How to Decoupage a Purse

Decoupage purses were a kitsch fashion statement, which gained popularity in the early 1960s. Back then, cutouts of movie stars, catch phrases and iconic illustrations were affixed to hard, box-shaped pocketbooks. These designs ranged from a clustered layout, to a couple of well-placed images. This collage technique can still be applied to contemporary handbags, from a nylon messenger bag to a leather clutch. Additionally, decoupage can be a great way to spruce up an old or second hand purse, all a woman needs is some pictures, decoupage adhesive and patience.

Things You'll Need

• Toile Paper
• Scissors
• Pencil
• Pictures
• Decoupage Glue (medium matte)
• Paper towels

Instructions

1. Trace the bag onto the toile paper with a pencil, including the front, back and sides. The heavy paper is available in solid colors and prints,so select the color or pattern that best fits the overall collage design. Once finished, cut out the outline with a pair of scissors.

2. Select any additional pictures or text to cover the purse. Cut out single images that coordinate with the toile paper's color scheme with a pair of scissors.

3. Lie the toile cut out onto the bag, before arranging the individual images onto the bag. The photographs, text and illustrations can be spaced apart or overlap each other. Once satisfied with the design, trace the placement of the pictures onto the toile with a pencil, marking where the pictures overlap.

4. Paint the entire bag with decoupage medium, before placing the toile cut out onto the bag. Decoupage medium is a two-in-one glue and sealer, which can be used to affix the pictures before varnishing them. When laying out the toile, smooth out any air bubbles and lie all the edges down. Glue each picture, using the pencil tracings as a reference. Use a piece of paper towel to quickly clean any excess globs of glue. Once the collage is finished, allow to dry for two to three hours.

5. Coat the bag with the decoupage medium, covering the entire collage, including the toile and cut outs. Let the first coat dry completely, approximately two to three hours, before applying a second coat of the varnish. This varnish gives the bag a satiny sheen. Once the two coats dry, the purse is finished.

Tips & Warnings

• Toile paper, a type of wallpaper, is often used as a foundation decoupage because it is substantial. However, other wall papers can also be used for decoupage.

References

• "Making Leather Purses and Totes"; Lisa Galvin; 2005
• "Creative Collage: Making Memories in Mixed Media"; Marie Browning; 2008
• "Vintage Fashion Accessories"; Stacy LoAlbo; 2009
• "The Decorated Bag: Embellishing Handbags, Purses, and Totes"; Genevieve A. Sterbenz; 2006