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.






19 comments:

Unknown said...

Oh, Anna, this is fabulous. Nothing like a re-created beauty.

May her flag fly high & proud forever over this great land ... may God see the changes we need & grant us that blessing.

Happy 4th, sweetie.

TTFN ~
Hugs,
Marydon

Linda said...

Wow Anna. This one is outstanding. You would never know what this bag looked like before. I just love it and would carry this one proudly.
Hope you and the family have a great 4th. Fireworks and sparklers to you.

CuddlyBunny said...

Wonderful bag Anna! I love the elaborate style!

Cameron said...

So vintage chic looking!

Elly said...

Your bag is awesome. It's a little gypsy style for me. Love the different lace and the vintage key.

Mrs A. said...

This is wonderful. Love every last little bit of your transformation. Hugs Mrs A.

Theresa MacNaughton said...

Gorgeous bag, Anna. Hope you have a wonderful 4th!!!!

PATRICIA said...

Uauuuu...perfeito

Anonymous said...

Beautiful transformation, Anna! Your work always brings huge smiles to my soul.

Anonymous said...

Not to sound sappy, but I just noticed you have my button on your sidebar and you cannot imagine how wonderful that makes me feel. Several months before I started my own blog, I don't even know what I was googling that day, but I stumbled upon yours and I remember thinking, "Oh this is so beautiful and magical. She seems to be having so much fun. I would love to do that!" All of this to tell you that you were one of my first inspirations and to thank you with all my heart.

PATRICIA said...

Oi Anna, queria adicionar o link da minha bolsa mas não estou achando o lugar para fazê-lo, de qualquer forma vou deixa-lo aqui...beijos

http://pkaragulian.blogspot.com/2011/07/desafio-de-julho-artful-bag-decoracao.html

Kathy McElroy said...

Wow, this is gorgeous. I love everything you did. You have inspired me try this myself some day.

Electra said...

I always look forward to each new month and seeing what you've made Anna. You never fail to amaze me! Another lovely bag!

Jaluza Scrap said...

Amei tua bolsa!!!
Obrigada pela oportunidade de estar aqui com vocês.
Abraço do Brasil.

Selma said...

This is a great job Anna. The bag looks really quite lovely. So many beautiful decorations!

Fran. said...

Oh Anna you know I love this bag!! I think the trim will add to it. Betcha come up with something cool from the thrift store! Oh how I wish I could have a day of creating with you!!! XO Fran.

JenW!~ said...

I love the idea of this challenge and wish I had stumbled upon it sooner, but hey better late than never. I gave one of my bags a little makeover and have added the link. LOVE your blog btw.

Patricia's Paper Crafts said...

All the bags are awesome as usual so many talente crafting artisit. July was a trying month for me and I have yet to post my handbag sometime during the next few days I will upload a photo. Thanks to everyone that stop over on my blog.

Patricia's Paper Crafts said...

I forgot to edit my comments so sorry for the spelling errors.