I used clear packing tape to cover it, taped up the sides into a purse shape and added an inside pocket. I hand sewed a wooden button on the front. For the straps, I folded a long piece of grey masking tape, then taped them unto the purse with packing tape. That packing tape is pretty strong stuff, however I'm not too confident about how well the straps will hold up with weight in the purse. I tried to both hand sew and machine sew them, but the material was too thick. Any other suggestions?