Upcycled Bracelets

I bought this handbag at the thrift store a while back. I loved the color. The shape of the bag wasn't my style, but I knew I could do something else with it.

These are my creations.

Other than the bag the only supplies I needed were a few beads, a needle and thread.

My favorite thing about repurposing things is that most of the hard work is done for you. I was able to use parts that were already finished at the edges making my job easier.

Now I just have to decide which one to keep and which to give away.

Here is how I made them:

For the Flowery Bracelet:

I started by making a leather band for the base. I folded in the sides of the strip of vinyl, tucked under the edge and sewed it up the middle. I didn't use pins or an iron I just held it in place as I sewed.

Then I sewed seams up the sides to flatten it out.

To make the flowers I cut five petal shapes. With the right sides together I sewed around the curve. Then I flipped them right side out.

I hand sewed the petals together. Sewing long stitches and then pulling them tight created the gathering at the center.

After pulling it tight I sewed the two ends together to make the flower. I sewed it into place on the band and used a wood bead for the center.

To make the rosettes I just rolled up a small strip of vinyl and sewed it together. I sewed it up by running a my needle back and forth through the middle and bottom.

Once I had all my flowers in place I added more beads to fill in gaps. I tucked the ends under and stitched them up. I used a Dritz snap set for my fastener.

For the ruffled bracelet:

I started with a strip of vinyl. I folded in the sides, and sewed two long stitched seams down the center.

Then I pulled on the bottom (bobbin) threads. This creates the gathers. I gathered the band until it was the length of my wrist.

I cut out the the binding on the purse.

I then sewed it down the middle covering up the unfinished edges from the gather.

I finished the ends by sewing little strips of the vinyl on.

I attached this box clasp from an old necklace by sewing it into place.

For the braided bracelet:

I used the remaining three bindings from the purse to make this piece.

I lined them up and sewed the tops together.

I braided them and sewed the other end together.

Then I used this piece...

to finish off the ends.

The last step was sewing on a toggle clasp.

Here is a list of parties I link to.