Out with the old, in with the new…or altered old anyway. I found this leather purse with nothing wrong except the grommets were loose. Too bad the previous owner didn’t realize they just screw back together, lucky for me.
Took the purse apart and rebuilt it with some vintage upholstery fabric that’s been waiting for the right project. The metals were silver but I used old bronze that went better with the fabric. The purse is now wider and not as deep with the grommets on either end and only one strap.
I also used one of those reform letters, just glued it to the fabric and satin stitched over it by hand. Simple and easy.
Last year at this time on a few blogs people were picking a word to focus on for a year. Like courage or truth. This year I’m thinking of the quote, “Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without” There’s too much stuff in this house to take care of, it seems a simpler life requires less stuff. Clutter distracts me horribly and easily. Quality over quantity. Anyhow, I’m not completely cutting off buying more, just want to think twice or thrice about how I can use what I already have. Sounds like a plan.
Happy New Year all. See ya Monday with a new miniature.
galloping pony studio 
I love your thought for the year! That is exactly how I have been feeling. We are moving into our new home after living in the shop for 2+ years and we have lived with just what we needed-and it is so freeing and simple-much more time to sew, quilt, read, stitch-the things that really matter in life. :o)
I am being very careful what I move back into the house-finally realized that less IS really more! Happy New Year and thanks for your posts-they are inspiring!
A very Happy New Year! I agree …less is better. Love the transformation job you did..how cool is that?…
That is great! Wish I knew how to do that. I have some old purses of mine and my late mother, and would love to figure out how to refresh them a bit or even restyle them. Happy New Year! 🙂
i love the purse and understand that it is time all of us reuse and think before we buy, buy, buy. i for one have a craft room filled with things to make or create and this year is a year of rethinking what it is i truly need. Maybe just some Peace and Contentment in all of our lives will do.
I sure agree with all of the above. My sewing room is full to the brim and I have so many projects I want to get started on, just for the fun of it. But I will still continue to buy Civil War Reproduction fabrics.
The purse is truly a creative project that turned out great.
Happy New Year, Virginia.
Great idea for a personal challenge! Last year I challenged myself not to purchase any fabric and as little sewing/craft supplies as possible. I kept myself busy and spent less than $100 on embroidery floss, yarn and one Moda jelly roll on clearance. It is amazing what you can do with what you have when you need/want to.
Very cool! Love the fabric you chose.