DIY Project || #11 || Turn a Placemat into a Purse

I am so excited to share with you all this quick and easy sewing DIY project. Over the summer of 2010, I had spent eight weeks living and working in La Paz, Bolivia where I bought these gorgeous, colorful placemats in a street market. Thinking I would give them as gifts to friends and family upon return, I fell in love with their vibrant colors and mixed textures -- and of course I wanted to carry this fabulous decor everywhere. Luckily my family only uses a few of them so I took an extra and turned it into a large clutch bag. A fun idea to spice up your dark colored winter wear, let me know what you think!

INGREDIENTS YOU'LL NEED:

INSTRUCTIONS:

STEP ONE: Fold the placemat in half, then begin pinning one end onto the top of the zipper.

STEP TWO: Taking the other end of the placemat, pin it to the other arm of the zipper. Try opening and closing the zipper to ensure that the placemat does not inhibit the zipper in any way.

STEP THREE: Sew the edges onto the zipper.
STEP FOUR: Next, turn the bag inside out.

STEP FIVE: Sew the right side of the bag (where the zipper ends). Repeat to the left side of the bag. If the zipper is longer than the length of the bag, make sure the zipper piece you pull is located inside the area you sew.
STEP SIX: Trim the edges on the sides of the bag for a clean seam inside.

STEP SEVEN and EIGHT: Turn the bag right-side-out and lightly iron the zipper along the inside of the bag and then along the outer surface for a crisp look.

THE FINAL LOOK: