DIY Week: From Practical to Stunning

Practicality does not always rule when I'm getting dressed. This is especially true when I have a date night with my super hot hubby or a fun girl's night out planned. I love being a Mommy, but most of my days are spent in jeans and flip-flops or converse because let's face it, the playground is not a runway. So when I get a chance to get dolled up - I plan on doin' it right and practicality is tossed to the wayside. Enter the clutch. There's no handle, no shoulder strap and about all that fits inside are your wallet, phone and lipstick. This is a far cry from my usual shoulder bag that holds the contents of the entire world! I think that may be one of the reasons I love the clutch so much; it's a polar opposite from my norm.

Today, I'm going to show you how to turn an everyday placemat into a stunning clutch all on your own. While thrifting, I  found a set of yellow and white placemats that were begging to be made into something better and at $1.98 for the pair, how could I say no?

step 1 - buy placemat

step2 - choose liner fabric and press

step 3 - cut out liner leaving 1" seam allowance all the way around  (this allows your turn your raw edges under)

 step 4 - using left over fabric I added a pocket (your choice to add or not)

step 5 - turn edges under and press (liner and pocket)

step 6 - sew pocket onto liner (I added a stitch down the center creating two pockets)

step 7 - pin liner fabric to placemat

step 8 - sew liner onto placemat

step 9 - fold placemat, pin and stitch along sides (this creates the clutch "pocket")

(inside)

step 10 - add closure (I did velcro with sticky backing for ease and black for visibility on the post)

step 11 - add sweet little floral pin and enjoy!

I know - so simple and cute right?  I carried mine to church on Sunday and got tons of compliments. I will be making many more of these babies! What do you think? Are you a fan of the clutch or is it too much for you too keep up with? xo