A hint of spring-ness

 My trusty fall purse took me nicely from September through Christmas, but...

... I've been hankering for something a bit more spring-like. Now, it's been known to snow around here in February and even March, so I didn't want to jinx any early warm weather with something too flowery. I put on my trusty duct tape thinking cap and a decided a pretty blue and green number would be just right for the transition from never ending winter to lovely spring.

To make this fun little bag, I started with a reusable shopping bag (free from a library conference) with the straps cut off. I cover the outside of the bag with long strips of blue duct tape, leaving a little strip of the bag uncovered.

Next, I measured my ribbon for the handles. I wanted to make them double sided to add strength, so I cut equal lengths, pinned the right sides together, and sewed along both edges.

I used a super cool turner outer thing (that's a technical term) that made turning these babies inside out a breeze.

To attach the straps, I punched holes in the top of the bag and added grommets. Then it was as simple as sewing the straps.

For a simple embellishment, I ruffled another piece of ribbon, threaded it through a vintage belt buckle, and sewed it to the strip of bag I left uncovered.

This cute spring bag was that easy!

What's your favorite thing to make to brighten up dreary winter days?

Linking to this fun party!

<3

Hattie

Fall Fixer-upper

Happy Monday lovely blog friends! So, ya want to know how turn a train wreck of a makeup bag into a super snazzy fall purse?

Step 1.

Locate ugly “free gift with purchase” bag from thrift store or the back of your closet.

Step 2.

Remove any weird stuff from the bag. Mine had super classy plastic pockets on the front.

Step 3.

Cover the whole bag in your favorite color of duct tape. I went with a perky red for fall.

Step 4.
Add fun details. You’ll notice in the previous picture that I left a little strip of the canvas bag uncovered. I did that so I’d have a place to sew a fabric embellishment to the front of the bag. Attempting to sew through duct tape is a good way to destroy a needle and your nerves.

For my embellishment I decided to use the fabric from one of Brad’s old ties.

Step 5.

Create the embellishment. I took the skinny part of the tie, pleated it, pinned, and sewed the pleats in place with a contrasting thread color. Once I created the pleat, I hand sewed it to the bag using a few stitches.

Step 6.

Make the handles more fun. To give the bag a more finished look, I cut the remainder of the tie in half. Then, I took one of the halves, hot glued it to the inside edge of the handle, and wrapped the fabric tightly around the built-in handle, gluing periodically and again at the other end of the handle.

Step 7.

Enjoy your new recycled bag.

Maybe even take it on a little field trip for an outdoor photo shoot!

What color bags are you loving this fall?

<3
Hattie

I've got summer in the bag

Happy DIY Day! With summer on the horizon, I decided it was time to whip up a new bag.

I used a reusable grocery tote as the base for the bag. I wanted it to be pretty big because summer calls for toting around my camera, snacks, sunscreen, a paperback, and a bunch of other necessities that seem to multiply in the bottom of the bag. I kept the basic bag shape, but trimmed down and rounded the top edge.

Next, I just covered the whole bag in strips of duct tape.

I raided my fabric stash for some punchy stripes to add a little extra summer fun to the bag.

I sewed a simple pleat to go down the front and secured it with duct tape.

For the handles, I added rivets (I super heart my $20 rivet setter from JoAnn’s) and straps made from long fabric strips sewn together and doubled for strength.

A little Velcro holds everything closed.

What’s your favorite use for duct tape?

<3
Hattie