vintage clothing lovere Report post Posted October 1, 2012 I have a small vintage clothing shop that sells clothing from the early 1800s through the 1950s. I have many wonderful alligator, leather and reptile handbags without handles. Unfortunately, the handles were often made of the same skin as the handbag --sewn directly to the handbag. Through the years, they dried and fell off. I would love to save these wonderful works of art by attaching new handles. Would someone please tell me how to go about this? What equipment do I need? Is it possible to use a glue designed for these types of skins? I have no idea how to start, but I would really like to learn this so these wonderful alligator and reptile skin handbags can be used again. Thank you all so much for your advice!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dirtclod Report post Posted October 1, 2012 The few times i tried to do anything to a dryed out vintage purse something else tore up while i was trying to fix the first thing. My suggestion would be to leave them alone and sell as is. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
vintage clothing lovere Report post Posted October 1, 2012 The purses I want to try this with are all structured and the skins are soft and in great shape as I use Bics lotion on them all the time. I think they would hold up just fine. I also have a couple of 80s alligator purses I would like to embellish with old jewelry someday. But first I need to learn how to work with these correctly so I made a useable good product. but HOOOOWWWW? I am lost in this area, but anxious to learn. The first question is--how to attach metal for a handle. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
benlilly1 Report post Posted October 1, 2012 Sounds like you have a neat idea trying to salvage them. I can't help you but I'm sure someone will jump on here. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
