Here is a great craft idea that makes great gifts! I purchased 2 gorgeous place mats at Goodwill (2 for 99 cents) in a purple toile pattern. I placed them together and sewed around leaving an opening at the top and turned right side out. I then sewed on purchased bamboo handles (which I found on a purse I got for 50 cents at a thrift shop, I just removed the bag).
Voila! A really cool purse! You can use dollar store place mats. I am always on the lookout at Goodwill, etc for purses with these handles, a lot cheaper than buying them new. You can embellish these however you want. I have put a ribbon "rose" on one. I left this one as is because I didn't want to clash with the print.
By Carol from Landisville, PA
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Very nice! How big of an opening do you leave to get 'into" the purse; same size as the handle? Do you just cut off excess fabric depending on the size of the place mats? Any other tips?
That's just so cute! I liked it immediately, very nice! True ThriftyFun work.
That is beautiful! Very clever.
This is so cute - could you possibly elaborate on the pattern? I have some placemats that are "passed their prime" that could work, but I need more information.
Love the handbag! You are a girl after my own heart. REUSE DON'T REFUSE is my motto! I will be on the lookout for the bag handles at my local thrift stores too. Thanks for sharing!
This is, indeed, a wonderful idea. I have done this before and if you're lucky enough to get a set of 4 matching placemats, you can put pockets inside of the purse. I did mine with same material shoulder bag handles and a velcro closure.
You could also braid handles, or make twists for handles. Or even use some pretty ribbon or trim for the handles.
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