Upcycle: Tacky Pleather Purse & Small Suede Bag = Frankenbag

Here's a DIY/ upcycle project I just finished. I bought a purse at the Millville, NJ Goodwill store about a month ago. I liked the shape, and the fact that the strap was removable and adjustable. BUT.... ugh, it was "pleather"... a super-shiny squeaky plasticy pseudo-leather. Also, it had this monogram of "DMM" on it. So, I threw down $2 (it was originally $3.99, and on the "special color" 50% sale), and set it aside for a future project.

I came across this adorable suede "Minnetonka" style suede cross body bag at Frugal Resale for about $5. Then.... it hit me.... do a mash-up.... a "Frankenpurse" as it were!

I ripped the bags apart.....

Glued on the fringe.....

Glued on the suede.....

Glued on the lining from the suede purse to make an extra pocket on the flap on the bigger purse. I love pockets!

Removed the snap from the suede of the smaller bag....

Cut that suede....

Punched holes with a heavy-duty hole punch (for leather and such).....

Whip-stitched the edges.....

Punched with an awl on the inside edge, and continued whip-stitching....

Repurposed silvertone pyramid-shaped studs.....

Painted the studs with gold colored polish.....

Applied the studs..... (one covered the hole from the magnet closure)....

Glued down that back piece of suede.....

Continued whip-stitching......

Found a makeup palette I already had (I love Tarte makeup).....

Cutting off the cute lock, key and D-ring.....

Put them on a spare piece of suede, and glued the loop together....

Glued the suede piece with the lock, D-ring and key into that front center seam....

Ready for being arm candy!!!! Totally unique!!!! Got compliments for it already!

Total estimated cost: $30! Saint Salvage strikes again!!!!