DIY Network

Chinese Takeout Purses From "Embellish This!" episode DEMB-101

Host Dena Fishbein shows you how to take an ordinary Chinese takeout box and turn it into a unique purse!

Materials:

Chinese takeout box
Fabric
Spray glue
Button
Velcro dot
Beads
Scissors
Needle nose pliers
Glitter
Button shank clipper
Sheet of paper
Mono Aqua glue
Translucent paper
Wire
Wire cutters

Note: You may have to ask for a new takeout box at your favorite local Chinese restaurant.

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C

1. Remove the handle from the box.

2. Lay the box flat and make a template with translucent paper if your fabric is a large print to get optimum placement of the fabric's design.

3. Trim the fabric about an inch from the edge of the box in the same design as the box. Spray glue the fabric really well to the outside of the box and then smooth it down to get out any bubbles, etc. Cut little darts at the indentations (figure A) and it will make it easier to fold.

   Safety tip: You need to be in a well-ventilated area when you spray the glue to the fabric.

4. Fold the fabric over the edge to secure.

5. Fold the box back into shape and poke holes through the fabric with an awl for the handle.

6. Cut a length of wire, shape the handle into a curve and bend one side of the handle back into place through the hole on the side of the box.

7. Thread beads onto the handle wire (figure B) and secure onto the other side of the box.

   Tip: Use a little more wire at the end for the new hook to accommodate the thickness of the beads.

8. Clip the shank off the back of the button (figure C) and glue the button onto the top of the purse.

9. Adhere the Velcro dot under the button.

10. Apply glue to areas where you want glitter.

11. Sprinkle glitter onto the wet glue areas and shake off the extra onto a piece of paper.

RESOURCES :

Wire, Wire Cutters and Beads (Westrim Crafts)
Westrim Crafts
Van Nuys, CA 91406
Toll-free phone: 800-727-2727
Phone: 818-988-8280
Fax: 818-901-6479
E-mail: customerservice@westrimcrafts.com
Website: www.westrimcrafts.com

Hot Glue Gun (Adhesive Technologies)
Adhesive Technologies, Inc.
3 Merrill Industrial Dr.
Hampton, NH 03842-1995
Phone: 603-926-1616
Toll-free phone: 800-544-1021
Email: customerservice@adhesivetech.com
Website: www.adhesivetech.com