Saint Salvage

How to color a leather purse.... This one happens to be a Prada bag. Yup, real deal. Here's the story behind this post. I bought a beautiful Prada bag at an estate sale earlier this year. Sadly, we had a fire in our house (in May 2013), and whatever could be salvaged went out to the professional cleaning service. It came back to me physically intact, and not reeking of smoke. But.... it needed (ahem) color adjustment. Step 1: Collect your supplies This step is a "no duh" step, but sometimes it really needs to be said. I got the purse, latex gloves and a can of Meltonian  Nu-Life Color Spray in 645 Chocolate.  I made sure sure to read the can, since the dye in this can is basically a can of spray paint that is suitable for use with vinyl, plastic and leather.  The directions state very clearly to use this in a "well-ventilated area", so I decided to take this project outside.  Step 2: Spray the "Color Spray" on the...

After the Fire: July 3 Progress Photos Here's what is different, as of today. The furnace is all buttoned up.  I can't wait until it's tested out on Friday. Sniff.... I wish it were more energy efficient. The new water line going to the new fridge. Ah, yes.... I need to order the water dispenser for the fridge. Now..... the temporary counter that is holding up that beautiful black enamel coated cast iron sink  Habitat for Humanity's Burlington County ReStore  on June 20. All the cabinets have the  Liberty Oil Rubbed Bronze 3 in Half Round Foot Pulls from Home Depot  that I bought earlier this week. I did a little research on that sink, faucet and soap dispenser that I bought for $40. That sink originally was sold retail  MoenStone Granite single bowl sink Black  for $645+. The faucet  Moen CA87316BL Renzo One Handle Low Arc Pullout Kitchen Faucet Matte Black  originally sold retail for $245+. The soap ...

After the Fire: June 20 Progress Photos I bought a black enamel coated cast iron kitchen sink from  Habitat for Humanity of Burlington County's ReStore  to replace my original stainless sink. That sucker was heavy!!!!! I can't wait to see it installed by the crew from  Mammoth Restoration .  Here's the other side of my kitchen, with the gas line waiting for the stove I bought today (it will come in on 6/21). The box in the corner is the fan light I bought from  Home Depot Here all are the cabinets, delivered today, and ready to be installed by the  Mammoth Restoration  crew. More cabinets! New smoke detectors, waiting to be installed. Here's the railing going upstairs, all repainted and sturdy!

I was at my local Goodwill store, and I came upon this purse. It's a 1970 vintage John Romain straw and leather "doctor bag" style. It's in great condition, with the straw/ raffia intact, and the whiskey brown leather straps and trim with a little bit of wear. The brass metal studs, feet and clip look great.    The wooden rods through the leather at the top of the bag ensure the shape.    Check out the bottom. It has five brass stud feet.       Here's the back. Again.... typical wear for its age. I'll end up polishing the leather.       The only bummer about it is that the flap and twist lock was missing. Note the Romain lion logo on the front flap.    The interior John Romain logo and the date of "DEC 1970" is clearly seen.     But, the price was right at $3.99. I had to get creative to make this truly functional. So... I scoured the rest of t...