How to Paint a Purse

Paint a novelty purse using an ordinary garage sale or thrift store purse. Look for purses that have a sturdy, smooth surface. If your purse is too soft or flimsy, all your hard work may crack or peel after very little use. Paint a purse for any occasion or holiday and enjoy the attention you are sure to receive. Patterns can be obtained from any source. Try using children's coloring books, clip art or existing paint patterns.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Purse
• Acrylic enamel paints
• Permanent black marker
• Paint pens
• Pattern
• Pencil
• Fabric
• Craft glue
• Household cement glue
• Bottle caps
• Wood skewer

1. If desired, paint a background and allow to dry. If you do not want a background, proceed to Step 2.

2. Trace your pattern on the purse using a pencil. If it has a lot of details, trace the outer shape only.

3. Paint the shape or shapes and allow to dry thoroughly. Give a second coat if needed.

4. Trace the rest of the detail onto the shape and paint. Allow to dry. The more layers used, the longer the drying time.

5. Outline the painted shapes and add detail with the permanent marker and paint pens.

6. Add additional details to the painted purse by painting stitch marks, dots or squiggly lines.

7. A word or name can be added to the purse by painting the inside of a bottle cap. Paint one bottle cap for each letter needed. Using the paint pens, write a letter in each bottle cap. Use the skewer and acrylic enamel paint to dot paint each letter.

8. Using household cement, glue the bottle caps to the purse. Monitor for slippage until they adhere.

9. Rip strips of fabric 1 inch wide. Apply craft glue to the handles of the painted purse and wrap them with the fabric strips.

Tips & Warnings

• Humidity may cause the paint to feel sticky. Allow for extra drying time and do not store them against other purses.
• Vintage purses make great painted purses and are quite the attention getters.