Patchwork Leather Handbag

I just finished a Patchwork Leather Handbag for my shop. I wish I had taken a pic of the Jacket before I de-constructed it. It was so 1980's and had such Huge Shoulder Pads!!!! I do remember adding very large Shoulder Pads to all of my clothes, especially Tee Shirts.........sure hope they never come back in style. I wish I could sew faster, but I am such a perfectionist, that it is always a slow run to the finish line. After much trial and error, I finally think I have perfected adding a top zipper.

Each bag I make is different......My inspiration comes from the Coat or Jacket I am working with. I spend a lot of time just staring at the piece before I start constructing the Bag. The Creative process is what I enjoy and if I can make a little money in the process, that is just the icing on the cake.

I also made the cutest little Black and Red double zipper Clutch. I am going to use it for my first ever "Giveaway"........just have to figure out how to do a "Giveaway".

Cutest Scarecrows Ever!!!!

Pendleton is a small town village of 3000 people in Upstate South Carolina. For a few years, they have had a "Scarecrow" contest. They are all over the place and the creativity is amazing. Here are a few pics of some of my favorites. Seeing all of these certainly made me smile. The "Photo Crow" was the winner. The "Cook" was my favorite.

Recycled Leather Handbag Bucket Hobo in by CarolinaPurses on Etsy

Recycled Leather Handbag Bucket Hobo in by CarolinaPurses on Etsy (clipped to polyvore.com)

Recycled Leather Boho Hobo Handbag Large by CarolinaPurses

Recycled Leather Boho Hobo Handbag Large by CarolinaPurses (clipped to polyvore.com)

Thrifted Goodies and Jewelry Makeover

My sweetie and I went out for breakfast on Saturday and of course, we went to a couple of thrift stores. Our Goodwill is my favorite. I came home with 2 pair of shoes, a Carol Little skirt and a London Fog Bright Green Jacket for me. I bought a Leather Coat and a pair of pants for handbags. I also found some odds an ends pictured below......two necklaces, piece of silver chain, belt with a neat buckle, gold buckle and the neatest belt with 3 metal pieces. I guess they are supposed to be the sun. I have absolutely no idea what to do with them, but just had to have them. I am sure they will sit in my stash for a while.

I have already fixed the dark red corded piece. Some of the knots were too small and the beads would not stay put. I painstakingly took it completely apart and re-strung it. I added silver wood beads to the large beads so they wouldn't slip through.

Next, I took the clasp off the black necklace and added a length of the silver chain to make it longer. My next task was how to make a leather flower. After lots of trial and error, I checked out some You-tube videos and finally made one. It was pretty easy, once I figured out how to do it. I will do a tutorial soon. I used a vintage button from my stash for the center and love how it turned out.

Close-up of my "Rose"

 

 

That was my weekend project. I love being retired, am sort of dis-organized..........but never bored.

Thrifted Frame Before and After

I purchased this frame at a Thrift Store a few weeks ago......

Definitely not my decorating style or color.

 

 

It was priced at $3.00 and as it was Seniors Day, I got 25% off for a grand total of $2.25. There has to be something good about being a Senior.....

 

I dismantled the frame, painted the mat and frame in a Off-White Paint and then lightly distressed the frame. I added graduation photos of my 3 older granddaughters, Lauren, Lyndsay and Alyssa. Three sisters and all are special in their own way.

 

 

 

I rarely buy anything new and have a house full of Thrifted Finds that some would call junk, but are treasures to me.

Buttons Buttons and More Buttons!!!!!

My Buttons

 

I absolutely LOVE Buttons......all types of Buttons......especially Vintage Buttons. I have collected them for years and had them stashed in plastic bins. I finally organized them by color and type. Now, I just sit back and admire them. Here is a look at my treasures.

The revolving jar "thing" underneath the cabinet is a 1940's nail organizer from my Aunt Alice, who passed away in 1996 at the age of 99.

 

 

These boxes go under the Wood Shelf made by my talented Hubby.

 

 

My favorites - Lots of Metal Buttons

This plastic drawer "thing" also came from my Aunt Alice.

 

 

 

More Buttons in Jars and Plastic Drawers.

I love when I can see them.

 

Vintage Toy Ironing Board

Jars of Plastic Shirt Buttons and Plastic Gold and Silver Buttons

 

 

This revolving Jar "thing", also from the 1940's came from my Dad. The little Flower Pot in the middle was done by my daughter in the 3rd Grade. She is now 43 and a High School Teacher. Check out the little Bunny.....I love it!!!

 

 

I created this Recycled Leather Clutch as a gift last week.

I had a hard time parting with some of my "Babies".

I do love how it turned out.

 

 

Sold this little Clutch in my Etsy Shop earlier this year.

 

Click here to see ways to use Buttons on Pinterest.

My Button Board on Pinterest

 

These are my Buttons.......Let me know how you store yours.