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

A recent  introduction, The Heart Minaudiere is extraordinary by any means! Cover the plastic heart shaped front and back  pieces with fabric (shown on cover) or consider other creative media- collage, paint, beading, etc! Once finished with your chosen diy embellishment, the front and back pieces fit into the outer metal heart shaped purse frame. Instructions are included. An easy and so very unique diy bag making project.

The first of my new Fall Market introductions has arrived! 
The Classic Minaudiere~
And I am soooo excited to share it!

From the French, pronounced (mee-noh-dyair) The Minaudiere is a small case for carrying just the  essentials.
It is super easy to create your own DIY artistic and elegant fashion statement in minutes! Cover the frame’s shell with fabric, needlework, collage, paint, beading, or any creative media.

Cutting pattern with instructions are included for a fabric covered Minaudiere.
Approximate finished size of the mini-case is 5 1/2″ wide  x 4″ high.

Attach a matching silver finish clip-on purse chain, or use as a clutch!

New Bag Kit up! The Coquette in three different variations~ Fuchsia, Citrus, and Turquoise!

(You might recognize the image from the recent photo shoot!)

I know you will  love making this charming little Coquette DIY Bag! Not only are they easy, but super quick, but very little sewing is involved actually~

The Fuchsia Kit arrives with a Silver Bag Frame, The Citrus Kit arrives with an Antique Brass Frame, and the Turquoise Kit arrives with a Black Finish Frame.

Included inside the KIT: Metal Coquette Bag Frame, Sewing Pattern and Instructions, Fabric Rosette Instructions, Both of my new fabrics- Spring Dot & Enchanted Damask (in the colorway desired).

My bagmaking kits come  in a sweet pink cake box too!

Here are some Coquette-ish Bag Ideas for you!

xoxo,

~ellen

Yippee!  Did I tell you?…We are now offering the cutie patootie Interchangeable1 Enchanted Damask Turquoise as a KIT!  It arrives in a sweet pink cake box filled with all fabric, pattern, instruction booklet, black finish metal purse frame/handles, interfacing, plastic needlepoint canvas  bottom, plaid ribbon, rick rack, and dot ribbon needed to recreate this bag! (we have suggested a diy 1 1/8″  fabric button covered in a damask detail as the center of your bow.)

In case you are new to this clever bag design- let me fill you in! The purse frame with handles are reusable…change out the fabric bag bottom, and reuse the hardware over and over. So you are able to make multiple bags to match every outfit! The creative possibilites are endless~ so when you are tired of your Enchanted Damask Bag, make a new cutie, and slide it on to the metal rods. (directions are very clear, so don’t worry you will have no problem) Perfect for travel too!

So excited since we have been working on this KIT group in our “top secret bag lab” (LOL!) for a few months now. Looking forward to sharing the next Bag Kits in this group-   the Coquette, & the Interchangeable3 very soon! So please stay tuned!

Many thanks!

~ellen

Here is a Sneak Peek at the new Limited Edition BAG KIT we will be putting together next week for you! So many folks commented on their interest in this cutie made using the Interchangeable1 Pattern & Handle Set, that if finally sunk in! Kit it, dummy!! Ha!

This kit will include the sewing pattern, metal bag frame, instruction booklet, iron-on interfacing, plastic needlepoint bag bottom, all ribbon trim for embellishments and bow, and of course, the Enchanted Damask & Spring Dot Fabric in the turquoise colorway~ phew! Retail price will be $58.99.
Because it is my company’s fabric, I will be able to offer this Kit to the Wholesale Market- woohoo! All the goodies will be tucked neatly inside a darling pink cake box. Ready for a quick grab and sew! Perfect for Shop Hops!

So please watch for it soon,  all my wonderful Quilt Shops and bag jukie friends!
Comment please if you would like an email note when it becomes available on my site.

thank you,
~ ellen