Jax

Who doesn't like a good juxtaposition in life, in art, in crafts?

Mr. Handsome scored big in the brownie-points department last week by surprising me with over 20 abandoned Army ammo bags. Score! (We've had this discussion about me and the little things in life, right? Apparently ammo bags that can be re-purposed are high on that list... who knew? And a giant kudos to Mr. Handsome for knowing me well enough to know that these little bags would make me do a happy little jig in the living room)

But, back to the bags.
I decided I'd rip apart two of them to make one giant slouchy handbag, and line it with something pretty and frilly and girlie...a nice contrast to the harsh Army green exterior. Originally I had some really gorgeous floral print silk all laid out. But, at the last second, I thought I'd do a prototype bag with a blue/green floral polyester lining...and I'm SO glad I did! It's turning out phenomenally!

I adapted the basic handbag pattern I used for the girls' playbags last week, keeping the pleats and the general shape, but switching a few things out for a more grown-up look.


You know what one of the best things about this bag so far is? (Beside the edging done in the original canvas strap? Which was a last minute decision that I'm in love with.) It's the random detailing I decided to add to the front of the bag! Check out those little fake-out rosettes I made! Cool huh? See that stamp just to the right of the rosettes? I'm pretty sure that tells you what kind of ammo was once in these bags...


Let's all studiously ignore the fact that this bag is not completed yet, shall we? I had a full weekend of shenanigans with Steph, Casino time with the gang, and now that football season is back in session...lazy football couchtime that may or may not have included Slurpees...

I'll be sure and post up when I finish this bag and attempt the silk lining, but for now let's all just ooooh and aaaaah at the process...