American Crafts Studio Blog: Altered Purse

Punches week continues with an altered purse made by me, Paige Evans. Scalloped circles are my favorite punch, and after seeing Kim Watson's amazing purse last week I wanted to try sprucing up a purse of my own.

Supplies: 12 x 12 Cardstock Apricot (71031) - AC Cardstock, Golden Gleam Paper (35090) - Dear Lizzy Spring, Friendly Fern Paper (35092) - Dear Lizzy Spring, Sweet Strawberry Paper (35100) - Dear Lizzy Spring, Lake View Court Paper (35060) - Abode, Crestview Court Paper (35074) - Abode, Opal Paper (34846) - Botanique, Orchid Paper (35033) - I Do, Peonies Paper (35035) - I Do, Anthurium Paper (35036) - I Do, Freesia Paper (35039) - I Do, Hydrangeas Paper (35049) - I Do, Warm Wishes Paper (35007) - Letterbox, Sir Paper (35014) - Letterbox, Hello Paper (35018) - Letterbox, Bodacious Banana Paper (35110) - Heat Wave, Kahuna Kiwi Paper (35116) - Heat Wave, Here Comes the Sun Paper (34982) - Blue Skies, Peaceful Easy Feeling Paper (34992) - Blue Skies, A La Carte (71001) - Patterned Paper Box, Teen (34805) - Patterned Paper Box, Tropicals Mini Jewel Brads (85272) - Elements, Primaries Large Jewel Brads (85300) - Elements, Tropicals Large Jewel Brads (85302) - Elements, Primaries Large Pearl Brads (85315) - Elements, Tropicals Large Pearl Brads (85317) - Elements, Primaries Mini Glitter Brads (85330) - Elements, Tropicals Mini Glitter Brads (85332) - Elements, Primaries Medium Glitter Brads (85345) - Elements, Primaries Mini Brads (85375) - Elements, Tropicals Mini Brads (85377) - Elements, Primaries Medium Brads (85390) - Elements, Tropicals Medium Brads (85392) - Elements, Chestnut Mini Brad (8480) - Elements, Primaries Round Glitter Buttons (85420) - Elements, Tropicals Round Glitter Buttons (85422) - Elements, Lively (89288) Dear Lizzy Ribbon, Greeting (89252) Letterbox Ribbon, Welcoming (89253) - Letterbox Ribbon, Cloud Nine (89237) Blue Skies Ribbon, Flaunt (89201) - Haute Ribbon, 3 Yard Ribbon (87606) - Ribbon

Other supplies: Scalloped circle punches: EK Success, Fiskars, Marvy Uchida, Floss: DMC; Sewing needle: Dritz, Canvas bag, hot glue gun, paint brush: Craft supply, Decoupage medium: Mod Podge by Plaid, Other: Scrap paper, pencil

Instructions:

1) Punch concentric scalloped circles from monochromatic pieces of patterned paper.

2) Paint a layer of decoupage across the front of each scalloped circle and let dry. Paint a layer of decoupage across the back of each scalloped circle and let dry. Repeat painting layers of decoupage on the front and back until you have about three coats on both sides. This makes the flowers durable and protected from everyday wear-and-tear.

3) Layer the scalloped circles together by color then attach them to the front of a canvas bag using brads and buttons. Also stitch a round glitter button to each flower. Bend up the edges to create more dimension.

4) Hot glue matching colors of ribbon for stems and add a some hot glue under each flower to secure. Tip: Place a scrap piece of cardstock inside the bag to prevent the hot glue from leaking through the layers of the bag and sealing it shut.

5) Using a pencil, lightly draw a sentiment across the bag. Backstitch over the sentiment by hand using brown floss, and dot the "i" with a Chestnut mini brad.

6) Cut a piece of mulberry picot ribbon and stitch it to the top of the bag as a handle.

Thanks for taking a peak! I hope you have a great day, and check back later in the afternoon for the debut of the Contributing Design Team Gallery!