Updating Old Purses

Everyone has things in their closet that are no longer of use to them, or that they bought on a whim, believing they’re going to use or wear them, and then never do. If you’re like me, then you’re obsessed with three things: socks, purses, and sunglasses. But, this isn’t about socks or sunglasses. This is about purses, no matter that the same rule can apply to just about anything. Rather than throwing away what you don’t use when you do a clean of your closet, why not turn those things into what you would wear or use? That way, they don’t take up space in the landfill, and you have something unique that only you would have?

Not only would it be good for the earth, but it would also be good for your creativity.

If you’ve been following the articles in this segment, then you’ll know, for the most part, that it’s all about creativity, and, a good brush of paint, or beads and permanent markers, can be your best friends. If you have an old purse, or love to transform what you find in consignment shops, or received a gift you really, really, really don’t like, then what you have could be items to create what you love, rather than discarding it into the garbage.

Some ideas for updating purses include wrapping the handle with ribbon, sewing on bows, or, my favorite, just adding a splash of paint and creating a word with a paintbrush. It’s beyond easy to upcycle, especially these days when you can find purse straps to fit your liking in various big box stores. I’m in the phase of trying to learn how to make your own purse straps, but the idea of being able to find them helps me rest easy that my purses will never be strapless.

On top of that, just like always, whenever you make something by hand, you have the power to create what is one-of-a-kind. No one else will have it, and when you’re willing to part with it, you can either sell it or give it to someone who you think will love what you made. Then, you will have given away something one-of-a-kind to someone you love. 

Whether you purchase or make your own straps for your purses, add a dash of paint, pin on a pattern with safety pins, hot glue on beads, add bows, or any other number of additions or changes you can make, it can go from boring to something you can’t stop using, and that’s the beauty of upcycling.