Do you
have an old purse that could use a facelift? A canvas tote, a leather bag that
has seen better days? In my case, it was a khaki bag with a belt loop on the
back, purchased at an army navy surplus store and worn in the days when I was
skinny. (Alas, belts and I haven’t been best friends for two decades!)
The
Queen’s Ink has such wonderful acrylic paints – iridescent, metallic, you name
it – and that gave me a lightbulb moment: Faux camouflage! But not the kind
that would blend in with a forest. No. This Faux Camo would be glitzy and
quirky with a sophisticated flair, something I can use as an out-to-dinner bag.
I chose metallic gold, metallic purple, and two shades of green. I picked up
Tim Holtz’s Alcohol Inks in similar colors to alter the hardware.
For
contrast I picked a silky woven paisley ribbon for the strap. It’s an
unexpected juxtaposition that pleases my eye and the pattern picks up the
purple, green and gold. Plus, I love the pop of bright red!
I backed
and strengthened the soft ribbon with a purple zipper, fusing the layers with iron-on
webbing, though I could have used fabric glue.
After
I finished the project and had taken photos of it for this blog post I realized
that I wanted a longer strap to wear cross-body. I backed another piece of
ribbon with a second zipper, this time a red one. I cut the first strap at the
midway point and added an extra 22”.
I
covered the two places where the pieces join with rings made from the same
ribbon. But all of a sudden it needed something else: CHARMS to accent the
ribbon rings. The inside of the strap is so lively and bright, and with the
charms it looks like I intended it that way right from the start!
YOUR
TURN
- Find a purse that needs a facelift. Sponge, brush and splatter it with paints.
- Alternatively, use stencils.
- Alter the hardware with Alcohol Inks.
- Add a strap if needed, or cut off and replace the existing one.
- Sew ribbon rings or small strips of suede to the strap and add charms at those spots.
- Embellish the pocket flaps or other areas with charms and beads if you want more dangling elements.
SUPPLIES:
- Acrylic paints in 3 – 5 colors
- Paintbrush and/or sponge wedges
- Purse to alter (shown: Khaki canvas)
- Ribbon and zipper(s)
- Fusible webbing or fabric glue
- Charms
- Needle and thread
Wow, what a great transformation! I really love that it doesn't seem to have dried stiff. The little charms on the strap is a fun, whimsical touch too.
ReplyDeleteFun project. I may have to shop some yard sales to make these as gifts!
ReplyDeleteLove those charms on the strap, and the purse..Love it all, what a great idea to "Jazz" up an old purse. I gotta run now, and check out my closet I think I have something that needs a facelift too...thanks for sharing a fun idea...
ReplyDelete