DIY Project || #8 || Chain Purse from Pencil Case

INGREDIENTS:

Clear pencil case (from Staples)

Golden chain with clasps

Scissors

INSTRUCTIONS

STEP ONE: Using scissors or a hole punch, snip a small hole onto the back inside of the pouch near the right end (where the zip line hits when completely opened).

STEP TWO: The chain I used comes from another purse I have, so it was easy to slide the clasps into the newly made hole on the pencil case. If you have a similar type of chain, I'd suggest that. If not, craft stores like Michael's and Joann's have chains and clasps you can purchase and easily put together.

STEP THREE: Repeat steps #1 and #2 on the left hand side, this time making a slit on the inside bend on the left side of the pouch.

FINAL LOOK:

DIY Project || #4 || Golden Elbow Patches

INGREDIENTS YOU'LL NEED:

INSTRUCTIONS:

STEP ONE: Gather the fabric you wish to use to make the patches. I actually cut the bottom off a golden vintage top that I have owned for a couple years now but never put to use. I first cut two large rectangles about the size of my hand.

STEP TWO: Trim the edges of the rectangles so you get two equal sized oval pieces.

STEP THREE: Pin ovals onto the back elbow areas of each sweater sleeve. Make sure you try the sweater on before sewing to check that the patches are pinned to the right area. Learn from my silly mistake -- it's not that cute to have an elbow patch on your bicep...

STEP FOUR: Gather thread and a needle. I chose black because it was the same base color of the fabric under the gold.

STEP FIVE & SIX: Sew ovals in a loop like style. Start from the inside and sew the edges like a spiral. This ensures that the patch will look clean against the sweater and won't have any bulges in the fabric when you bend your elbows.

And that's all! Overall, this project took me about 30 minutes and technically didn't cost me anything new (already owned the sweater and materials)! Now that's a fashion bargain. Enjoy!