What would You like on your Purse?
Can you help me? I have a Question… Over the last year I have been tossing an idea around in my mind. (Actually I toss a lot around in there but that’s another story…)
I am going to Up-cycle some beautiful purses and bags. They are quality brands that I have collected and restored.
My dream is to provide another life for these bags by painting designs on the. I hope they will be loved again and perhaps be even more cherished as art pieces. The illustrator/artist in me has been yearning to do a bit more painting lately. That spurred this idea; ‘Repurposed-Repursed‘.
RePurposed – RePursed:
Each one will be a one-of-a-kind art piece. I’ve done this often for my loved ones, but I knew what would make them smile (or sometimes cry)
Now my question is; what would you just love to see on your bag? This is a question of ‘Surface Design’, trends and images that are always well received.
Here’s some of what I’ve painted already to give you an idea of the possibilities;
Pets and Flowers are always sentimental but I want to be more unique.
Please comment below and let me know. I would really appreciate your feedback, who knows, maybe I’ll paint your idea!
I am hoping to pop them into my Etsy store or a local Artist Co-op Store.
I love all those things you have already painted! What about butterflies? I hardly see anymore. A lion, tiger or cheeta. Maybe a lovely short love poem. Or an inspirational saying like I am a Breast cancer survivor.
When I was at the beach I saw the most amazing Cecropia Moths I have been wanting to use those images! It’s a rare sighting! I also love the idea of being a cancer survivor! Thanks!
Hi Barb!
Your imagination and creativity far surpass any ideas that I could ever come up with. I love all your creations, but what I am particularly drawn to are the natural landscapes which feature leaves, rocks, trees, weathered wood, pebbles, flowing waters, etc., or perhaps just some abstract designs in the colours of nature. Hope this helps!
Yes, likewise! That’s what I painted and hung on the walls. I’m happy to get so many who love nature!
My suggestions would be a Chihuahua, Halloween design would be unique. Vintage car, always flowers.
I love what you do with embroidery. Is it possible to stencil a small design? I like what you do with fabric. Wondering if fabric ideas can be tranlated to leather. I do not know how to do any of the work you do, but appreciate seeing and reading about it,
I think I know what you mean; interesting concept! My biggest challenge is deciding! Waaaay too many ideas floating in my head!
How about a Llama? They dress up so well! I’m very interested in learning how to paint on leather and faux leather purses.
Leather painting is pretty simple. ‘Just make sure to prep the surface.
Love the brand name and I liked the cardinal😊Carol
I love the cardinal as well, red is so great to paint!
From the stuff you already do – the landscapes are lovely- something like that would look good on a bag.
The “Creations of Adam” jacket- and the words – are neat
The Barbie “Lets Go Arty” Is a fun theme.
Coincidentally I did paint some of that on jean jacket I better get going! ‘Oh how many great ideas!
I think some of the purses would take well to being painted with abstracted ‘industrial’ themed scenes.
That would appeal to some city-dwellers I bet! I’m working on a few variations… 🤞🏻
I am not really a purse person, but I can promise if you ever did a book (or even a downloadable PDF) with worksheets on how you paint your adorable animals I would buy it in a heartbeat! These little critters make me so happy! I don’t usually make New Year’s resolutions but I have promised myself that in 2026 I’m going to learn how to draw/paint relatively simple animals. I have done craft shows (primarily painting) for years, and I have so many surfaces that would be fun to use. I hope you will consider adding this type of teaching resource in the future.
I commend your enthusiasm. I will try to include more videos that include the process of painting. I used to teach perspective drawing, but what you’d like is a simple start to understanding how to layer. I bet there’s some good ways to start out there…
City landscapes or known landmarks
Thanks! I am quite surprised at the consensus as I had thought the typical choice of flowers would be high. In the vast world of surface design (patterns on your fabrics etc) florals seem to dominate.