Bag of the Week 11

Polymer Clay Necklace Purse

Here’s something a little different this week.  I made this little necklace purse a number of years ago when I was experimenting with polymer clay.  The instructions were published in Belle Armoire magazine, published by Stampington & Company.  Unfortunately, I have gotten rid of all of my old Belle Armoire’s and cannot find information about this article online.  If anyone has old issues and finds the reference I would be grateful if you would share the information in a comment.

The purse was constructed from sheets of polymer clay rolled out with a pasta machine.  These sheets were then molded around a form which was created from layers of corrugated cardboard wrapped in aluminum foil.  Several colors of clay were kneaded together to give a mottled effect and the front and back were stamped with a rubber stamp using metallic gold ink.  Clay beads were added along the sides and bottoms and then the box was cut complete around to form the purse opening.  After baking (the clay is left on the form until after this step) a rattail strap strung with more beads was added.  Lastly, a black tassel was threaded through the bead on the bottom.

This is a unique purse that can be worn like a piece of jewelry.  It is very delicate and fragile so care must be taken when wearing it.  It is 3” by 4”, large enough to hold ID, credit card, money, lipstick and maybe even an iPhone.

Things have been very busy around my house recently.  I am currently working on a long-term home dec project and I am hoping to have a series of posts with pictures coming soon.

Comments

[Kathy S]

This is gorgeous, but have you ever used or worn it?

[Julie Bowersett]

Kathy, I wore it once to an event where I didn't want to carry a purse. It is pretty impractical but I liked the process of making it. I guess that's true of a lot of my purses/bags (and a few of my garments) -- they don't get much use but I like the creative process involved.