Making Leather Purses & Totes [Paperback]

Lisa Galvin (Author), Inc. Prolific Impressions (Producer)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 28, 2006

From casual totes to stylish clutches, this compilation offers an irresistible assortment of chic leather projects. The simplicity of the techniques adds to its appeal; even novices can easily make each bag. Photos of the purses in each phase of construction, plus images of the finished items, provide guidance on working with this supple and durable material. Discover a variety of ways to tool, brand, punch, cut, stitch, glue, and embellish leather, and see how to add hardware, such as clasps and latches. Anyone would proudly show off the fringed Cell Phone Bag, Suede Hip Purse, and Alligator Grain Cowhide Handbag.

 

A Selection of the Crafters Choice Book Club.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Sterling (August 28, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1402740603
• ISBN-13: 978-1402740602
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 8.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,190,673 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Well done book with little to offer for serious projects, January 3, 2007

By 

S. Szakonyi "The Viking Trader" (Knox, IN 46534) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Making Leather Purses & Totes (Paperback)

This book is beautifully done, but suffers from the problems I've seen in other books on leather bags. The actual leather bag patterns are too small to be practical for use. Many of the bags as shown appeal only to young girls playing dress up. This is not to say that they couldn't be made tasteful, if still undersized. A few of the projects, surprisingly, are only accented by leather and are otherwise store bought bags. There are some good ideas in this book, but not enought to justify the price for the already accomplished leatherworker. I don't recommend it, and would have returned it if the shipping both ways would not have exceeded the cost of the book.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Didn't serve my purpose, sadly..., May 16, 2011

By 

S. Mcwalters (Ohio) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Making Leather Purses & Totes (Paperback)

If you're new to leather crafting, this book has a very nice section on tools and materials. There are quality photos, and good descriptions for the tools and their uses. However many of the actual projects disappointed me. I was particularly interested in having a pattern for the curve topped bag on the cover, but to my surprise, the materials needed for this project included "a curve topped bag" along with some trim. It's about sticking some embellishments onto a bag you're purchased, rather than actually making it. If I were interested simply buying a bag, I would have spent my money on that, rather than this book.

In any case, the title is misleading. If it were entirely honest, it would be something along the lines of "Crafts Involving Leather, and Leather Bags." Despite my disappointment, the book itself is good quality, with well laid-out instructions. However, it is misleading if, like me, you're hoping to find a lot of new patterns for actual bags.

If you're interested in some simple leather pouches and adding some embellishments to bags you already have, I imagine this would be a really helpful resource. If you're interested in actual patterns, I recommend checking elsewhere.

4 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Ideas!, March 7, 2007

By 

Barbara J. Chauncey (Carter, SD) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Making Leather Purses & Totes (Paperback)

This book has really great projects even for those of us who haven't done a lot of leather crafting before. There are some really unique looks that I know would look great with my wardrobe.