Accessories- things like bags, belts, shoes, and scarves- are an unlimited source of creativity when it comes to getting dressed and perfecting an outfit. But they are also an amazing source of upcycling potential, from creating new wearables to reusing them in unexpected and clever ways. Here are some great examples of how to upcycle accessories, either your own or thrifted finds.Read more ›
Travel Patches on a Leather Tote Bag
July 26, 2023 · By · 2 Comments
Years ago and in a roundabout way, I received this VERY inexpensive and somewhat imperfect leather tote bag. It was perfectly functional and well-made. It simply used imperfect leather that the maker couldn’t use on a full-price bag.Read more ›
Refashioning with Ribbon Belts
August 12, 2018 · By · 9 Comments
When I was a teenager, I had grand plans that involved collecting snippets of vintage jacquard ribbon (and non-vintage, if pretty enough) to decorate “all the things”, such as handbags, headbands, and t-shirts. But I quickly found out that the gorgeous ribbon I coveted so much was expensive…and my plans fizzled out. Fast forward a couple of decades, and I’m back at it with an alternative (and thrifty) plan: What if I used some ribbon belts from the thrift store to embellish different accessories?Read more ›
Hip Purse from a Small Leather Handbag
July 13, 2017 · By · 57 Comments
I think we can all agree that “fanny packs” are immensely handy, especially for travel or while at a festival or fair. BUT, it’s also agreeable that they aren’t particularly attractive and have a punchline stigma attached to them. So, when I was meandering through the purse section of a local thrift store the other day, I had a touch of inspiration from a small purse at a thrift store. I could easily transform it into a hip purse.Read more ›
Making an Envelope Clutch from a Table Runner
July 14, 2016 · By · 74 Comments
One of my favorite local thrift stores happens to have an amazing linens department, and I always check it out whenever I stop by. I recently found this table runner that looked like brocade fabric and I KNEW I needed to upcycle it somehow. It had some red wine stains in the center, but that was fine by me. Because I planned on making an envelope clutch and only needed a third of the runner to do that!Read more ›
Spring Door Decor from a Straw Purse
March 31, 2016 · By · 147 Comments
To me, Spring is all about flowers. The fresh start after winter, the gorgeous colors hanging from branches and sprouting from the ground, and the fragrance that perfumes the air. And to celebrate the arrival of this season, I decided I needed some Spring door decor by upcycling a straw purse from the thrift store.
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How to Paint a Purse with Angelus Leather Paint
March 31, 2015 · By · 26 Comments
Even though I don’t carry a clutch very often, I was drawn to this one I found at Goodwill. The interior was clean, the magnetic clasp worked, and the price was definitely right. BUT, I wasn’t thrilled about the color (off white). That’s when I did a little research and discovered Angelus leather paint.
