Hi there! Earlier this week I had a guest post up on the fabulous Mod Podge Rocks blog. (Thanks again Amy!)

I realized I’d never posted this technique here on my own blog so I thought I’d put it up here also ~ for all you Minaudiere fans out there! Instead of just covering your clutch with fabric, you will “seal” the fabric for a shiny, more durable finish.

DIY Fabric Covered Clutch Purse Tutorial:

Today we will show you how to make a fabric covered clutch purse using Mod Podge (Love it!) and my DIY Minaudiere Set. The best part of this project is that the actual crafting time is quick and easy, but produces a professional looking clutch!

To get started, choose your set – The Classic Minaudiere or The Heart Minaudiere. Today we will be working with the Heart set.

The sets include the front & back shells, a cutting pattern, instructions, and the metal clutch frame.

You will also need the following:

Step 1.  Cut your fabric per pattern into a heart shape. You can use the same fabric on the front and back or switch it up with a coordinating fabric on either side. I am using 2 coordinating fabrics from my first line of fabric, Enchanted Damask.

Step 2.  The Minaudiere shells in my kit are made from a sturdy black molded plastic. We suggest using the optional white primer spray paint (I prefer Kilz Spray Primer) to spray the shells white due to the fact that quilting weight cotton fabrics tend to appear bright and crisp on top of the white background.

Be sure to account for drying time if you plan to spray your shells white. I let mine dry for around an hour – drying time varies per brand.

Step 3.  Set out a sheet of wax paper for your work surface. Apply a thin coat of Mod Podge to one shell. Try to keep this first layer as thin and smooth as possible while leaving no bare spots on the shell – we want to avoid Mod Podge seeping through the fabric, but also avoid any loose spots. 

Step 4.  Gently lay the fabric over the coated shell. Starting in the center and working towards the edges, smooth and press the fabric onto the shell. Take care to smooth out any air pockets that form.

When you get to the edges there will be a few creases and small folds in the fabric. This is normal and can’t be completely avoided, however, you can minimize the appearance of these creases in your finished bag by manipulating the fabric so that the creases start as close to the edge as possible. By the time your bag is in its frame the creases will be mostly hidden.

Repeat Step 4 on with the second shell. Allow both shells 10-15 minutes to “set” so the fabric doesn’t move around in Step 5.

Step 5. Carefully trim the edges of the fabric covered shells using your scissors. Take care when cutting the “creased” portions that you don’t overcut. These creased areas and small folds might need a small touch up with the Mod Podge so that they are totally stuck down.

Notice that one of the shells has a small indent near the top. Trim carefully around the indent. Go ahead and touch up any spots that need to be secured around the edges with the Mod Podge.

Step 6. Apply a second coat of Mod Podge to the fabric covered shells. This coat can be a little thicker than the first coat. Allow to dry completely.

Step 7.  Once totally dry, spray the finished shells with the clear acrylic spray and again dry completely according to spray acrylic’s directions. 

Step 8.   Almost finished!  Locate the shell with the indent. This shell will fit over the locking mechanism – the indent allows room for the bag to open and close properly.

It is a good idea to take the time to do a pre-fit of the shells into the frame and get comfortable with popping the shells in and out, before you add the glue. The shells will fit snugly.

After a pre-fit, place a line of Beacon 527 glue inside the channel of the metal frame. Do not put glue into any area where it might seep thru, such as the hinged areas. Also, do not put any glue near the locking mechanism.

Step 9. Working quickly, add the shells into the frame – double checking again that the indented shell goes into the side with the locking mechanism.  Once the shells are in the frame, weigh the whole clutch down with a book or other object to ensure that the shells are fully immersed in the glue filled channel. Allow to dry overnight if possible.

Add an optional purse chain and get ready for compliments on your darling new Minaudiere!

The possibilities are endless!

Many thanks!

~Ellen

Have you seen the latest issue of Creative Machine Embroidery Magazine? Recognize anything?

I’m so flattered that not only is the bag featured on the cover made using my Flight Pattern fabric line, but they have used my Bon Vivant Bag Pattern as well!

And can we talk about the embroidery down the center?  It’s just beautiful!

The talented author of the article is Sara Boughner Gallegos, who we think picked the perfect style and colors!

Be sure to pick up a copy so you can read her creative how-to on adding machine embroidery to this super bag.

Here’s a closer look:

Gorgeous!

When I created the Bon Vivant, I never thought about embroidery being added into the mix, but it fits perfectly with this bag style.

Thanks again to the wonderful staff at Creative Machine Embroidery for featuring some of my products in their awesome publication ~ and giving me a fresh dose of inspiration while doing so!

As always – Happy Sewing!

~ ellen

I wanted to share this “recipe” so to speak for a custom finish that works so well on my DIY Heart and Classic Minaudiere’s!

Follow these easy steps to totally seal and protect the fabric that covers the Minaudiere!

1. Cover  the plastic shells that form the body of the Minaudiere per the instructions that accompany each Set. Allow the glue on the  fabric covered shells to dry.

2.  Before inserting the shells into the Minaudiere’s metal frame permanently- brush each shell with a generous coating of Gloss Finish      Mod Podge.

3. Once the Mod Podge is completely dry to the touch, spray the shells with a Gloss Finish Clear Acrylic Spray sealant. (this basically seals the Mod Podge which can become tacky in humid conditions!)

When dry, return to the instruction that came with your Minaudiere Set. You are now ready to glue the shells into the metal frame to finish your darling DIY mini-purse project!

~ ellen

 I’m so excited to announce the arrival (finally!) of my newest Interchangeable bag pattern – the Interchangeable4!
It was delivered to the Studio today, and we immediately began shipping your preorders.

This shoulder bag is right on trend with it’s larger size and rounded shape. And of course – it’s Interchangeable! Just switch out the bag body and reuse the handle. The Interchangeable line has proven to be very popular, and it was time to introduce something a little larger and roomier. One of the interior pockets even has room to hold an Ipad, Kindle, or a Nook.

Please note that this bag was designed specifically for the 12″wide Interchangeable4 metal purse frame, which is sold separately from the pattern. Why not attach a cute 21″ clip-on bag chain to complete your look?

 I hope you will love it as much as I do!
~ellen

Attaching a simple Split Ring or Purse Ring between your bag and the end of your purse chain will add not only a dash of fashion but  protection as well for your bag hardware!

 In the event that your purse chain twists, the Split Ring will help it move more freely thus avoiding a break either on your bag or chain hook.

And of course it gives you the perfect place to clip-on a purse charm or two!  (wink!)

-ellen

PS.  Let’s find each other on facebook, twitter and flickr!