Purse tutorial

I have been looking all over for a pattern for a purse that would hold about 6 cards.  Not being able to find one, I made my own pattern and this is what I came up with.  These pictures show the purse closed, open and the little tag I made to go on it.  The size of the finished purse is 6" X  4 3/4 X 1" and it will hold 6 cards and envelopes.

My friend had seen a faux leather gift card wallet I had made for my Grandson and she said "Oh, can you make me a purse?"  I just laughed, but my mind started working and I thought I would make her a purse for her birthday and include 6 hand created cards to go in it.

I am so happy with the way it turned out.

The actual purse is one piece of black paper, 8" X 12".  Because I wanted it to be faux leather, I used a cuttlebug folder which is limited in size, so I had to piece the brown "leather" over the black.  I hid the seams with 3/4" black straps.  They go all the way around the purse.  They are pieced as well because I don't have paper long enough.  Same with the handle.  The "leather" was made by running the pieces of brown paper through the cuttlebug and heat embossing with Versamark and clear ep.  The center part of the flap was made with a Nestabilities label die.  A Stampin Up top note die would work as well.  I used  gold brads to secure the handle and the little closure tabs.  The tabs are little 3/4" pieces of cardstock that I folded in half for strength.  I used my corner rounder for the front flap and the black straps.

This is the little tag that I made to go with the purse.  It is made from the same brown cardstock.  I printed the words from my computer and then cut it out with a small Nestabilities label one die and then clear embossed it.  I wrote a little birthday greeting on the back.

This is the template I made.  It is only 1/2 size in the drawing but all the measurements are there. I cut all the solid lines and used my Scor Pal to score the dashed lines.  The side flaps fold in and are taped together with Score Tape.  I used a lot of Score Tape on this project to adhere the "leather" pieces to the black base. 

Well, that is it for tonight.  I hope this little tutorial is clear (first one you know) and you try making a purse.  It was a lot of fun to make, but I think next time, I will just make it out of card stock and embellish it with stamps.  All the piecing was quite fiddly.  Anything for a friend though.

Happy day to you all.

Theresa in Kitimat