The Tribune

Did you know that you do not have to be a purse designer to create a purse? You can learn how to make your own purse patterns without having to invest in tons of store-bought patterns or even enrolling in the traditional design school. And the really cool part is you can design exactly what you want.

Consider this. You have some fabric that was left over from your latest sewing project; or it is a piece of fabric you just went out and bought. Well, whether it is a print or a solid, you really want to have an exciting handbag to go with your new outfit. So, here is the novel idea. If your fabric is a print, consider taking your paint pen and outlining your design to create a custom look or start from scratch and create your original design to coordinate with your outfit.

The key word here is coordinate. In designing you do not want to match but to coordinate by pulling out key elements from your design. Select the main colours you wish to work with and create a design theme around that. If your garment is a solid then you have more freedom in expressing creativity in your handbag design.

So you see you don’t have to be a purse designer to create a fabulous handbag. Now with your fabric (or clothes) paint and bag making tips it is even easier to learn how to paint and design extraordinary fashion accessories.

For those of you who have a more adventurous side, why not consider painting a ready-made hat or shoes to top off your outfit. Fashion is such fun when you allow yourself to relax and flow with creativity.

Purse-making classes are an enjoyable and easy way to sharpen your skills. By adding a few novel fabric painting techniques along with your purse making, you can take your designs places where only the bold dare to go.

Dare to be bold; dare to be brilliant and begin creating your amazing purse today.

• Teri M. Bethel is the designer of Teri Monique Handbags, a line of custom made handbags and art purses for ladies. She is also a texture painting & handbag instructor. For more insights visit us at: http://www.paintwithtexture.com Tel: 242-676-4474