I finally realized it’d have to be a DIY Ostrich bag. If there’s one thing you might be realizing about me, it’s that I’m very persistent. And, if it has to do with getting a stylistic idea in my closet, I’m doubly persistent. This has been the case with Shana’s, of The Mom Edit, awesome ostrich bag. She’s informed all her readers that this bag is out of stock–but I kept looking. I went to Ebay and other second-hand shops, and I even bought a feeble attempt from Poshmark. With that ($15) purchase being a major disappointment, I set to making my own ostrich bag. It was way easier than I anticipated. And now, hopefully, I have a similar awesome bag to the ever so stylish Shana Christine. If I could come anything close to her Style Story I will feel accomplished. I love this woman!
1. Gather the Supplies:
I knew that I didn’t want to spend much on the actual bag of this DIY because the ostrich feathers were going to be the costliest part of this project. I found an excellent option for under $5 at my local Spokane Value Village with the help of a sweet, young sales lady also eager to see this project work. I decided to go with a fabric bag with the thoughts that the feather would adhere best to fabric. I was right. The other supplies needed aside from the bag were the feathers, scissors, and the 3-1 glue used from my DIY Fringe Sandals. I also must give a shout out to the sweet young lady at the Spokane Valley Joann’s where I purchased the feathers. She made sure to get me the best possible discount on my ostrich feathers.
2. Glue a Line, Attach the Feathers, and Press Down.
Start by sectioning off the bag. I had three parts: the front of the bag, the back, and the flap. I would start by glueing a line across a section. Then I would carefully attach a section of the feather to the glue and press down.
3. Snake Around each Section.
For each section I would snake the line of feather around. I would glue a line onto the fabric, attach the feather, and snake around. The gal at Joann’s had told me to do it this way so as to create a haphazard flow of the feather. If I would have gone on in the same direction the feathers would have appeared in lines. This snaking around was important for getting the same look as Shana’s bag.
4. Be Careful with the Glue!
Ostrich feathers are abundant! Right away I realized I’d have to be careful not to get the feathers all mucked up with glue. I gently would hold the previous line’s feathers aside and glue the next line. Granted with all the feathers, it’s difficult to mess up. This is a very easy DIY since the feathers are very forgiving.
Voila! Now I just can’t wait to try styling my new DIY Ostrich Bag. Hopefully I can attempt to be as effortless as Shana!
Note: Take Off Details Before
As a side note, I could have taken off the gold flap decoration before starting, but I wasn’t sure if I would keep it or not. In the end I tore it off with a bit of finagling.
Okay, color me intrigued. How many rows did you have for the clutch? Roughly how much spacing between the rows? Did the edges of the feather ribbon cut stably or did you have to fuse the ends?
Hi Karen, I would say I left about an inch to an inch and a half between the rows. The flap has three rows of feather, the back has six, and the inside bit has three more. I used one long piece of feather for the back and inside bit and another shorter piece for the flap. You cannot see where anything begins or ends. This material is so forgiving with feathers masking up any errors that don’t even know about because I can’t see them! ;D I totally think you should give it a go. Let me know how it turns out!!
Ann
I think you did a brilliant job. Again. The bag looks very very nice. I hope it is also practical in use. Or is that not a prerequisite haha? You see, I do know difficult words, but I did not know “snaking around”. I still have difficulty to imagine it with the DIY and this bag (something about turning around in circles, coiling. But how you did that with the bag, I need a video LOL.
When I googled the meaning I stumbled upon the urban dictionary and the expression “snake around the bush” hahaha. That was the first explanation I read.
And the word “finagle” was new to me too. So thanks for broadening my vocabulary.
Greetje
Oh gosh! I need to be more explicit with my directions. I’m giving these DIY posts a try this summer since I like them so much. I guess I should have maybe added a diagram–I still can. Basically, if you think of a flat plane, like a piece of pair for example, and you take the pencil all the way across to the right and then go briefly down and turn to the left, doing this back and forth the whole length of the paper–that’s snaking around. Does that make sense?
And, honey! Who said a bag has to be practical! That’s what the husband’s pockets are for! Hehehe. Actually, it just looks cumbersome, but once the flap is up, it’s easy to get inside. Granted, I want be taking this one to the amusement park or even on a shopping excursion, but this little bag will be perfect for date nights or fancy events–especially those in which I would like to stand out, just like an ostrich would!!
Finagle too, I’m chuckling to myself. Well, I guess I have helped to increase your vocabulary with that word choice too.
Greetje, should I continue with more DIYs? I have tons of ideas!!
Love, Ann
Your explanation is fine. English is just not my native language so I will always have some difficulty in understanding. That is my handicap and not your problem. You cannot start writing on my level and bore the pants off of native speakers. Besides, I will never copy your DIY. I like reading about it and I think you are very clever, but I leave it to others to follow in your footsteps.
Ok, good to know Greetje. I really, really appreciate all your comments. Thank you so much! A x
Better warn you. I am Dutch. So sometimes I am very honest where I should have spared your feelings. Never intentionally to hurt, but sometimes just stupidly honest. Trying to dose this.
I love this and think I want to give it a try! I had seen Shana`s bag and loved it as well! You did a great job!
http://www.mylittlenest.org
Thanks Ruth! I can’t reiterate how easy it was. I like a very forgiving DIY project, and with all the feathers flying around, there’s no room to see any error. If you have a Value Village or Goodwill, you’ll definitely find the bag to use. Save on the actual bag because the ostrich feathers are pricey. Also, make sure to check Joann’s coupons before you buy the feathers. Let me know if you also make one! ;D Ann
This turned out FANTASTIC!!!
bisous
Suzanne
Thank you Suzanne! Is it too braggart if I agree! I love this bag!! GRIN!! A x