Frugal-nomics DIY: Faux Calf Hair Leopard Studded Clutch

One of my absolute favorite style bloggers is Wendy of Wendy’s Lookbook, and while perusing her site one day, I came across this gorgeous calf hair leopard-printed studded Valentino clutch that was simply stunning. So, I came across this great faux calf hair leopard-printed fur while I was grabbing the faux fur I used for my vest, and immediately knew what I’d do with it. Tell me what you think below.

SUPPLIES:
1/2 yard faux calf fur, 1/2 yard of silk lining, interfacing, a zipper, wire cutters, straight pins, about 70 pyramid studs, a rotary cutter, a straight edge, a thimble, and a sewing machine.

HOW-TO:
1. Cut (2) 14 x 9in rectangles of each of the faux fur and interfacing, and (2) of the silk lining 14.5 x 10in.
2. Use your wire cutters to remove all but 2 prongs (on opposite ends) from each of your pyramid studs (Note: it’s a little tedious, but glue wasn’t as secure as I would have liked, and if you leave on all the prongs, they rumple the fur).
3. While I did this step last, I’d like to suggest here that you apply your studs…because once you get it all sewn together it’s a little trickier to fold down the backs of the studs from the inside.
4. My zipper was a little too long, so I cut it down like I did here. Then I used my straight pins to secure it to one of my faux fur rectangles, face down.
5. I had to wrap my brain around how to attach lining and top fur….so I played with the concept on how to attach them both. So, while my faux fur was attached to one side of the zipper, I flipped the zipper over and pinned my hemmed silk lining to the “wrong” side of the zipper.
6. I laid it all flat here so you could see me attach the 2nd layer of fur to the “right” side of the zipper, with lining on the reverse.

HOW-TO CONT’D:
7. Sew your fur and lining respectively to your zipper.
8. This is how it looks thus far.
9. While sewing up the sides of my bag, I added the little 90 degree notch so zipper could be inset (like I did here with the throw pillows).
10. Last but not least, I pulled the lining out of the inner portion of the handbag, and stitched across the bottom (Note: you may have to pull it over the lining to sew the sides of it on the wrong side).