DIY: The Leather Sessions

Wednesday

I needed black leather for new project and decided to take some of the unused pieces to design a clutch-styled bag. The initial vision: creating a bag with an aged appeal.


Getting caught up in the excitement of craft time, I immediately had to write down a few more ideas for my fabric, which resulted in adding contrast lining. You may remember viewing this material here. Needless to say, there was loads of inspiration in the work-space. I hope that you like it!

Materials:
Leather - pieces cut to your desired size of bag
Contrast fabric for lining (cut pattern of bag)
Scissors
Buckle or trim
Contrast fabric for lining
Chain
Sealant
Magnets (heavy duty) or snaps
Lobster claw (2)
Spray paint

Aged Beauty:
To start, I cut out a pattern that I made in the shape that I preferred. Mine has an asymmetrical flap.  Next, I took my cut leather pieces and used solid spray-paint to colour the material. You may use gloss finish, however for this project I wanted a matte finish because I was using a gloss sealant for the end result. After you've coated the leather to your liking, let dry.

Custom Details:
I began sewing my bag pattern with the lining separately because I added small inside loops (.25"), this is so that my bag can be worn with the chain (shoulder strap) or without. Add lobster claw closures to each end of chain. Instead of using the face-side of the leather, for the outside flap I turned it over to use the suede side. This allowed me to mix textures and have the unique aesthetic that I was envisioning. 


Lastly, magnets were added for secure closure ... the buckle tab is also not solely for closing the clutch, it's versatile width can accommodate my on-the-go needs if I happen to carry a wider item, hence the longer tab length. 

There are various ways to achieve the aged leather effect, some use crackle, or use an antique coloured paint, but I wanted to control my affected area. To do this, I completely sewed my bag, and began to carefully fold and bend areas that I wanted the paint to be cracked (looked aged) with my fingers. When doing this you may use a small dry brush to dust away excess pieces. 


After I was pleased with the aged area of the leather I used a sealant to lock-in the finished look! You may also use a glue sealant, brush on, or spray sealant of your choice, which may be acquired at a local crafting, art, or paint supply.


Mission: Create a versatile clutch with an aged look, and in a hue that I do not possess. 
Result: I'm quite the happy fashionista!

56 comments

  1. GlamChameleon07 December

    I will say one more time what I was repeating before- u're such a TALENT!!!! Happy to know u!;) kisses
    Jelena (glamfabchameleon.blogspot.com)
     

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  2. SACRAMENTO Amate07 December

    It really looks sooooooooooo good. I have to try
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

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  3. It turned out so lovely Madison!!  I love the color blocking and aged leather contrast!!!

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  4. You are such a DIY girl! Love your crafts, they inspire me. I already bought everything to do the glitter shoe DIY. can't wait to actually do it.

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  5. I am always impressed but you outdid yourself here xx

    http://fashionandfrank.blogspot.com/

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  6. OH my gosh---- I love this!  Especially the aged effect- no breaking in necessary!

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  7. Hi Claire dear, thanks so much for the sweet compliment ... I have more to share, and I'm really excited!

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  8. Well, hello there Rocquelle! So glad that you liked it dear. Thank you. xo

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  9. haha! *blushes* Thanks Jelena, I always appreciate your support! grateful. :) enjoy your day.

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  10. Thank you Alexis! I had to take quick shots, it looks even better in person... I swear! lol. 

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  11. Sick By Trend07 December

    It is spectacular! well done :D

    xxwww.sickbytrend.com

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  12. You are so creative!!! Oh my goodness, I'm always blown away by your DIY's. 

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  13. sartorialsidelines07 December

    You're so talented - that looks amazing and ever so chic!


    xoxo ~ Courtney
    http://sartorialsidelines.com

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  14. That bag totally rocks and so do you!

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  15. oh my dior08 December

    the result is amazing love it!

    http://www.ohmydior.org/

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  16. Oh I love love this!

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  17. You are SO creative.  Do you ever plan on selling any of your work?

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  18. Thank you, Stephanie. Actually yes, I have sold my work and did for about 5yrs. or so, but I guess life happened, and I chose the corporate world then... Now, I take orders sometimes.
    Though, I've been having dreams of opening a boutique on day!

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  19. Thanks Lauren! So happy that you liked it too! I'm so excited to take this clutch out. 

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  20. :-) xxoo Muah! Thank you!

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  21. What an awesome DIY. That is one fierce bag. I am getting a sewing machine for Christmas so I will be starting more basic than this, but as I get more advanced I would love to do something like this!

    http://theclosetintervention.blogspot.com/

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  22. Yay! Sewing machines never go out of style. lol. Let me know if you have any questions. Good luck dear. xo

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  23. I have said it before, and I will say it again...you are the Queen of DIY!  :)

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  24. I'm so envious of yoru DIY skills

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  25. GlamKitten8809 December

    I love me some leather.  I'm such a leather person.  It's kind of insane.

    http://www.glamkittenslitterbox.com/Twitter: @GlamKitten88 

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  26. I always enjoy your creations, you're so talented! The bag turns out really chic! Great job! And keep creating!~

    mongsmythriftycloset.blogspot.comcome enter the landmark movie tickets giveaway!!

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  27. wow, dear, you are so talented. how have you make the leather pieces together?! have you stick them together or with the sewing machine?!
    i love DIY :) i have some, too. hope you'll visit me too and btw: you have a new follower :)
    lovely greets
    maren anita

    www.fashion-meets-art.com

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  28. Marissa Berenson09 December

    Ahh- this is so cool! The cracked leather almost looks like cork.

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  29. Ugh... meant to reply as The Well-Appointed Catwalk on that last comment. Oops

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  30. Oh, Erika, thank you very much doll! -xxoo Enjoy your weekend!  

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  31. lol, no worries! Thanks again! :-) have a lovely weekend Marissa.

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  32. Oh to Be a Muse09 December

    i really like how you formed the cracks with the paint. makes it so much cooler!

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  33. you DIY'ed this?! Amazing!!

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  34. Yes, of course! Thanks so much!

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  35. LOL, yes it's sewn dear, not stuck together! I wanted to actually use my bag and hold items. Thanks for your comment. Have a good weekend.

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  36. OMG the minute I read the title I knew it was going to be fabulous... and it sure is!! I love this!!!!

    xoxo

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  37. This is such an awesome craftisting post, i'm speechless! IT looks fantastic.
    Have a fab weekend!
    x.o.x.o

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  38. Thanks for stopping by my blog!

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  39. a very nice AND creative bag 

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  40. Madison, that is a stunning bag!  I wish I had the patience to do that.  I’ve had my homemade clutch sitting in pieces, waiting to be put together, lol.

    You are truly talented my dear!

    xoxo
    Cyrillynn

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  41. cool DIY project there !!

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  42. This is incredibly cool - I'll have to link to this DIY on my blog!

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  43. i love the texture of the clutch, gorgeous gorgeous fabric! wish i was that talented 

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  44. Such a cool, chic and sleek design!
    As always really enjoy seeing and reading all the steps that you took in order to complete the project.

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  45. Thanks Joanne! Link away dear. Happy weekend to you. :)

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  46. Thanks Cy, I really appreciate your comment dear!  Hey, it starts with it sitting in pieces! Believe me, I've been there, lol.

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  47. haha, Oh thank you so much! I've been crafting up like a workshop ... Santa look out!! lol. enjoy your Sunday, love!

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  48. wow. this is amazing!!! I need your pattern!

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  49. Thank you dear, you actually just reminded me, I need to put up my patterns again online. So glad that you liked it. -xo

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  50. Dana Farber18 December

    The purse looks great...thanks for sharing!

    http://woodstockwardrobe.com/

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