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Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Upcycled Army Bag

Last month at Sweet Salvage, I picked up this old Army bag. It smelled a little musty, but I had high hopes that I could turn it into something really cool. It has a long leather handles that can be strapped across the body if needed, and lots of pockets. I got it home and hauled out my stash of lace, burlap webbing and metal doodads.

And, here is the finished project!! I am so happy with the way it came out. I've already taken it out for a spin and gotten many comments on it. It has a cool shabby, industrial feel to it, don't you think??
I mean, who wants to carry a bag that looks like everyone else's?


I added lace and burlap furniture webbing to the top flap and added some twisted fabric roses to make sure it had enough feminine appeal.

Then more lace and some fun finds for the pockets.

It will be perfect to take with me on my next flea market adventure, as it has so much room inside to carry many little trinkets.

51 comments:

StasaLynn said...

Beautiful as always Karen!

bobbie said...

Very adorable ~ great transformation!!!

Helena White said...

Hi Karen! You are amazing! Your creations always inspire me. This shabylicious!

debi said...

What a beautiful transformation!! I love it!

melanie said...

very very fun!

Rhonda said...

So amazing, what an incredible bag!
Love it!

Lisa said...

What a gorgeous transformation! This would be so fun to carry!

Carol Salisbury said...

Oh my what a gorgeous, unique, bag! Love it!

Robin said...

This is such an awesome bag Karen! You have created something functional yet beautiful, great job.

Hugs,
Robin

suziqu's thread works said...

Looks fantastic Karen - can't believe it is the same bag! The style is so sensible - the Army got that right!

I have a little giveaway on my blog with wonderful Vicki's "Grow Your Blog" with some completed projects. I know you have had a big hand in helping her get this off the ground!

We are still a bit in recovery mode here at home after a horrendous bush fire on our door step here a few days ago!
Hugs,
Suzy

Anne said...

Very cute and stylish bag transformation!
xx
Anne

Sandra Kaye said...

I think you did a wonderful job:):) Your bags are always beautiful:):) hugs- S

Jennifer Pearson Vanier said...

I have refused to carry a purse ever since my three sons got out of diapers, however this wonderful makeover has me thinking of finding an old khaki bag of my own! Fabulous.

Unknown said...

Great re-do Karen, I bet you get lots of compliments and have started a new trend.
Darling idea, Hugs Marilou

desertsandbeyond said...

Oh, that is so cool! I LOVE old bags like that. There's an army surplus store here in the desert that I may visit next weekend! :-)

Unknown said...

What a great transformation!
Cheers, Gee

Ceekay-THINKIN of HOME said...

Karen, it is adorable!

Elderberry Dreams said...

This is such a COOL look!!! I love it!!

Lea @ CiCis Corner said...

Well, as my Grandmother used to say, "that's just Jim Dandy!" So, so cute!

Amber Dillon-Bramlett said...

Looks great! I'm inspired to do my own.

Unknown said...

Oh my goodness Karen! Im in love with that bag! Outstanding and what a neat idea! If I ever find a bag thats similar, would you mind terribly if I monkeyed it? Just lovely!

oldgreymare said...

It's a winner for sure <3

Blessed Serendipity said...

That is the CUTEST backpack ever.

Danielle

Shabby chic Sandy said...

This is adorable! When I saw the first picture I thought "I'm not going to be interested int his post.." but then when i saw what you did I was amazed! This is just awesome. Thanks so much for sharing--it is inspiring and perfectly shabby chic!

Marpet said...

Thats a love bag!!!!!And a lovely blog also..........
greetings marjolein

Corry said...

so Beautyful ans adoreble
Corry

morkaren said...

Hvor er du kreativ, fra at være en ulækker gammel rygsæk er den blevet en helt unik taske som alle kvinder vil sukke efter. knus morkaren.

Sea Witch said...

This bag is singing to me. Gotta make a few trips to the Army-Navy store now.Love this bag.

morkaren said...

Hvor er du kreativ, du har forvandlet en gammel "ulækker" rygsæk til et vidunder af en taske, som alle kvinder ville sukke efter. knus morkaren.

Art From The heart said...

Ok ! So why is it I never find good stuff like that ??
I love what you did,awesome!
Hugs

Sylvia/LittleTreasures said...

WOW..it got my attention right away. And it is totally adorable. My son has been in the Army for 15 or so yrs and I love anything that revolves around his crazy life. I'll have to show this to him and do a couple for his little girls.
Thanks for sharing that special talent you have of giving us upbeat fun.

Marrianna said...

Who woulda thunk it?

Laurel Stephens said...

The pretty delicate lace and flowers against the heavy masculine canvas is just wonderful.

DownTheLaneWithDaisy said...

too cute for words!!!

Pendra said...

I've got to go dig out my hubby's old army bag...and figure out how to get that stinky stink out! This is amazing...I love it! Leave it to you, only you!
Hugs,
Pendra

Shell said...

Have to echo what everyone said. A beautiful and dreamy bag.

Deborah@Green Willow Pond said...

It's gorgeous! I like your coffee sack back too. I rarely find purses I like. This one is great.

((hugs)) Deborah

pipigirl said...

well, just how darncute is that..... sheer genius i say!

Sumaya at Evocative Vintage said...

WOW! What a tranformation! You are one talented gal! I can hardly believe its the same bag. You will never tell if you did not see the before!

xx

Debbie said...

You're amazing, Karen. Such an eye for detail. You've done a perfect job on your backpack!

Karen B. said...

Dear Karen,
such a wonderful tranformation. I love your bag!

hugs
Karen B. ~ Todolwen

Unknown said...

Your army bag came out just wonderful...
I agree, who want's to have a bag that is like everyone else's!
Thanks so much for sharing.
Michele

Sheila Rumney said...

Love it!!! You did such a great job on it... makes me want to find one!

Debbie-Dabble Blog and A Debbie-Dabble Christmas said...

What a great idea!! It looks lovely!!

Hugs,
Debbie

Vintage Street Designs said...

Wow...talk about beautifying an old army bag! It looks AMAZING!!! I'll be pinning this! :)

Erika said...

This is just too damn cute! I love it, as I love all Army stuff. I'm a earth tone drab Army olive type of gal ;) Great idea!!
~Erika

Anonymous said...

Just a suggestion from a mom of two teens, but I think teen girls would grab these up like they grab up sale items at Anthropologie. You may have a shop that I'm not aware of and if you do or if you are on etsy... would you let me know? Thanks! Great job!
melinda

Kadee Willow said...

Karen... this is amazing!!! There's no doubt in my mind that you get stopped a bizzillion times with the question "where did you get that?" Just love it!!

Ladydy5 aka: Diane Yates said...

I could not believe how tat army bag looked after you got your creative hands on it. Adorable

Carole Meunier said...

I love it! bravo

Unknown said...

I saw your Military Bag in "Haute Handbags"
I Love it, Love it. Good job.
Toody
Cotton and Canvas.

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