Cut Out + Keep

Diy Dinosaur Handbag

You know THAT Giles Deacon handbag? Make a snazzy version for yourself.

https://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/diy-dinosaur-handbag • Posted by AllyEbdon

After lusting after the Giles Deacon dinosaur bag four a couple of years and failing to raise the ££££ I decided to make myself a gold version.

You will need

Project Budget
Reasonably Priced

Time

3 h 00

Difficulty

Pretty Easy
Medium img 9423copy

Description

After lusting after the Giles Deacon dinosaur bag four a couple of years and failing to raise the ££££ I decided to make myself a gold version.

Instructions

  1. Small img 8328

    To make the pocket that goes in your dinosaur you will need two squares of fabric and a zip. To measure you fabric measure along the top of your dinosaur and judge how wide your pocket can be and then make this the width of the fabric and zip.

  2. Small img 8332

    Fold the top edge of your fabric over and press and then fold it over again and press so the raw edge is enclosed. Sew this secure and then repeat on the other square.

  3. Small img 8335

    Now take both of your squares and line them up together with the turned over edges facing out. Sew the square together at the top edge.

  4. Small img 8336

    Open out your squares and press your seam open.

  5. Small img 8339

    Now pin your zip straight on top of the opened out seam.

  6. Small img 8341

    Simply sew your zip onto where you have pinned it and turn over and your should hve something a little bit like this.

  7. Small img 8343

    Using an xacto knife or a seam ripper carefully open up the stitched enclosed within your zip area and ta-da! You have a perfect little zip.

  8. Small img 8346

    Now fold your fabric into the pouch shape it will be and sew the edges up. Remember! The neat edges of your pouch need to be on the inside of your pouch as you won't see the outside so keep your raw edges on the outside as shown.

  9. Small img 8354

    Now take your dinosaur and lay him out on your surface. Mark how far the pocket will extend so you don't cut any more than you have to. Using an xacto knife very carefully cut the seam open along the back.

  10. Small img 8355

    Take out a little stuffing and push your pocket down into the dinosaur.

  11. Small img 8357

    Pin your pocket in place.

  12. Small img 8361

    Using a needle and thread carefully sew your pocket in. It helps to open the zip at this point just so you have access to both sides.

  13. Small img 8363

    Now you must paint your dinosaur. If you spray a fluffy toy the paint doesn't sick properly because there's all that fuzz to contend with so you need to create a new surface which is easier to adhere to. Acrylic paint if built up can leave a good vinyl-ey finish which is perfect for painting and actually ends up kind of looking like leather when finished. To apply work with the grain of your fabric and coat it so the fibres lay flat and there is a smooth finish.

  14. Small img 8464

    Keep layering up your paint. This was the most time consuming part of the bag but don't be tempted to rush or you won't get that gorgeous metallic finish. When your dinosaur is finished he should feel reasonably smooth and plasticy but still be able to move (that's why it is important to use fabric paint as it has more moveability).

  15. Small img 8467

    Spray that gorgeous prehistoric beast!

  16. Small img 8469

    Now time to make the handle. Cut your rope to the size that you want your handle and enclose the ends with masking tape to stop them fraying.

  17. Small img 8473

    Give the rope a preliminary spray and then wrap the rope back on itself at each end creating a loop. Secure the loop with more masking tape.

  18. Small img 8474

    Masking tape isn't that pretty so we need to cover it. Cover your tape with glue and then wrap embroidery thread around the join until covered.

  19. Small img 8479

    Now give everything a final spray.

  20. Small img 8484

    To join the rope to your dinosaur take a small square of leather (sprayed gold of course) and sew one edge to your dinosaur (where you wish the handle to start).

  21. Small img 8487

    Now take a shower ring (sprayed gold) and thread it onto your loop.

  22. Small img 8488

    Wrap your piece of leather back on itself contain the shower ring and sew into place. Do this for the other side of your rope handle and you are totally done!