Fabric Clutches

I have been a little bit obsessed with making these clutches. Ever since I found them on Pinterest, and then on Martha Stewart, and then on Etsy, I just had to try them. The instructions are a little tricky to follow, but there is a video (that I watched about 12 times). They aren't to terribly difficult to make and I learned how to make a French seam. Martha would be proud.

My favorite part is the metal purse frame/clasp. It gives them such a finished and professional look. I ordered them on Etsy from Upstyle design.

This is the gorgeous Upstyle clutch that won my heart. If you're not up for making your own, you can order one. So many beautiful fabrics and styles! 

Before I got my hands on the silver clasps, I tried a ball frame that I found at JoAnn Fabrics. It was a little more difficult to adhere, due to the rounded sides, but it looks adorable.

I recommend using Fabri-Tac for gluing the fame to the fabric. It dries quickly, is super strong, and permanent. And very sticky. Try not to get in on anything else.

This blue one is my latest, and my favorite. It may or may not be a Christmas gift. It's the perfect size for a night-out, makeup bag or accessory holder. I'll just have to make a few more!

A Purse Thing

Those of you that know me, know that I like purses. "Like" may be an understatement. Considering I have about 30 of them. Not an exaggeration. Is that completely ridiculous? Do I need to join a self help group? Purses are the ultimate accessory, in my opinion. I've been carrying one since I was about 7 years old, maybe earlier. I remember proudly toting around a pink and purple fuzzy caterpillar purse - with legs, when I was in Sunday school. I wish I had a picture of it! 


There's just so many styles, shapes, colors, textures and sizes. One week, I might want one that's big enough to carry a small convenient store. The next, I might want a tiny clutch that barely fits some cash and my cell phone. One day it's sophisticated and all business. The next, bold and trendy. A good purse can make or break an outfit. Who's with me? I know I'm not the only purse lover. I like shoes too. But you don't have to worry about a purse "fitting" like you do a pair of shoes. If there aren't any 7 1/2's left, you're out of luck. With purses, it's pretty much one size fits all! 

It's not just about looks either. I am actually very selective in choosing a handbag. There are things I like and don't like. Such as long adjustable straps. No thank you. Lot's of flaps and pockets on the outside. Not for me. I prefer one handle over two, but I make exceptions depending on the bag. I seem to gravitate toward purses that are square or boxy in shape, with an uncomplicated design. I like clean lines. Those long rectangular ones with a million pockets, bells and whistles are stressful to me. I want to stash my stuff inside and be able to find it quickly. Floppy bags are a challenge. I like sturdy ones with semi-ridged sides. Good pockets on the inside are fabulous. Especially the cell phone pocket and a zipper pocket. Sometimes I forget about the zipper pocket and find a few dollars or a long-lost piece of jewelry stowed away. It's like a surprise!


What is it about the handbag that makes me so fond? I guess it's the security of having stuff that you need/might need with you when you're out in the world. A wallet of course, somewhere to put your keys, ipod, coupons (because you know the moment you take them out of your purse, you're going to need them), dental floss, a pen and paper, lip gloss, a few bobby pins, maybe a small hairbrush, nail clippers/nail file, gum and mints. Perhaps it's the boyscout mentality of "always be prepared." That really should have been the girl scout slogan. I have been called "Mary Poppins" for having a wealth of handy items in my purse at times. I think I inherited this gift from my Mom. When I was young I LOVED looking in her purse. It was like a treasure trove of goodies. You never knew when those mini fold out scissors where going to be needed - you'd be surprised. She always has Mentos, Altoids or mints too.



A purse can reflect your mood or your personality. Just like the clothes you wear. If you're going to be seen walking around with something every day, don't you want it to to look good? Why not make a statement and have some fun with it? I must state for the record, that when it comes to spending money on purses, I am CHEAP. The reason I have about 30 of them, is because they were inexpensive. The clearance aisle is my best friend. I don't think I've ever spent over $30 for a bag, and even that was a LOT. $10 or $20 is my price range. I've gotten some cute little clutches for $4 before. Which means I don't feel as guilty about being a purse horse. 


Which brings me to the cherry red beauty pictured above. The latest bag to join my accessory family. I was shopping at Marshall's when I spotted this bag in white. I was drawn to the adorable oversize coin purse closure and unique shape. But I wasn't sold on the fact that it was white. I looked around and spotted a tan one with a different texture. Still wasn't sold. There was also an off-white. Couldn't do it. I walked around the rest of the store debating purchasing it. If only they had a red one. Or any other color. Sigh. On my way home I stopped at another Marshall's, just in case they had more in stock. Yes, I am that purse-crazed. Commence mockery. To my delight, they had a brown one and a mustard one. I was 99% sold on the mustard one. I circled the racks a few more times. Then I stopped in my tracks when I saw ONE red one. Hanging there. Waiting for me. My silent wish was answered! The price was right. The end. Even the kid cashing me out commented on what a great bag. Weird... 


What's my point? There really is no point. I just wanted to share my passion for purses. And see if anyone else out there shares my joy in finding a new bag and switching their purse contents into it. I admit, sometimes I get tired of carrying one around. Especially when it starts to get heavy. It's freeing not to carry one, yet alarming at the same time. Like when you're at an amusement park or a festival and you go without one. There's those moments of panic, like "Where's my purse?!?!" It almost becomes a right arm.


It's the little things in life :)

Rosette Clutch

I found instructions to make this adorable clutch hand bag at Fiskars crafts. I have made 3 different ones so far (only 2 pictured). They are relatively easy and make adorable gits. I used two corresponding fabrics, one for the outer bag and one for the inner lining and rosette. I had to experiment with how much felt to use as padding. 2 pieces was a little too puffy. 1 piece on the outside of the bag seemed to work well.

I love the look of a rosette or flower or whatever you like to call it. It took a few tries to make one how I wanted it. The first time, I left the edges of the fabric frayed, but I didn't care for how unfinished it looked. The second time, I folded a strip of fabric in half lengthwise, and sewed a long loose seam, so the edges would be finished. It's really a matter of making a long enough strip so that you can wrap it around and around in a coil, starting from the outside and working your way in. I found, that sewing or hot gluing it to a circular scrap of fabric helps anchor it as you create the rosette and give you a base to attach it to the clutch. I also tucked in and tried to hide the ends. I even covered a button to make this one match.

Here's my hand modeling skills so you get and idea of actual size. Looks like I could use some lotion - this cold weather is torturous on my hands. I currently use mine to hold coupons in my big purse, but it would make a much better hand-held purse. Can't you picture carrying one along on a night out? Adorable.

Hobo Bag

After learning how to sew tote bags, I wanted to make a bag with a little more personality and detail. I came across this tutorial for a pleated hobo bag at Ruffles And Stuff and I followed her basic guide to made the bags shown above. I even got a little fancy and added a pocket inside. I like to use a semi-heaver fabric for the outer shell and a corresponding lighter weight fabric for the lining. I really like the thick straps and size of these bags. The ruffled detachable fabric flower is my favorite signature addition. They do take more time to sew than a tote bag and the steps are a bit more involved, but the end result is worth it. I get many compliments when I'm carrying it around. I sold the one on the left and I currently have a custom order. They make nice gifts and are a great purse! If anyone is interested in ordering one, send me an email. You can never have too many purses!