I needed black leather for new project and decided to take some of the unused pieces to design a clutch-styled bag. The initial vision: creating a bag with an aged appeal.
Getting caught up in the excitement of craft time, I immediately had to write down a few more ideas for my fabric, which resulted in adding contrast lining. You may remember viewing this material here. Needless to say, there was loads of inspiration in the work-space. I hope that you like it!
Materials:
Leather – pieces cut to your desired size of bag
Contrast fabric for lining (cut pattern of bag)
Scissors
Buckle or trim
Contrast fabric for lining
Chain
Sealant
Magnets (heavy duty) or snaps
Lobster claw (2)
Spray paint
Aged Beauty:
To start, I cut out a pattern that I made in the shape that I preferred. Mine has an asymmetrical flap. Next, I took my cut leather pieces and used solid spray-paint to colour the material. You may use gloss finish, however for this project I wanted a matte finish because I was using a gloss sealant for the end result. After you’ve coated the leather to your liking, let dry.
Custom Details:
I began sewing my bag pattern with the lining separately because I added small inside loops (.25″), this is so that my bag can be worn with the chain (shoulder strap) or without. Add lobster claw closures to each end of chain. Instead of using the face-side of the leather, for the outside flap I turned it over to use the suede side. This allowed me to mix textures and have the unique aesthetic that I was envisioning.
Lastly, magnets were added for secure closure … the buckle tab is also not solely for closing the clutch, it’s versatile width can accommodate my on-the-go needs if I happen to carry a wider item, hence the longer tab length.
There are various ways to achieve the aged leather effect, some use crackle, or use an antique coloured paint, but I wanted to control my affected area. To do this, I completely sewed my bag, and began to carefully fold and bend areas that I wanted the paint to be cracked (looked aged) with my fingers. When doing this you may use a small dry brush to dust away excess pieces.
After I was pleased with the aged area of the leather I used a sealant to lock-in the finished look! You may also use a glue sealant, brush on, or spray sealant of your choice, which may be acquired at a local crafting, art, or paint supply.
Mission: Create a versatile clutch with an aged look, and in a hue that I do not possess.
Result: I’m quite the happy fashionista!
The purse looks great…thanks for sharing!
http://woodstockwardrobe.com/
Thank you dear, you actually just reminded me, I need to put up my patterns again online. So glad that you liked it. -xo
Thank you. -xx
wow. this is amazing!!! I need your pattern!
haha, Oh thank you so much! I've been crafting up like a workshop … Santa look out!! lol. enjoy your Sunday, love!
Thanks Cy, I really appreciate your comment dear! Hey, it starts with it sitting in pieces! Believe me, I've been there, lol.
Thanks Joanne! Link away dear. Happy weekend to you. 🙂
Such a cool, chic and sleek design!
As always really enjoy seeing and reading all the steps that you took in order to complete the project.
i love the texture of the clutch, gorgeous gorgeous fabric! wish i was that talented
This is incredibly cool – I'll have to link to this DIY on my blog!
cool DIY project there !!
cool DIY project there !!
Madison, that is a stunning bag! I wish I had the patience to do that. I’ve had my homemade clutch sitting in pieces, waiting to be put together, lol.
You are truly talented my dear!
xoxo
Cyrillynn
a very nice AND creative bag
Thanks for stopping by my blog!
Madison, that is a stunning bag! I wish I had the patience to do that. I’ve had my homemade clutch sitting in pieces, waiting to be put together, lol.
You are truly talented my dear!
xoxo
Cyrillynn
a very nice AND creative bag
This is such an awesome craftisting post, i'm speechless! IT looks fantastic.
Have a fab weekend!
x.o.x.o
OMG the minute I read the title I knew it was going to be fabulous… and it sure is!! I love this!!!!
xoxo
Thanks David! -xx
Thanks for stopping by my blog!
LOL, yes it's sewn dear, not stuck together! I wanted to actually use my bag and hold items. Thanks for your comment. Have a good weekend.
Yes, of course! Thanks so much!
you DIY'ed this?! Amazing!!
i really like how you formed the cracks with the paint. makes it so much cooler!
This is such an awesome craftisting post, i'm speechless! IT looks fantastic.
Have a fab weekend!
x.o.x.o
lol, no worries! Thanks again! 🙂 have a lovely weekend Marissa.
Thanks Mongs!
Oh, Erika, thank you very much doll! -xxoo Enjoy your weekend!
Ugh… meant to reply as The Well-Appointed Catwalk on that last comment. Oops
Ahh- this is so cool! The cracked leather almost looks like cork.
OMG the minute I read the title I knew it was going to be fabulous… and it sure is!! I love this!!!!
xoxo
Thanks David! -xx
LOL, yes it's sewn dear, not stuck together! I wanted to actually use my bag and hold items. Thanks for your comment. Have a good weekend.
Yes, of course! Thanks so much!
you DIY'ed this?! Amazing!!
i really like how you formed the cracks with the paint. makes it so much cooler!
lol, no worries! Thanks again! 🙂 have a lovely weekend Marissa.
Thanks Mongs!
Oh, Erika, thank you very much doll! -xxoo Enjoy your weekend!
Ahh- this is so cool! The cracked leather almost looks like cork.
wow, dear, you are so talented. how have you make the leather pieces together?! have you stick them together or with the sewing machine?!
i love DIY 🙂 i have some, too. hope you'll visit me too and btw: you have a new follower 🙂
lovely greets
maren anita
http://www.fashion-meets-art.com
Thanks! -xx
I always enjoy your creations, you're so talented! The bag turns out really chic! Great job! And keep creating!~
mongsmythriftycloset.blogspot.comcome enter the landmark movie tickets giveaway!!
Oh Love this!
I love me some leather. I'm such a leather person. It's kind of insane.
http://www.glamkittenslitterbox.com/Twitter: @GlamKitten88
wow, dear, you are so talented. how have you make the leather pieces together?! have you stick them together or with the sewing machine?!
i love DIY 🙂 i have some, too. hope you'll visit me too and btw: you have a new follower 🙂
lovely greets
maren anita
http://www.fashion-meets-art.com
I'm so envious of yoru DIY skills
I have said it before, and I will say it again…you are the Queen of DIY! 🙂
Yay! Sewing machines never go out of style. lol. Let me know if you have any questions. Good luck dear. xo
What an awesome DIY. That is one fierce bag. I am getting a sewing machine for Christmas so I will be starting more basic than this, but as I get more advanced I would love to do something like this!
http://theclosetintervention.blogspot.com/
🙂 xxoo Muah! Thank you!
Thanks Lauren! So happy that you liked it too! I'm so excited to take this clutch out.
Thank you, Stephanie. Actually yes, I have sold my work and did for about 5yrs. or so, but I guess life happened, and I chose the corporate world then… Now, I take orders sometimes.
Though, I've been having dreams of opening a boutique on day!
You are SO creative. Do you ever plan on selling any of your work?
Oh I love love this!
the result is amazing love it!
http://www.ohmydior.org/
Oh wow that came out great, loving it 🙂
http://www.closet-fashionista.com/
That bag totally rocks and so do you!
You're so talented – that looks amazing and ever so chic!
xoxo ~ Courtney
http://sartorialsidelines.com
You are so creative!!! Oh my goodness, I'm always blown away by your DIY's.
It is spectacular! well done 😀
xxwww.sickbytrend.com
Thank you Alexis! I had to take quick shots, it looks even better in person… I swear! lol.
haha! *blushes* Thanks Jelena, I always appreciate your support! grateful. 🙂 enjoy your day.
Well, hello there Rocquelle! So glad that you liked it dear. Thank you. xo
Hi Claire dear, thanks so much for the sweet compliment … I have more to share, and I'm really excited!
OH my gosh—- I love this! Especially the aged effect- no breaking in necessary!
I am always impressed but you outdid yourself here xx
http://fashionandfrank.blogspot.com/
You are such a DIY girl! Love your crafts, they inspire me. I already bought everything to do the glitter shoe DIY. can't wait to actually do it.
It turned out so lovely Madison!! I love the color blocking and aged leather contrast!!!
It really looks sooooooooooo good. I have to try
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
I will say one more time what I was repeating before- u're such a TALENT!!!! Happy to know u!;) kisses
Jelena (glamfabchameleon.blogspot.com)