJ, and since Outer Banks is all about family, friendship, and spending time with one another, the reveal that all along, Outer Banks has been the story of the Pogues' adventures would literally be the perfect way to send them off. I'm literally crying just thinking about it.

Will there be a 5th Outer Banks?

Yes, we're getting a fifth and final season of Outer Banks coming to Netflix soon. While we don't have an official release date yet, we're expecting to see the last installment in 2025 or 2026.

In their official letter "to all Pogues," creators Josh & Jonas Pate and Shannon Burke explain how a photo of teenagers on a beach during a power outage inspired them to create the hit show we've all come to know and love. "From this beginning, we imagined a mystery that would lead to a five-season journey of adventure, treasure hunting, and friendship," they say in an official letter. "At the time, seven years ago, it seemed impossible that we would really get to tell the whole five season story, but here we are, at the end of our fourth season, still chopping away."

"Now, with a little sadness, but also excitement, we're putting Season Four behind us and turning to Season Five, in which we hope to bring our beloved Pogues home in the way we imagined and planned years ago," they continue. "Season Five will be our last season, and we think it will be our best yet. We hope you'll join us for one more paddle out to the surf break."

I can't wait to see Outer Banks season 5, and TBH five seasons will round out the show perfectly considering each season focuses on a different Pogue. That means season 5 will probably focus on Sarah alongside Kiara's revenge. 👀 Stay tuned for all the OBX5 info you need to know.

Here's Yep, Outer Banks Season 4 Just Killed Off THAT Character in case you're still processing.