DIY Python Bag for Fall

"Crafty" is not a word we would ever use to describe ourselves.  We reached this conclusion circa fifth grade, when even our stoner art teacher couldn't admire our paintings without grimacing. Due to our own significant inadequacies in this department, we are all the more impressed by the DIY efforts of Kristen from Glitter 'N Glue, whom we have enlisted to help us create a seriously cute 'python' bag for fall. She makes this project so effortless that even a fifth grader (and/or us!) could pull it off. Professor Stoneyface would be proud.  

Kristen's DIY Snakeskin Handbag 

Who doesn’t love a snakeskin bag? Halle Berry, Jennifer Lopez (carrying Adriana Castro) and Beyonce are all big fans, as am I, but let’s be honest -- the Jimmy Choo bag Beyonce is rocking these days costs $3,000. There’s a Michael Kors python tote I’m crushing on for fall as well, but it’s $2,200. Of course, you can find cheaper versions, but why buy at all when you can DIY? This project is cheaper (around $20), and since we're using faux snakeskin, it's also a better alternative for our reptile friends.

Materials: Snakeskin vinyl fabric, chain, stapler (a heavy duty/ floral stapler works best -- you can find these at the hardware store for under $10).

You can use any kind of vinyl fabric. If you’re not into prints, or can’t get your hands on any, your fabric store should carry vinyl in an array of colors. Check out the selection of snake print vinyl I found at my fabric store. I can make this bag in every color (and I probably will)!

Your fabric should be about 36 inches in length and 18 inches in width. You can adjust the measurements depending on how big or small you want your bag to be.

Fold your fabric in half so that the backside is showing.  Draw a straight line up from the fold, leaving 2 inches on each edge for seam allowance.

Use your stapler to close up the edges of the fabric. Be sure not to leave any gaps between staples so that the seam is secure.

Once both sides are stapled, flip the bag right-side out.

Voila!  Now for the handles. At the top of the bag, place about two holes 8 – 10 inches apart.

Use eyelets to secure the holes. You can pick up an eyelet kit form your local fabric store. My kit cost $3.45 and it came with all of the tools and loads of extra eyelets. It’s a very easy process. Just read the directions that come with the kit. If you can't get your hands on a kit, just create holes in your bag and run the chain through them.