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...

This project started with a pair of tangerine orange "fireworks" style clip-on earrings that I got at an estate sale.       As you can see, the beads are on head and eye pins that are secured to a circular metal screen backing. They have clip on backs that are corroded! Yuck!!!   I don't know exactly when they were made. I suspect 50s / 60s era.   They were made in Japan.   I cut off the clip on backs and epoxied on new silver pierced backs.   Good as new! Saint Salvage strikes again!

I have a lamp and lampshade I bought in May 2012 from an estate sale. I really loved the size of it, because it's perfect for a night stand. I loved the glass bottom, but I really disliked how heavy the lampshade looked. It just looked like it was too much for the bottom. So, I got a lovely sari in a swap on  Rehashclothes , and I thought it would be an awesome replacement for the lampshade. Here's the original lampshade:  I cut the lampshade to reveal an airy framework, but I kept the "bones". I glued the framework after cutting the sheer sari fabric to size...... I cut the fabric to match the angled sides, and lined up the patterns.  I glued the top edge down and wrapped it around the top edge. Then, after letting it dry..... the shade went back on, and then..... on with the light! Ta dah.... another successful upcycling project! Saint Salvage strikes again, in about an hour!

I have a Louis Vuitton Monogrammed Portfolio (Document Case) that I purchased at the Rev. Eleanor V. Melton estate sale a couple of years ago. I get loads of compliments on it. As far as I know, it's authentic. I plan to look up the kind folks at The Purseblog Forum. I am also interesting in adding my name to add to it. Anybody know how to do this? It measures (LxHxD): 15.3" x 11" / 29cm x 28cm. It has the Monogram canvas (one piece) that is upside down on one side, and right side up on the other.  It has a loop handle, shiny golden brass pieces, and a zipper closure that runs along the top and one side. It has a burgundy leather lining, with a pocket sewn on.