If there is one thing I love more than finding really cool stuff, that is making it. There is such a greater sense of achievement knowing that you have made or customised something that no-one else will have. Something that reflects just the perfect vibe you felt at the time and that makes you smile each time you use it.
I haven’t bought a new purse in the longest time. Notice I use the term new, as buying vintage bags and purses is almost an addiction. My current set up is a full silver glo-mesh set, complete with change purse and key wallet. And while these are beautiful and going very well with every vintage outfit in my wardrobe, I do, (like every girl) want to keep my options open.
While I was shopping in Singapore I found so many cute purse sets, but I just couldn’t bring myself to buy one knowing that I had at least two at home that had been relegated to the back of the draw; shabby with over use. So when I came home and my girls wanted to have a crafting day with mama, I knew it was the perfect chance to break out the glue gun and get deco’ing!
Here is my okay, but somewhat tired purse before the deco madness.
Several years old, this Olga Burg purse is nice but just didn’t really have enough personality. So I set to work pulling out my “Great Big Box of Crafty Stuff”, and waited to see where the inspiration took me.
Always make sure you position your bits and pieces until you get the layout and balance just right. That way you know what needs to be added or taken away before you go crazy with the glue gun.
After a surprisingly short time and not one burt finger ( that had to be avoided at least once!), I’d managed to put together something quite cute and a totally re-invisaged version of my purse.
I thought about making this into a tutorial, but it is so painfully simple that it just seemed redundant. But in case you want one, here it is:
* Take one purse
* Glue cool stuff that you like on it
* Fill with money
* Shop
* Take compliments on your seriously awesome, fully customised new accessory.
It may not be to everyone’s taste, but I hope it inspires you to make something special just for yourself. You may have already been hotly crafting up cool new things for this season. If you have make sure to leave me a comment with a link to where we can all see them too! If you haven’t been indulging your creative self lately, what would you like to make?
That may be the best tutorial EVER
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Agreed, most comprehensive and awesome tutorial ever written!
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This definitely isn’t my taste, but I always admire crafty endeavours! Great work on the tut, too.
I’m DIY’ing every gift I give this year. You can see my crafts at: http://craftyaunty.blogspot.com/
Cheers
Angelle: Oh nice work! I always plan to do that and then leave it too late. But if I keep reading your blog it might just keep me on track.
You’re more than welcome to subscribe! I’ve got my wedding anniversary on 7 March, hubby’s birthday on 20 April, mother’s day in May, mum and step dad’s birthdays both in June, niece’s birthday in July, BFF birthday in August, father’s day, 4 nieces, 1 SIL, and 1 daughter birthday in Sept, 1 daughter birthday in Oct, then Christmas and my FIL birthday in Dec. And those are the ones I can think of off the top of my head. It’s going to be a busy and creative year!
Not really my cup of tea either, I prefer my animal prints on the inside of the bags but if this were a solid colour I’d totally wear it! And I sooooo want to raid your DIY stash, you have such cool stuff.
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Coffee addict: Oh you have NO idea how bad my problem is.. my stash is MASSIVE. In fact I think it may fall over and kill me one day! There are things in there I’ve been hoarding since my crafty childhood.
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That has got to be the ugliest thing I’ve ever seen on this blog, whichnis saying something, lol
If I saw that purse for sale I would buy it!
I’m going through a leopard phase and I love embelishments of the girly kind so it’s just my style.
It is seems such a pain to get out all the craft stuff but isn’t it just so rewarding.
Thanks for the inspiration.
And welcome back to Oz!
xox
Pinky: Thanks! I’m just loving a mix of leopard and florals right now.. I think it may be a bit of a Lizlisa phase.
Ok..so I am heading home soon to make my very own customized handbag and I am very thrilled.
Sara: Have fun and make sure to show us the results!
Dear Mrs Super Kawaii Mama,
Please know that I find your website and that of Ms Violet le Beaux truly delightful. I have an enormous appreciation and admiration for your generosity of spirit. Your blogs and tutorials are always imbued with such care and humour.
I too am a mum of littleluns (Miss Weewoy 4 years of age and Miss Weewoy 2) time, energy and resources can be of the essence as I am sure you would be acutely aware.
Since discovering your site its really encouraged me to strive that little bit more in terms of grooming thus setting a better example of pride in ones appearance for my girls. I was getting dissillusioned there for a while as it was hard for me to know what a four -tee-something woman was supposed to look like. I did not want to go down the way of track suit pants and hair scraped back in a pony tail nor did I like the idea of ironing my hair and spraying on a tan trying to look like a 25 year old. I like being 44.
I love my ‘thrifted’ vintage pieces sporting labels with ‘made in Melbourne/Sydney’ makes getting dressed in the morning fun even if your 2yo vomited in your bed which is what happened last night. Big clean up job – not a lot of sleep and husband overseas again for work.
Love your latest deco project – can’t wait to show the tutorial to my 4yo. She loves your site, no coaching from me she peeked over my shoulder one day as I was looking at daily outfit leopard print lust Jan 19 and said “oh mummy look at those shoes”. Miss Weewoy 2yo however has ripped off all her clothes and singing out to the neighbours who have just arrived home.
Must close now. Think I might be raising Ms Nudist and Ms Fashionista.
May the Gods of Thrift Shops and Bargain hunting richly bless you Mrs Super Kawaii Mama.
My sincere thanks to you for creating such a website as this.
Mrs Aunty Leroy
Mrs Aunty Leroy: Where to begin…. That was one of the loveliest comments I’ve ever received. You’ve really understood why it is that I write this blog and I’m so thrilled to hear that it is helpful to you. Yes, life with small children around isn’t all sunshine and rainbows, but our attitude and determination go a long way to creating the version of reality we want to live.
xx
I too love being a more ‘mature’ woman, I don’t think you could pay me to be 21 again! All those wonderful style role models we have from the past need someone to keep on carrying the torch for glamour in a world of tee’s and jeans.
I think my deco projects are always largely in part for my children as I want them to grow up with heads full of creative endeavours. Knowing that you can create all those wonderful things you dream of, not simply pick something pre-packaged from a shelf.
Again, thank you so much for your feedback. These are the moments that mean the world to me.
Dear Mrs SKM,
Miss Weewoy 4yo “dat looks beautiful, mummy can you make me one of those”
Ciao
Mrs Aunty Leroy
Mrs Aunty Leroy: Aww… Sounds like you have your weekend activity planned then!
<3
[...] Turning Drab to Fab – my DIY deco'd leopard imitation purse | Super … [...]
that looks very similar to what I did to my security pass at work (although I used pre-sticky “notebook” gems).
It’s nice to make things look not like everyday items
1. Take security pass
2. Glue stuff I like on it
3. Rock it.
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Elise: Oh cool! Where can we see it?
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