How to Make Your Own Purse Hardware
Purse hardware refers to buckles, zippers, buttons, snaps, straps, handles, and anything else you want to add for function or decoration. If you are making your own purse, jazzing up an old purse, or fixing broken hardware, don't feel limited to the conventional hardware elements at your fabric or craft store. Get inspiration and materials from a variety of sources to create your own unique design. No one else will have a purse exactly like your creation, and you may even save money in the process. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Rework old jewelry into a new design to bring some style to a purse. Use old pieces of jewelry. Look through your jewelry box for mismatched earrings, rings that don't fit or broken bracelets. Search stores for new items to add to your purse. Pins and brooches can add a bit of dazzle. They are removable, so you can mix and match with other purses. You might find a pendant or cheap pair of earrings that are too garish for your own jewelry style but would make a great addition to your purse. Ethnic designs such as tribal African jewelry, large metal Indian or Middle Eastern pendants or Chinese jade pieces can liven up a plain purse.
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Visit hardware stores to get items for a steam-punk purse design. Visit a hardware store. Sew on washers or bolts to give your purse a futuristic steam-punk aesthetic. Make sure to use thick thread or dental floss to sew. Work with fabric that is sturdy enough to bear heavy metal objects without tearing. Learn to solder if you are interested in making your own metal shapes as purse embellishments.
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Rework old purses into new ones. If you make a purse, you can adapt the old hardware pieces to your new creation. Take hardware from clothing and accessories, such as used buckles from belts or shoes. A thrift store or flea market item may be unsalvageable except for its buckle, buttons or zippers. Use these pieces for your design and throw the rest away. Make a purse from an old pair of jeans or a dress or skirt with a print you like but would never wear.
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Get inspired by nature. Go on a free shopping spree on the beach or in the woods. Use shells, feathers, wood and even small stones to give a unique edge to your purse design. Look into the right kind of glue to properly attach such objects to the type of material you will use.
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- Photo Credit accessories image by Leticia Wilson from Fotolia.com jewelry image by Byron Moore from Fotolia.com visserie image by dead_account from Fotolia.com
