I’m always on the look out for simple and inexpensive ways to revamp items I already own once I wear out their traditional look. It’s just an added bonus when the finished outcome of a revamp makes it look even more expensive than it really is, like DIY leather strapped tote bag which only cost me $15 in materials!
Chelsea from Lovely Indeed sent me this darling tote a few months ago, and I’ve been using it for everything. It was just a matter of time before it earned it’s leather straps, here’s how:
Materials:
- Small rivet starter kit
- Scissors
- Leather punch
- Tote
- Leather for straps (bought mine precut at Tandy leather, similar here)
First, cut the existing straps off your bag as close to the trim as you can. Then measure and cut two 22inch leather pieces to use as straps. The width is up to you as far as comfort, mine are cut a 1/2 inch thick.
Once you have the desired placement of your straps, use the leather punch to punch through the straps and tote bag. I made two holes for two rivets on each side for added support, but it’s up to you.
Next, insert rivets in the holes you previously made according to the instructions on your kit.
If you want to make a closure strap, measure and cut a piece of leather that is 1inch wider than the desired with of your closure strap, and insert a rivet on each side.
This way it’s snug enough to keep the strap closed.
Cut a piece of leather that’s about 6 or 7 inches long to use as a strap (making sure it’s long enough to safely rest where you placed the enclosure piece).
Making sure the leather is facing wrong side-up, use a rivet to to attached the leather strap.
Fold the strap over and under the enclosure, and you’re finished!
Becca
06.18.13
What a great idea! This look gorgeous. I’ve been wanting to whip up a painted tote bag this summer (you can never have enough totes at the farmers market!) and will have to try out giving it leather straps.
-Becca
Ladyface Blog
Chelsea C.
06.18.13
Aw! It looks AWESOME with the straps! And I love those little flowers peeking out. This is rad!
Sammy
06.18.13
Oh My! that looks so chic, I have tones of these bags at home, they are totally getting a makeover this weekend. Thanks for sharing <3
Sammy xxx
http://liveitloveitmakeit@blogspot.com
SmallMomentsBigJoy
06.18.13
Wow, what an amazing difference!
jet
06.19.13
this is briliant, well done, it rocks!!!
I have many of those old totes, We received them in the seventies insteade off plastic bags.
but it wasn’t smart to use by our raining and moistered climate here in the Netherlands.LOL
But i have still some in my bags to use when my mainbag is filled up with my shoppings.
Perhaps i must make them water resistable as well.
thank you for the great tute and the sharing.;-D
shakti
06.21.13
Too cute! love me some leather straps. The suede side does such a good job of gripping.
I couldn’t help but notice that the rivet set your using looks a whole lot like mine and I feel I must warn you… be careful about putting a load on them! I’ve had a few pop apart. Not all of them, but enough to make me suspicious of further use. Of course, I’m not Rosie the Riveter so it could have been user error ;)
India pied-à-terre said:
There are screw-in rivets and they also don’t need a tool. You just screw the backs into the front rivet piece. They’re much more secure because they won’t pop out!
Angela Ambroise
08.10.13
Oh bless you for sharing this!
kurt
05.19.14
nice looking bag! any idea on how thick (3, 3.5, or 4 oz. – 3/64″, 1/16″ or 5/64″) your leather was?
Ashley said:
I’m actually not sure! I’m going to guess 1/16″? It’s a pretty have duty leather, but still feminine :)
Rainmaker Leather
01.27.15
Great Looking bag. The straps might benefit from leather that is a little thicker. If you are interested is a variety of leather styles, please visit our website (www.rainmakerleather.com).
Alisha
07.11.17
Wow, I would have never thought if this. Thanks for the inspiration!
Sugar & Cloth said:
Thanks so much, Alisha! xo