For Spring 2013 Chanel showed a number of butterfly motifs on their accessories: and this sweet quilted leather bag was no exception. 
From the Pick Your DIY pinboard that we set up for the Pick Your DIY Bloggers Collaboration Week, the Chanel butterfly bag image (pictured above) received a ton of likes and repins. So here is how to make an approximation of it:
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I picked up this iron-on decal set last Spring when I visited Japan.
Japan is such a treasure trove of nonsensical English. I find it summarily hilarious.
So of course I could NOT pass up this “Beau Chat” iron-on decal. I am a crazy cat lady at heart (who happens to unfortunately currently reside with this crazy Ewok-lookalike dog instead of a big pile of cats, which is my someday personal goal).
So I can only surround myself with cat-themed items and try to be consoled in the meantime. A stern-looking tabby sporting the crown jewels is an excellent addition to my collection.
I figured the title of this iron-on image was French. “Good Cat,” I believe, unless my French is really terrible (which, okay, it is…a kind reader told me it is “Handsome Cat.” Whoops.). “Since 1902” it also proclaims in English (making it one very OLD handsome cat, apparently).
And then follows a chopped-up paragraph in German. I don’t speak German, but the online translator says it is something about being outdoorsy, wine, and making a blunder over a duration of time. Maybe.
But the back of the bag is the best.
My cat is only active at night.
YOU ARE BLOWING MY MIND
I mean seriously, who could resist a bag that accuses people of blowing the owner’s mind??!? I always feel that my mind is blown by the amazing-ness (and sometimes craziness) of other people. I think this accusation is excellent in a proactive sort of way.
I made the bag following a pattern from a Japanese pattern-book I have; you could also use this pattern here and come up with a similar result. 
The faux leather handles were also from Japan; you can buy similar ones here. The grey Essex linen I used for the outside I bought from this Etsy shop (I LOVE this stuff!), and the toile-print lining I bought from the fabric store. 
The iron-on is of course uniquely Japanese, but you can find something similar here and add some crazy paragraphs in a variety of languages on the computer if necessary.
This little, crazy tote is the perfect size for a quick run out, or just a wonderful conversation-starter.
From one crazy cat lady to all of you~
xo
Carly
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I love taking little scraps of things – whether they be paper, lace, or fabrics – and turning them into pretty accessories. Plus I also have an obsession with teeny, tiny things…like mini-books, which can hold all your secrets and ideas, stored away on your person. And what better way to create a personalized gift for a loved one this February? I dreamed up this DIY for Valentine’s Day – which will use up a very tiny amount of little bits of fabric, leather (or pleather, vinyl, or other fabrics), and cardstock you may have lying around. Here’s how:
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Hi everyone! Happy Martin Luther King Jr. Day!
I’ve teamed up with the dress e-tailer London Times to do 2 DIYs featuring their dresses. The first of two is up on their blog today: a DIY Metallic Envelope Clutch (made from a plastic file folder, some felt…and a surprising metallic material!) Click through to find out what it is and how to make one yourself…
Happy DIY’ing!
xo
Carly
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While I was in Japan last April/May, despite the unhappy circumstances of my visit I did manage to go to some craft stores to see the latest trends and products. One thing I came across were these beautiful vintage-style iron-on decals by Eruberu Co, Ltd. They’re a company that manufactures a number of craft-related supplies, and these decals were just so lovely and whimsical I couldn’t help buying a few to play with. Victorian-style kitties, bunnies, little girls, roses, and birds, oh my!
So I brought them home to Oregon to my trusty old iron and ironing board, and decided to whip up some quick little keychain charms using some scrap leather I had lying around. And if you can wield an iron, you can easily make these pretty little keychain rings and cell phone charms too! Here’s how: (more…)
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Carly J. Cais I am a DIY’er, designer, sewist, maker, and marketer. Chic Creative Life is where I share what I do, and help others bring their unique style into their own lives.
