A DIY clutch is the perfect custom accessory to go with your favorite outfit. Try this painted wallet idea for a unique fashion statement.
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Have you seen the trend of painting an old leather purse or wallet? I’ve been looking for the perfect one to try this on – and here it is!
If you want to give an old wallet or bag an update, I recommend starting with an old one you’re not worried about ruining.
Or do what I did and pick one up from a thrift store! This is a Travelsmith clutch (usually pretty pricey new) that I found at a local Goodwill for $3.
It’s either leather or faux leather, but you can paint canvas or fabric too.
I decided to paint this clutch to go with some of my retro 1960s and 70s style outfits. Most of them feature bright color blocking, flowers, and rainbows.
This dress is from Miracle Eye.
How to paint a DIY clutch
Supplies
- small clutch, wallet, or handbag
- pencil
- mixed media paper
- wood ruler (optional)
- Artistro extra fine tip paint pens
Instructions
1. Plan your design.
Cut a piece of sketch paper to be about the size of your clutch. Use a pencil to plan and sketch out a design. Then decide which colors you’ll use for each section.
I searched Pinterest for retro patterns and 1970s patterns for inspiration. To get perfectly straight lines for my boxes, I used a ruler to mark 1-inch and 2-inch. The other designs are freehanded.
You could also use a stencil, trace something you have in your home, or find art inspiration anywhere.
2. Draw the base design onto the clutch.
Use the pencil (and ruler, if you’re using one) to draw the lines onto the clutch. The pencil lines were just visible on my dark material. I drew a 1-inch grid over the whole thing, then erased the ones crossing the 2-inch squares by rubbing them with my finger.
3. Paint the base design.
Choose a paint pen to trace over the pencil lines. Be careful not to smudge them as you go. If you do, the paint comes off easily if you wipe it with a damp cloth right away.
To use the Artistro paint pens, shake each color for about 30 seconds. Then hold or stand the pens with the tips down for a few minutes. When you’re ready to paint, uncap the pen and press it onto the sketch paper several times until the paint comes out.
If you feel the pen scratching or the paint stops flowing, repeat the shake-stand-press motion to get it going again.
4. Add colors one at a time.
Going one color at a time, add the other designs to the clutch. Let each color dry before adding a different one that will be touching it. I found that they were more or less dry within a few seconds to a minute.
5. Touch up as necessary.
When you’re done drawing, go back over dry paint with each color a second time. Adding this second coat will ensure your colors are bright and the lines aren’t noticeable. Let the clutch dry to the touch.
This paint should be set once it’s dry, but I do not think it is waterproof, so avoid washing your DIY clutch.
What’s next? Try these other fun and creative ideas on One Mama’s Daily Drama:
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