I found this lovely gray felt clutch at Hobby Lobby while out hunting down clutches for this DIY project. I love the size – it easily holds my wallet, phone and a couple of diapers. And only $4.99?! Go get yours right now!
The only problem – it was kind of plain. And I couldn’t decide how to spruce it up. Star stickers? Black lace? Cute red bow? Maybe use duct tape again?
Red was definitely the way to go. I kind of have a thing for red accessories.
It’s too bad I don’t have a good story about an insanely expensive purse that I was trying to knock off. Because that would be way cooler than telling you I was inspired by a tablecloth.
Red cord curtain tiebacks are magically the perfect length. I also finally broke down and bought an X-Acto knife (which would have come in really handy here, let me tell you). Now I have a decently stocked craft drawer!
If you’d like to make your own jingle bell + tassel clutch, you’ll need:
- Gray felt clutch found at Hobby Lobby. ($4.99) If you’re an industrious type, you could probably easily sew your own.
- 3-4 jingle bells. ($1.99 for 8 but I think all Christmas stuff was 40% off)
- Red curtain tieback with tassel. ($2.99)
- X-Acto knife
- Glue
Step 1: On the inside of the clutch flap, mark where you will cut the slits to weave the cord.
Step 2: The guide above shows how I spaced the cuts. You will make a total of 6 small slits. The 2 inch width is where the cord is on the outside (i.e., visible). Continue the pattern till you reach the other side of the clutch. You’ll end up 1/2 inch from the other outside edge as well.
Step 3: Cut your first slit at the 1/2 inch mark. Pull the cord through from the front, stopping when you hit the tassels.
Step 4: Continue cutting the slits about a 1/2 inch wide. Weave the cord through.
Can you see all of my pen marks? It took me FOREVER to figure out the spacing. Maybe next time I’ll try using a pencil.
Step 5: You can glue any excess cord on the underside of the flap if you want. I didn’t bother. I just tucked it in.
Step 6: Tie on the jingle bells. I added 2 to each tassel. Dab a bit of glue on the knot. When it’s dry you can snip off the tassel string ends.
This is actually how it looks with my wallet, phone & diapers in there. Love!
The sound of jingle bells is totally putting me in the Christmas spirit. Is it too early to start listening to Christmas songs?
That is so neat, what a cool project!
Thank you for participating in last week’s Wednesday Window @ Frugality Is Free. I hope you’ll stop by to link up your favorite blog post this week as well.
such a cute idea! i love this! Thanks so much for linking up to Tuesday Talent Show! I would love to have you stop by and link up again tomorrow with more great projects!
-Nikki http://chef-n-training.blogspot.com/
Cute idea to use bells! I love red accessories also!
I'm so doing this Stephanie. You know, I saved the latte coloured leather from our lounge (which died) and I've been wondering what to make. I could so make one of these, especially one with bells for Christmas. Just love it!
Anne xx
This is officially the first Christmasy post I've read this year! Congratulations on being on the ball! :) Love the gray and red.
Oh that looks fabulous! I particularly like the red bells you added! Very festive!
Thanks for linking to a Round Tuit!
Hope you have a great week!
Jill @ Creating my way to Success
http://www.jembellish.blogspot.com/
Very cute!! And no, it's definitely not too early to start playing Christmas music. I actually play mine occasionally year round. Just a few songs, here and there, just to keep my inner elf happy. ;)
Yes, I can totally see this being rocked at a Christmas party with a red satin top! Beautiful :).
I love this, it's so chic especially for a Christmas party!
-You reminded me of my my mum, she was singing Christmas songs the other day talking about how she cannot wait to start decorating for Christmas! I guess she's not the only one that's excited for it!
Happy Monday!
♥
How original! Definately glad you went with the red; it goes great against the gray!
What a fun project! I'm trying to collect handmade Christmas gift ideas this year, and this would be perfect! Thanks for sharing!
So cute and fun!! I love it, you're so creative!!
xoxo
Lia
This is too cute!!! I want to try this out but I'd probably make my own clutch. Great job!!
Jackie
I LOVE this-and I want one! :) You are so creative! What a fun project, great job Steph!
What a fun project! And no, it's never too early for Christmas. I would celebrate year 'round if I could!
I love the red with the grey! This would be a really fun Christmas present to make and give!