Another Modge Podge Upcycle

Here I am again, Modge Podging another purse!  Since my initial wallet upcycle tutorial, I have been scouring the thrift stores and garage sales for another wallet to decoupage.  I found this little envelope-style purse at a garage sale last Sunday.  The design was simple enough, no tricky angles or curved edges.  A perfect candidate for upcycling!

The original purse had a gold belt-like detail along the edge of the flap. I could have removed it, but the garage-saler who sold it to me suggested just leaving it be. She had a good idea, and I think it turned out great! Leaving that gold detail on the flap really ties in the gold chain strap. I gave her my card, so I hope she ends up reading this. :-)

Before I could get out the Modge Podge, I removed the magnetic clasp from the front. I used a razor to cut a slit in the lining and unbend the prongs. I haven't yet, but I WILL close up the slit by decoupaging a little patch over it.

I got out my little needle nose pliers, opened up the jump rings, and removed the chain handle as well.

I used the same decoupage techniques I used in my previous wallet tutorial with a few little exceptions. First, I put masking tape over the edge of the flap so I wouldn't mess it up.

I'm wishing I did that to the metal frame on the wallet I did.

Second, I didn't feel like messing with removing and replacing the grommet,

so I just didn't cover it up. It's under the flap anyway, no one will see it, so who cares?

The last thing I did differently was to tuck the edge of the front under

the folded edge of the back fabric.

Hopefully, you can see what I mean by the picture up there.

Three coats of Modge Podge later and my purse is nearly done!  One tip I could give you about the decoupaging process is:  if you are decoupaging something that will be bending or folding, you need to let it dry in the bent/folded position.  For example, I had to make sure the flap was down while it was drying so it would lay flat and not crack at the fold. 

Sanding out the brush marks and scratches is an optional step.  I liked the way it improved the texture of my wallet, so I chose to take the time to sand down this purse as well.  First, I used a 280 fine grit sand paper to take out the bigger grooves.  Then, I did a wet sand with steel wool (0000 fine).  Now, don't freak out, wet sanding will make the surface all milky colored, but don't worry because it'll dry nice and clear.  One thing that I forgot to do is let it dry with the flap folded down.  You can see from the pic that I got a crack when I tried to bend it later.  Don't make the same mistake!

The last step was re-installing the hardware. I had to cut some tiny slits with the razor to re-insert the magnetic clasp. Not too hard. I couldn't realign the jump rings as neatly as they were originally, but I managed to get the handle re-attached.

 

And so ends another Modge Podge Upcycling tute!  PLEASE comment and let me know what you think.  I'd love to hear from you!  I'd like to end this by saying that I was inspired to do all this decoupaging by a beautiful tutorial posted by Jen from the blog, Scissors & Spatulas.  Please check out her blog and send her some love! 

Before I sign off, I'd like to invite you to participate in:


Happy crafting and big hugs from Montana,