Sunday, August 30, 2009

Thrifty Finds and Metamorphosis of a Travel Bag

Estate sales this weekend were very disappointing. I hit a few thrift stores too.
I found this pretty Arthur Court signed bamboo and frog dish. It was only $1.50.
I also found these French books for $0.25 each. Why would I need books about Paris? Cause I'm going! I'm taking a trip to Europe next week, visiting London and Paris.
Which brings me to the metamorphosis section.
I have been looking for a travel bag/purse. Something that can be slung across the body - I plan on going to as many Paris flea markets as possible, and have been warned about pickpockets! I found this cute little bag at TJ Maxx for $7. Pretty good deal, most of the ones I had previously seen had been upwards of $40. I was not crazy about the plastic faux croc pockets on front. They don't look too bad in this picture, but they looked so plastic and cheap up close.
So I took a couple of scraps of a gray vintage fabric, I cut out a little stencil (it is suppose to look somewhat like a cherry blossom). I used some white fabric paint for the stencil.
I then used a combination of spray adhesive and a glue gun to attach the fabric to the plastic pockets, and tucked everything in. It seems to have stuck quite well. Hopefully it will make it to Europe and back!

Linked up to Between Naps on the Porch's Metamorphosis Monday, and
Southern Hospitality's Thrifty Finds.








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30 comments:

  1. LauraAugust 30, 2009 at 4:31 PM

    What great finds!

    I loved what you did with the travel bag.

    Laura

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  2. TarvaAugust 30, 2009 at 5:18 PM

    That was very creative. Have a GREAT trip.

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  3. ellen b.August 30, 2009 at 5:19 PM

    Great job on that bag! I really like that Arthur Court dish!

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  4. SueAugust 30, 2009 at 5:21 PM

    What a clever and cute way to change a bag that you weren't too crazy about! I like your frog/bamboo dish. Is it pewter?
    :-) Sue

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  5. anythinggoeshereAugust 30, 2009 at 5:24 PM

    Great addition to the purse. Wonderful choice of fabric. Score on the books and have a great trip ~ you lucky girl!!!

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  6. SharlotteAugust 30, 2009 at 5:30 PM

    Have a GREAT trip! I'm a wee bit jealous...be sure to take a lot of pictures of all your sites. I'm wondering about your shopping...I'll bet you're going to find amazing things! I really like your bag...looks like you'll have great places so store your things!

    By the way, I'm still looking for a peacock like you have on your sidebar...any suggestions?

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  7. The Lazy PeacockAugust 30, 2009 at 5:49 PM

    Hi Everyone- thank you for the sweet comments.
    Sharlotte -
    I found the same peacock from my sidebar on ebay:
    http://cgi.ebay.com/Pair-of-Peacock-Figurines_W0QQitemZ320418034257QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item4a9a673251&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14
    There are actually 2 of them (the one I have is the taller of the 2). I painted mine with flat white spray paint.
    I have also seen them at many flea markets - I think I paid around $3 for mine.
    Good luck!

    And Sue - yes! the frog/bamboo dish is pewter.

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  8. Confessions of a Plate AddictAugust 30, 2009 at 6:04 PM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  9. Confessions of a Plate AddictAugust 30, 2009 at 6:14 PM

    I love the frog and bamboo plate...gorgeous! And I love what you did with your travel bag! How fun that you are going to Europe! You are so smart to take along the phrase book! As a former French teacher who lived in France, believe me when I say that the smallest effort at speaking their language goes a very long way and is so appreciated! Have fun! Don't miss la Sainte Chapelle...gorgeous stained glass windows! Can't wait to hear about it!...Debbie
    PS Sorry about deleting...I can't spell today!

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  10. Lisa @ Fern Creek CottageAugust 30, 2009 at 6:21 PM

    I really like the bamboo and frog dish and the price totally rocks!

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  11. DeannaAugust 30, 2009 at 6:32 PM

    These are great finds!
    It's such great fun thrift shopping.
    I just love it.
    Blessings,
    d

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  12. Debbie @ The Shabby BungalowAugust 30, 2009 at 6:41 PM

    Great transformation - thanks for sharing :)

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  13. Blue Creek HomeAugust 30, 2009 at 7:01 PM

    You will have so much to show for TTT when you return!!! Have fun.
    Love what you did with the purse.
    Rhonda

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  14. Wendy @ Ramblings from the Sunshine StateAugust 30, 2009 at 8:04 PM

    That looks great! MUCH better.

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  15. AnnyAugust 30, 2009 at 8:04 PM

    That dish is super cute!

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  16. susanAugust 30, 2009 at 8:09 PM

    That is a deal on the Arthur Court piece! I think you will find lots of uses for it. I see you are already getting into the spirit of Paris--designing your own handbags :) Very cute!

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  17. JulieAugust 30, 2009 at 8:32 PM

    what a great bag...I am having a give a-way to celebrate my 1 month Blogoversary.... Please stop over.

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  18. AliciaAugust 30, 2009 at 8:38 PM

    Wow, have a fun trip. I went to Disneyland recently and everyone was wearing a bag like that one. I've been searching high and low for one for myself. You did a great job jazzing it up.

    Stop by and say hi.

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  19. ThriftyAnnabellaAugust 30, 2009 at 9:20 PM

    Hope you have a fun trip!

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  20. Karen at Nittany InspirationsAugust 30, 2009 at 10:08 PM

    Have a wonderful trip.

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  21. SherrieAugust 30, 2009 at 10:12 PM

    Enjoy your trip! I love Paris! Please share pictures when you return.

    Sherrie

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  22. ClaudiaAugust 30, 2009 at 11:34 PM

    This is a cute bag! nice job

    HAve a safe and fun trip.


    TTFN~~ Claudia ♥ ♥

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  23. SueAugust 31, 2009 at 2:00 AM

    LOVE the plate!
    Bon Voyage! Paris flea markets..OMG..take loads of money LOL

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  24. Ashley @ AshleysBusyAugust 31, 2009 at 8:11 AM

    You are so clever with that fabric coverup. Have a blast on your trip!!

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  25. Its So Very CheriAugust 31, 2009 at 8:14 AM

    Your bag came out cute.
    I hope you will come by for a visit.
    Cheri
    Its So Very Cheri

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  26. Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart)August 31, 2009 at 8:55 AM

    I love your bags new look. You'll look pretty snazzy walking the flea markets of Paris.... I know you're looking forward to the trip. Can't wait to see your finds from a beautiful city... Happy MM. hugs ~lynne~

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  27. ~Nancy~August 31, 2009 at 9:16 AM

    Do not carry your money in that bag. Carry it secured next to your body. When we went to the Clingnancourt flea market outside Paris, the pick pockets were rampant and very, very good at it. I saw one man lift an expensive gold watch off an elderly gentleman. Not sure how he did it but I saw him showing it to his "partner". When they saw us looking at them, a band of them surrounded us and tried to take our camera until I started yelling "Police!". (Seems that word is known every where - any language.) Seriously, they can steal stuff off your body without you knowing it. A purse is nothing to them. BTW, the re-do of the flaps was ingenious!!

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  28. black eyed susans kitchenAugust 31, 2009 at 11:30 AM

    Enjoy you trip. I loved Paris, and didn't bring home a thing! Everything that I stopped to look at, I realized that I could get here or on the internet. Once I came to that conclusion, I spent more time enjoying the Louvre and the cafes. Have a wonderful time.

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  29. Susan (Between Naps On The Porch.net)August 31, 2009 at 1:53 PM

    Great change to your bag...love how it turned out! What a wonderful trip you have planned! Take lots of pics to share with us. I've never been and can only imagine what fun the flea markets will be!
    Susan

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  30. BillAugust 31, 2009 at 3:03 PM

    Nice finds and beautiful job on the bag makeover!
    Enjoy your trip, and tell us all about your adventures when you return, OK!

    Bon voyage!
    Bill

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