This week I took on the challenge of creating a chic DIY. I've been seeing basket bags around in all the coolest boutiques in Portland, however the price tags keep me from purchasing one of my own. Using this DIY, you can convert practically any straw satchel into a unique, bohemian, chic basket bag of your own.
Things You'll Need:
1 woven/straw/hemp bag. 2 gatherings of embroidery thread. various scraps of leather from an old jacket, belt, or a scrap store. upholstery needle. spray paint. a little imagination.
I began by cutting the handle off my straw satchel and shook all the excess trimmings loose. Then, I cut a long leather strip from my scrap leather collection that would become the new opening band on my bag. It was about 2 feet long by 3 inches wide. Using my upholstery thread and needle, I folded the leather strip over the exposed opening and began to make a simple stitch around the raw leather edges. Each stitch connected the leather to the outside and inside of my bag. Once the leather band was secured around the opening, I tied off the thread and trimmed the excess for a clean finish.
Next, I cut two similar pieces of leather for my strap. Each strap was 2.5 feet in length and 3/4 of an inch in width. I secured each leather strap the the outside of my bag using different wrapping techniques for a bohemian vibe.
Lastly, I laid my bag out atop some butcher paper and marked off a large stripe that I would spray paint with my caramel color. After my template was secured, I sprayed one side and after letting it dry for 15 minutes, I sprayed the other side. Once both sides dried completely, I used a rag to rough up the painted portion of the bag, making it appear comfortably used. The end result turned out better than I'd expected, and I cannot wait to use it!
Try this one out on your own and feel free to ask me any questions along the way by posting a comment below! Happy crafting!
Fall has finally reached us in Portland. I am so inspired by the brisk + blustery weather, it's got me curling up and taking cat naps, layering sweaters on top of sweaters, drinking an excess of tea and coffee, playing my favorite new albums over and over. I've began cooking and baking up a storm, testing out recipes in anticipation of this year's Thanksgiving, and have already set out to find the perfect Christmas gifts for my loved ones. Maybe I'm getting ahead of myself, but I can't help it!
