This handmade Indiana Jones satchel, like the Upholstery Sample Backpack, was made for my 3 year-old son. And, like the backpack, it’s a quick project that is elegant in its simplicity. My son really enjoys the Lego Indiana Jones game, and loves to pretend he’s Indy. And what would Indy be without his satchel? I used a panel from a leather skirt to make this purse, and it only took me about twenty minutes to put together. If you don’t have any thrifted leather lying around, how about a couple pieces of wool, craft felt, imitation leather, brown fleece, or scrap fabric? Any of these will work well for a play satchel.
Just like yesterday’s project, this is quick and dirty, and doesn’t have any of the niceties I would include on a purse for myself (like extra pockets, lining, topstitching, or finished edges). I think it’s a pretty handsome leather purse, though, honestly! It’s a fabulous Indy satchel, and although my preschool son can’t appreciate how nice it is, I’m hoping it will last for a couple years (when he will probably appreciate it a bit more).
Project Estimate:
Thrifted leather garment, $1 and up (probably more than $1)
Leather needle for your sewing machine, $1 (a pack of 5 for about $3-5)
Heather Mann is chief editor of Dollar Store Crafts, and specializes in transforming inexpensive materials into stylish and simple craft projects. She has appeared on the Martha Stewart Show, in Reader’s Digest and the New York Times. DSC has been recognized as named one of Babble.com’s Top 10 Best Overall Craft Blogs (2011 & 2012) and Apartment Therapy’s 10 Crafty Blogs We Love (2010). Her work has been viewed by millions on the cover of FamilyFun magazine and on top websites such as RealSimple, Huffington Post, ABCNews.com, and others.
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8 Comments
Kathy V.
What a great idea! I can see Lewis running around with this on. Now he needs an Indy hat.
I got a leather jacket at a yardsale a few weeks ago for $.25! Yep, a brown leather jacket for a quarter! I bought it knowing I’d take it apart and make something else out of it. Haven’t found the perfect project yet, but, thanks to you, have an idea of how to take it apart and use the pieces.
Such a cool one! I think it looks really fancy and finished, even though you say it’s quick and dirty. Good tips on working with leather, thanks, Heather!
Katherine Anderson
Hello,
Are you telling us to sew the leather with a sewing machine or by hand? Many years ago I found a BUNCH of different color, pattern and width leather that a store going out of business was going to throw away! I grabbed it. The problem is that I have tried to 2 leather pieces together with a sewing machine but it stitches didn’t hold.
What should I do.
8 Comments
Kathy V.
What a great idea! I can see Lewis running around with this on. Now he needs an Indy hat.
Samantha
Thanks for the info. I have a big piece of thrifted leather. Not sure what I’m going to make yet, but thanks for the tip on not sticking pins in it.
Dana
I got a leather jacket at a yardsale a few weeks ago for $.25! Yep, a brown leather jacket for a quarter! I bought it knowing I’d take it apart and make something else out of it. Haven’t found the perfect project yet, but, thanks to you, have an idea of how to take it apart and use the pieces.
Blessings–
Dana
Mich L.
Such a cool one! I think it looks really fancy and finished, even though you say it’s quick and dirty. Good tips on working with leather, thanks, Heather!
Katherine Anderson
Hello,
Are you telling us to sew the leather with a sewing machine or by hand? Many years ago I found a BUNCH of different color, pattern and width leather that a store going out of business was going to throw away! I grabbed it. The problem is that I have tried to 2 leather pieces together with a sewing machine but it stitches didn’t hold.
What should I do.
Thank you,
Katherine Anderson