Easy DIY gift: Purse Strap Bracelet

Purse Strap Bracelet

Since it is the holiday season I figured I would try to come up with some more DIY gifts for those of you who love to make your gifts or might be short on $ or ideas. Today's gift took me all of 5 minutes to make and cost me $0.
Using the strap and hardware from an old broken purse I created two chic bracelets. These are the perfect rescue gifts to having lying around just in case, or to give to a trendy co-worker, friend, or family member.

Supplies:
-Old purse strap (best material is leather and pleather)
-Purse hardware to use as clasp, you can also buy this from your favorite craft/fabric store
-Matching color thread
-Sewing Machine
-Scissors

1. Starting at one end of the purse strap cut a length of strap to fit your wrist + about 2 inches for each side that you need to sew into a loop. I was lucky that my purse straps ended in the toggle claps so I only had to sew the second loop meaning I only added two inches to my bracelet length. If you have to add loops on both ends add 4 inches. You can trim off the extra.

2. Thread sewing machine and use the correct needle for the fabric you're sewing. Place either clasp or the metal ring through one end of bracelet strap. About an inch down fold the strap over with the hardware inside, creating the loop. Sew into place with two straight seams.

3. Repeat at other end if you need to. Make sure you size the loops so the finished bracelet will fit your wrist. Trim any extra material.

If you have a really long purse strap you can use this same technique to make a belt. Or you can use this process to turn an old belt into a new bracelet.

Enjoy!