july artful bag challenge

It's round two of our Embellish It theme. That is to take an old bag you have in your collection and embellish it however you like. You can add trim, flowers, jewels, art. Make it practical and usable or turn it into a work of art.

Buried deep in my closet I unearthed this crochet style bag I got around 12 years ago. Remember when bags like The Sak where all the rage? This one is 7x9 with a really long strap so you can wear it across your body. I have no idea how I ever managed to use anything this small.

I have always loved Magnolia Pearl bags. I love the layers of texture, vintage air and bohemian gypsy style found in their entire line. I've seen several people create their own version of MP's pricey purses so for this challenge I used them for inspiration.

I went through my stash of vintage lace and thrift store doilies and attached a few to the front. Over the flap I added a tattered fabric cuff I made a few months ago after drooling over Thespa's amazing cuff over at Vintiquities Workshop. I followed her tutorial and tea dyed strips of muslin and rolled them into rosettes. Then I took apart one of my old bracelets and added a little bit of sparkle.

I also used the same blue trim to add a vintage key to the strap.

Finally I recycled the vintage floral brooch and a few ribbon rosettes I used on the first Embellish It bag I made back in March. And there you have it. My mini Magnolia Pearl inspired purse. I would really like to add long fringe around the edges to make it look even more Magnolia Pear-ish so I'll have to see what I can find at the thrift or fabric store next time.

Again I'd like to say thank you to everyone that played along in June. I love all of your wonderful altered art bags. I can't wait to see what you come up with this month. Remember anyone can still join up even if you haven't done any of the past ones. You can always catch up if you like.