This is a simple clutch that is big enough for some cash and a phone. I actually made this one a year ago but never edited the videos for some reason. Here we finally have it! I had the idea of making this when I saw the clear stamps back when I visited Taiwan. I decided to make an envelope theme clutch so I could use them. The clutch was even simpler as I wasn't planning on adding the side pieces. I like how much more space it has now and still looks great.
Check out the video to make it: https://youtu.be/YDoAzrIV_8s
Print out the patterns.
Free pattern to download: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/vrncleather/e/169301
Make them into templates. I used construction papers to make them by simply gluing the pattern printing papers to the construction papers and then cutting them into individual pieces. The benefit of doing so is to have something more solid to use on the leather.
I used vegetable-tanned leather for the front pocket and part of the handle. Natural vegetable-tanned leather allows you to dye and stamp to customize the look.
Cut a piece slightly larger than the template for the main panel. Then trace the outline to the leather.
I used these postal clear stamps. Be careful once the leather takes the ink there is no way back.
I wasn't trying too hard to stamp them. I like the imperfection of the imprint that makes them more realistic.
I sprayed some water on the leather first to saturate the leather so that it doesn't pick up the dye too fast which makes the distribution more even.
I used leather dye in the color of honey.
Then I used dark brown leather dye on the edge for the aging effect.
I accidentally flipped over the container full of dye! It looks kind of cool and added more characteristics so I decided to keep it.
Wait for the dye to dry for a bit.
Then I applied a coat of neetsfoot oil. This will nourish the leather as the dye dries the leather.
Leave it to dry overnight.
Then apply a coat of leather finisher. I put way too much in the video. It was my first time using this finisher and it can cover quite a large area with a small amount.
Tada!
This is a matt finisher but because I used too much it's quite shiny.
Cut the leather according to the templates.
This is what the clutch looks like so far. Fold the leather according to the guidelines. I also pressed down those folding lines.
Bevel the edges.
Apply edge paint...
and burnish.
Moving on we are going to make the closure for the clutch. I was trying to mimic a wax seal.
Cut a piece of leather for embossing.
I don't have any machine or tools for this process so I will try my best to emboss the leather.
I first soaked the leather in water.
Then hammered the metal stamp on the leather. It's rather subtle.
I used pigskin for the liner of the closure.
Install magnetic snap on the liner. I used a pretty strong one for the clutch.
Install the other part to the main panel.
On the back of the snap, I used a piece of fabric tape to prevent the metal from scratching anything that goes inside.
To attach the wax seal, the snap liner goes under the flap and the imprinted leather goes on top.
Glue them up.
I used a stitching hole roller to mark on the seal. The piece is too small for the hole punches I normally use. If I were to use punches that have wider width the sewing lines wouldn't be as round.
Sew the seal up~
Now let's make the sides. I used cowhide liner, which is chrome-tanned leather around 2 oz.
Fold the leather piece in half along the long side with the right side out.
Then fold the leather out to the folding line we created last step with the wrong side out.
It will go on the main panel like this.
Glue it on.
Sew it up and finish the edges.
We are done!
I would have taped the fabric tape all the way across to make it look nicer now I am looking at it.
