A simple $5 local outdoor fair find is easily transformed into a delightful theme bag.
I love handbags so much that you could say that I am a handbag addict. Divided into three categories, I have accumulated about 100 bags thus far.
I have original Coach leather bags, collectible Arcadia patent leather imprinted bags, and a group of miscellaneous brand bags that were gifted or given to me.
Acquisitions
To my credit, I acquire only second hand/collectible bags, new bags purchased at a deep sale price, no cost ‘pantry’ donation bags, and gifts. This collection process has taken several decades so far.
Handbag with button decor.
Thanks Mom
The handbag to the left belonged to my mother. In fact, the only purchases I had to make were the buttons bought to decorate it. Actually, I love the buttons so much that I feel they transform the look of this bag from something boring to something much more fun.
As a matter of fact, most of my creations are fun because I tend to use decorations that are whimsical that create something fun out of something ordinary.
Vintage Llewellyn Lucite Beehive Purse Handbag – Great Condition, Hard to Find
OOAK
Speaking of fun, I think that this OOAK (one-of-a-kind) bee hive shaped bag from that popular mid-twentieth century period is the best lucite bag ever created.
I have never even seen one for sale or one in person. In fact, all the proof I have of its existence is this picture of it. In addition, the original design is already decorated. It has three dimensional bees made out of metal secured on the top of the beehive so it needs no input from me.
top of beehive purse made by Llewellyn
My Favorite Purse
To its credit, this bag is truly ingenious with exquisite craftsmanship. In fact it is my favorite pocketbook of all time.
As a result, it needs no additional decoration to enhance it. Because of all these qualities, I feel that it really belongs in a museum.(1)
A hunter green decorated Saks Fifth Avenue leather purse
Mom Outdid Herself
Here is another purse that belonged to my mother. Actually it was from Saks Fifth Avenue and I think I was with her when she bought it over a half century ago.
But instead of a fun decorative pattern, I made it look glamorous even regal. In contrast to most of the bags I have decorated, this one took a very long time to complete.
Finale
Only a fraction of my handbags are decorated and visible. Therefore, only a few can be displayed at one time. But in total, it seems like there are purses every where in my apartment. Some are on shelves in dust bags. Others are waiting on the assembly line for decorating. Lastly is the the finale of displayed decorated bags is the wall behind my desk. Here they are. A variety of bags on the wall for displaying.
