How to Find Hardware For Making Vintage Style Beaded Purses

Are you a vintage purse lover? Do you love the look of the elegant and flashy purses the ladies carried back in the day? If you are into designing and creating an authentic-looking vintage purse of your own, you'll need to find the vintage hardware to complete your project. Make your project easier by combining both new and old vintage hardware to create a charming and unique look for your new vintage-style beaded purse.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. 
    
   Jot down everything you need on paper.

   Create a list of all of the supplies and hardware that you are looking for to complete your vintage purse project. Have this list with you when shop for hardware.

2. 
    
   Use salvageable pieces from old purses.

   Search for the exact used hardware you are looking for on websites such as eBay, Shop Goodwill and even Craigslist. There are many authentic vintage beaded purses for sale that are in poor condition but still have the hardware intact that you can use to make your project come together. Don't be afraid to rip apart old purses or other vintage items that may have hidden hardware or embellishments that you can use for your project. Many times, if the outside of the purse is in poor condition, the skeleton of the purse still offers good hardware that you can work with to create a new look.

3. 
    
   Look for unique clasps like these to make your purse look more vintage.

   Buy the new hardware you need for your purse at websites such as UMX, S. Axelrod Co., Tall Poppy Craft and Lacis (see Resources below). These are the most popular online companies that sell new vintage-looking purse hardware that replicates the exact styles of many vintage purses. These companies create vintage hardware that appears to look 75 to 100 years old, which helps you save money on creating your purse.

4. 
    
   Add new chains to the old frame to mix and match.

   Compile your hardware finds together and combine the old with the new to create your purse.

5. 
    
   The end result will be beautiful!

   Combine both newly made vintage hardware replicas and used authentic vintage hardware items to create your very own unique, vintage-style beaded purse.

Tips & Warnings

• Some of the vintage-looking hardware on the websites listed in Resources include old and new replicas of everything you need to construct your own vintage purse, such as handles, hooks, purse snaps, chains, metal and leather straps, clasps, rivets, toggles, feet, studs and even frames.
• Be cautious if you buy different hardware from multiple locations; some of the hardware may not fit together properly, and you will have a difficult time constructing your vintage beaded purse.
• Some of the hardware, especially if it is antique, can be brittle and may break easily. Be careful when constructing your purse so that none of the hardware breaks.
• Asking for the history, brand and age of the hardware you are buying before the purchase will help the construction of your new purse go more smoothly.

Resources

• UMX
• S. Axelrod Co.
• Lacis
• Tall Poppy Craft

[silkfair]

on 4/3/2009 Awesome. Is there an online store that you sell at?