Sunday, May 15, 2011

(Balenciaga) Wallet to Bag: Easy DIY Tutorial

I love the idea of a clutch bag (and love seeing others rock it) but I also like keeping my hands free.  This is an easy way to have it all - just add a chain to your existing wallet for a light-weight and super cute mini-bag!  This can be used to turn your wallet into a wristlet, shoulder bag, or cross-body bag.

For this particular tutorial, I am using my Balenciaga Money Wallet in Electric Blue.  I think it's a shame that this beautiful color has to stay hidden within my purse so really wanted a way to showcase it :)

Side note: no wallet was harmed in the making of this tutorial so don't worry about any irreparable damage - this is a reversible process.


See tutorial after the jump:

What you'll need:
  • Wallet - usually the long kind with a flap work best
  • Matching chain - length depends on usage: wristlet, shoulder, or cross-body
  • Smaller chain - a few links shorter than the length of your wallet (not needed for wristlet, optional for shoulder and cross-body - I used this to make sure that my wallet didn't look too bulky closed)
  • Pliers

Step 1:  Using your pliers, gently open a link on your chain and attach to some kind of interior hardware.  I used the zipper.  

If you're making a wristlet, you're done!  Adding a loop of chain to your zipper hardware turns it into an instant wristlet.


If adding the optional smaller chain, just gently open the links and attach to your matching chain.



Step 2:  Run your chain along the length of your wallet flap

Step 3:  Close your wallet and you've got your bag!

Easy, right?  Ordinarily, I would include a modeling pic, but today I am wearing an ever glamorous Superman t-shirt (no one wants to see that LOL) so a mannequin will do for now:


15 comments:

  1. This is such a great DIY. I've always wanted a Bal accessory, but like you said, nobody would be able to see the gorgeous colored leather! I may have to consider this, along with a longer strap for a crossbody look. Great tutorial, SPG!

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  2. What a great idea! LOL I like the disclaimer about your wallet not being harmed ;)

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  3. This is a great idea. I might have to try this with my wallets. Thanks for the tutorial. It's very helpful as always :)

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  4. Omgosh you bal wallet is such a gorgeous amazing color!! The cobalt blue color is stunning!!

    You are the queen of DIY!! I love that you turned this bal wallet into a purse!!

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  5. You're always full of great ideas!!!

    I want to see your glamourous superman tshirt! Tell me where to buy it too, so that me and my dog can wear matching tshirts! :P

    -lor

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  6. Very clever DIY-Bal! Looks like a great bag for evenings out. :)

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  7. Great DiY! You are very goos at it! I like the result!!!
    xx
    http://dontcallmefashionblogger.blogspot.com

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  8. i agree. this electric blue deserves to be showcased.

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  9. Woo hoo! Love this DIY!

    And I love the blue color- so pretty!

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  10. omg the wallet is gorgeous! I am considering Balenciaga bags right now since I have another AWang on the way. haha Maybe I'll start off with this electric blue accessory..

    P.S. great idea with the chain! It totally matches the studs, but I'm not sure if chains will work with more "classy/elegant" wallets, if you catch my drift. hehe

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  11. oh i love this DIY! great idea on converting a clutch to something you can put over your shoulder!

    cute & little
    come check out the Color Brigade!

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  12. I don't think I get it. But that's okay because I think I'll poke my eyes out with pliers.

    I don't think I'm cut out for DIY, but one day, I'll see something on your blog I can do!

    I don't mind being called Aki or Laura here... People in real life call me both. =)

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  13. Beautiful! The electric blue color instantly attracted me. Now I WANT something like that too. What a clever idea! When you first stated that it was a Balenciaga, I was faint-of-heart that you were gonna use it in a DIY, but because you said it wasn't harmed in the process, I was quite relieved. =P Hooray for dual purposes!

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  14. Cee - Thank you! I do really like the money wallet - it has a bunch of compartments and of course like every other Bal just has this delicious leather smell :) I *think* I got this through HGBags a few years ago for a good deal.

    Elaine - Thanks so much! LOL, I figured people wouldn't want any permanent damage to their accessories (me included!).

    Sydney - Thank you! If you try it, let me know how it turns out! :)

    Lisa - Thank you! I so love this blue - so vibrant and glad now that I can display it to the world :)

    Lor - Thank you! LOL! I'm pretty sure my husband bought this at Wal-Mart a few weeks back bc he wanted to match my son's tee :)

    Hi Jen! Thanks! I can't wait to try it out!

    Francesca - Thanks so much dear!

    AubreyOhDang - :) Definitely! Can't wait to take it for a spin!

    Annie - Thank you! I love this blue too :)

    Jessy - I highly recommend Bals! They use such a gorgeous leather (the chevre on older styles is super soft and smooshy while the agneau seems a little more durable) and the distressing is so pretty with the hardware.

    Kileen - Thank you doll!

    Aki - Aww, sorry I'll try to be more clear next time! Was there something in particular that was confusing?

    LePetiteLemon - Thank you for dropping by and commenting! I definitely wouldn't want to permanently have an extra hole in something like this :)

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I'm the type of gal who gets giddy when I receive mail - it's no different with comments! I really appreciate the feedback and love hearing from you :)

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