Members Handstitched Posted February 7, 2013 Members Report Posted February 7, 2013 G'Day, I do sometimes have old handbags given to me , or I've found them in second hand or charity shops. They are usually in pretty poor condition when I get them , but by the time I have finished with them, they're pretty good. In the first pic, you can see how bad it is. It's even got some mould on it. The original buckle was put on upside down The second, I pulled it apart ready for a good clean with some solvent to remove any sealers , dirt etc. The third, after cleaning, I gave it a coat of oil, followed by 2-3 coats of black dye,( enough to hide the brown underneath) some sealer, and leather dressing and a polish up. The fourth, after using white machine stitching, I used some 4.7mm white lace for assembly, and instead of using a replacement buckle , I have used a chrome magnetic clasp, and used rivets to cover up the holes. Some additional leather trim , 'D' rings and chrome chain ....and some creativity , was used to complete the picture. All ready for its new owner I quite enjoy doing those, and the end result All the best HS Quote ' I have a very gweat friend in Wome called Biggus Dickus, He has a wife you know, do you know whats she's called? Incontinentia.......Incontinentia Buttocks '
Members veedub3 Posted February 7, 2013 Members Report Posted February 7, 2013 Very nice job and bringing the bag back to life! Quote "The only man who makes no mistake, is the man who does nothing." Theodore Roosevelt
LNLeather Posted February 7, 2013 Report Posted February 7, 2013 Verrrry Nicely Done! The old owner would Not recognize the New Bag! Just curious - Do you make a pattern from the old pieces? Just thought that'd be a great way to collect patterns... Quote ~Cheryl There are many things in life that will catch your eye, but only a few will catch your heart... pursue those...
Members whiteeugene Posted February 7, 2013 Members Report Posted February 7, 2013 That’s beautiful what a great way to recycle old bags what kind of a lining do you use, I live in Eugene Oregon the hippy capital of the world I’m sure I can find many back like that in the second hand stores. How do you handle the carving or embossing that is on the old bag? Doug Quote
Members ReneeCanady Posted February 7, 2013 Members Report Posted February 7, 2013 Very nice! That is great work! Quote www.facebook.com/alteredleather
Members Aurelie Posted February 7, 2013 Members Report Posted February 7, 2013 G'Day, I do sometimes have old handbags given to me , or I've found them in second hand or charity shops. They are usually in pretty poor condition when I get them , but by the time I have finished with them, they're pretty good. In the first pic, you can see how bad it is. It's even got some mould on it. The original buckle was put on upside down The second, I pulled it apart ready for a good clean with some solvent to remove any sealers , dirt etc. The third, after cleaning, I gave it a coat of oil, followed by 2-3 coats of black dye,( enough to hide the brown underneath) some sealer, and leather dressing and a polish up. The fourth, after using white machine stitching, I used some 4.7mm white lace for assembly, and instead of using a replacement buckle , I have used a chrome magnetic clasp, and used rivets to cover up the holes. Some additional leather trim , 'D' rings and chrome chain ....and some creativity , was used to complete the picture. All ready for its new owner I quite enjoy doing those, and the end result All the best HS Really nice job Quote In for a penny, in for a pound....
Members Handstitched Posted February 11, 2013 Author Members Report Posted February 11, 2013 G'Day again, Thank you for your comments. Just to answer a few questions, no I didn't put any lining on the inside, I have dyed it , but it is now quite neat clean and tidy. But I have lined them in the past. I use a material called 'chamois' ( no doubt a different name where you are) , a bit like a velvet, only much cheaper ( here in Oz at least) Before I use any adhesives on the material, I put a good covering of matt sealer on the inside , the same sealer artists use after doing pencil drawings. The sealer prevents any of the adhesive 'seaping' through to the 'good' side when applied. I use a contact type adhesive. The one I use is a gel type, so I don't get the 'stringy' bits that you sometimes get from glues. I do normally take a copy from the pieces for a pattern , but on this occasion I didn't because am pretty sure I have the same or a similar pattern in amongst my 100's of patterns & many books etc in my filing cabinet. I have many old pattern books dating back to the 60's & 70's , many of which are Al Stohlman. There is very slight " sihouette" style carved pattern right down the bottom of the front of the bag, ( out of view). Perhaps with a bit more thought......and of course , time, I could have used some white leather paint to complete the B&W theme, it would have been a 'reverse silhouette' carve I guess (?) . but I left it as it was . Anyway, thanks once again, All the best from a VERY hot Western Australia HS Quote ' I have a very gweat friend in Wome called Biggus Dickus, He has a wife you know, do you know whats she's called? Incontinentia.......Incontinentia Buttocks '
Members Jax Posted February 11, 2013 Members Report Posted February 11, 2013 wow what a difference, I really like that, well done & thanks for sharing. Quote
Members WScott Posted February 11, 2013 Members Report Posted February 11, 2013 That looks really great, you did a fine job restoring it probably to better than original form. Thanks for the tip on sealing the inside to avoid adhesive seeping....I will use that technique for sure. Quote
Members Jazznow Posted February 11, 2013 Members Report Posted February 11, 2013 Very Nice Job! Jonathan Quote
Members redguitar Posted February 21, 2013 Members Report Posted February 21, 2013 Holy crap. I think by new owner you mean me. You're a miracle worker. Quote
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