DIY Painted Clutch

I've been seeing all these great hand painted clutches here, here, and here on the internet and was very curious to try it myself.  Most people have been using the American Apparel clutches for this, but at $50 I was a little concerned that I would be spending too much money on something I didn't totally love.  I finally managed to find a clutch I liked on sale for under $20 and we were in business.

At the craft store, I purchased:

1. Painter's tape 

2.  A sponge brush 

3.  Martha Stewart Multi-Surface Satin Acrylic Craft Paint

I used a ruler and pen to measure and mark the area I wanted to paint, roughly the lower third of the bag.  Then I applied the painter's tape around all four sides of the area I wanted to paint.  Make sure to really press down on the tape, you don't want any paint sneaking in under there!

Then I painted and let dry between each coat.  I think I did 8 coats.  It took a lot of paint to cover up the pattern on this bag!  Then I peeled off the tape and viola- this adorable clutch!

 

 

Here it is in action! I love love love it.

Before/After

Today's before and after is a simple silver polishing. 
So easy and it makes such a difference!

I picked up this Italian silver plated bread/fruit basket at a thrift a few weeks ago, it's not in terrible shape but it definitely needs some freshening up.  For this project I bought "Wright's Silver Cream' polish at the grocery store for around 5 bucks.  I don't know much about these kind of products, or which one works better than the other, but this worked great for me so I am recommending it.  It comes with a sponge, and I also used a toothbrush and paper towels. 

Start by taking your silver piece, rub some cleaner on, keep rubbing and rubbing until you see the tarnish disappear.  Then make another go around, concentrating on the edges and crevices.  Wash with hot water and dry. 
Then comes the detailing.  Dip the toothbrush in silver polish and get in there!  Put a little elbow grease into it.  Think of your guests happy faces reflected in your glowing silver treasure!  Ok, that went a little too far.  Just get it done. Rinse again and dry.

And there you have it!  A beautiful piece for your home. 

Fill with food and arrange until pleasing to the eye.

Before/After

Look at that sad, colorless, ugly cat bowl.  I can't believe that I (and Strudel for that matter) have put up with this unflattering scenario for OVER 3 YEARS!!!

This dual bowl was part of Strudel's dowry when I adopted her but ever since I saw this post from Anabella over at Fieldguided, I have been wanting something cuter and classier for my own pet.

I wasn't able to find the same milk glass bowls that Anabella did, but while perusing the thrifts yesterday I spotted these bright yellow bowls that seemed like the perfect size. 

I love yellow with a passion so I was excited about the pop of color they would add to the kitchen.  Also, I was pretty stoked to find ANYTHING at a thrift store again after striking out all over town for the past week!  I didn't have the energy to run around LA trying to find some vinyl for a mat (where would I even begin?) but I substituted one of my old Target trays to hold the bowls and I think it looks pretty cute.  Thank you internets for the great idea!  I think Strudel will love it too.