Amazing Purse Makeovers

Click on "AFTER" thumbnails to enlarge

For more purses
visit the Sassy Feet store
Before After


Décolletage

Discovered in an antique store, this leather handbag had such a curvy shape, it reminded me of a woman's chest. First I painted it with lavender-gray Pearl Ex powder mixed into a clear leather-paint base. Then I created the "décolletage" elements, using pink-and-black torn-fabric fringe to simulate the neckline of a dress. I fastened a rolled fabric rose at the center, then added black piping, two styles of beaded chain, and a gorgeous onyx/marcasite earring.


Pirate Girl

My colleague Destiny Carter transformed this faux-leather bustier-style purse into pirate gear using several clever techniques. First she removed the original straps and trim. Then she prepped the surface and painted the purse with Neopaque Black. Next she carefully cut and glued down red stretch lace over the cups and velveteen rickrack over the front seams using The Ultimate glue. The skull motif came with hot-fix crystals on transfer paper, and was first ironed onto black fabric (since hot-fix crystals are not permanent on natural or manmade leather). Next the motif was outlined with Fray-Check, then cut out and glued to the purse. Final touches? A couple strands of skull beads dangling at the side, an old silver belt buckle in the shape of a skull, and a dog's extra-large choke-chain collar from the pet store to serve as a new strap.


Steampunk Time

The discovery in a craft store of a cache of vintage watch faces sparked the idea for this design. I used a stylish pastiche of striped ribbon, decorative trim, lace, Glitter It! glitter paint in Peridot, twisted rayon cording and a vintage watch face. Thin coats of Citrine and Pearl White paint form the background to some of the blocks. An oversize black anodized aluminum chain is used for a shoulder strap. From it dangles a large black rayon tassel.

MORE PURSES