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Messenger Bag with a Thrifted Twist

It’s birthday season in our home, which means beginning in January we have one birthday a month until June when there is two celebrations.  This year will be different since I am expecting in early May, so we’ll have two in May and two in June.  I am completely anxious for spring!! Much like Christmas (and my Handmade Holiday series), birthday time around here means homemade or purposeful gifts. My youngest boy is so wanting to be like his older brother, so I decided to give him a messenger bag just like his brother’s…

DIY Messenger Bag with Graphics Fairy Applique by Prodigal Pieces www.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces…with all the fixings to go bird watching – a favorite pastime in my family.

DIY Messenger Bag with Graphics Fairy Applique by Prodigal Pieces www.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpiecesI will never deny that I am a thrifty person, and this project is no exception. After all, Thomas Edison said it best, “The scope of thrift is limitless.”  My kind of man.

All the materials for this bag came from second-hand purchases or were made at home, (minus the velcro & thread).  Just time and creativity were all that were needed.

The basic pattern idea came from One-Yard Wonders: 101 Sewing Fabric Projects; Look How Much You Can Make with Just One Yard of Fabric! I changed it to suit my liking and redesigned it a bit to meet the needs I had in mind.

BETTER

For instance, I like boxed-corner bags for their ability to open wide and stand on their own when using a sturdy fabric.

DIY Messenger Bag with Graphics Fairy Applique by Prodigal Pieces www.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpiecesI found all the fabric at Goodwill ($1 a yard minus my 20% off coupon = cheap!) and it was brand new denim, pinstripe blue, and sort of stretch cotton canvas for the lining – all found at different times.  Never miss an opportunity to peruse the aisles of fabric for great finds!

DIY Messenger Bag with Graphics Fairy Applique by Prodigal Pieces www.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

DIY Messenger Bag with Graphics Fairy Applique by Prodigal Pieces www.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

See how it sits up all by itself so that my toddler-turned-big-boy can reach in for his equipment.  Also, I add a cut of thin foam to line the base which adds to the sturdiness.

NEXT STEPS

Now for the fun bird graphic.  Did you know there is no need to buy the expensive inkjet fabric sheets and that you can make your own?

DIY Messenger Bag with Graphics Fairy Applique by Prodigal Pieces www.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

DIY Messenger Bag with Graphics Fairy Applique by Prodigal Pieces www.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpiecesWith the idea of giving my little guy a bird-watching bag, I wanted to add that theme to the outside, but definitely my style is vintage, like this adorable yellow bird image.

Vintage Yellow Bird Graphic Clip Art by The Graphics Fairy via Prodigal Pieces
Just follow the instructions for printing, cut out the graphic (I used pinking shears), and stitch on the awesome image.
DIY Messenger Bag with Graphics Fairy Applique by Prodigal Pieces www.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpiecesOne last tidbit. I never throw anything that purpose away and it always pays off. For the life of me, I couldn’t find a sliding adjustable clip for the strap ANYWHERE!  And, I didn’t have time to order it online, so I went to my stash of deconstructed purses. In addition, my stash includes all sort of hardware, and found exactly what I needed.  A cast-off dog collar I found in my yard.
DIY Messenger Bag with Graphics Fairy Applique by Prodigal Pieces www.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpiecesYou see, my neighbor has an escape artist husky dog that chews out of the collar in a matter of hours and left this one in my yard. It had the exact hardware I needed – bingo!! I love it when things work out like that.

Here’s my little guy’s gift in it’s entirety:

  • Messenger Bag
  • Canvas Sun Hat – found new at thrift store – 80 cents
  • Binoculars – $10 at Walmart
  • Journal – $1 at dollar store
  • Vintage Audubon Bird Call – $1 + shipping on ebay (I love these little things!)
  • Audubon Plush Bird – from JoAnn with 40% off coupon

DIY Messenger Bag with Graphics Fairy Applique by Prodigal Pieces www.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

I’m not sure which he liked more out of the set, but he can’t wait to take it out and put it to use…just like his big brother.

DIY Messenger Bag with Graphics Fairy Applique by Prodigal Pieces www.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

DIY Messenger Bag with Graphics Fairy Applique by Prodigal Pieces www.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Got questions?  I’d love to help you if you need it! To get these DIY tips & tricks in your inbox, be sure to sign up for my newsletter. Until next time!

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Also, more stitching eye candy for you like my messenger bag:

Handmade Feedsack, Linen, and Leather Purse by Prodigal Pieces www.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpiecesVintage Chair Gets Feed Sack Makeover by Prodigal Pieces www.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Comments

  1. Jeanette@Creating A Life says

    Larissa, I think grown women would even love a bag like that! You are so amazing. Such a perfect, well thought out gift for your little guy.
    Hope you have a wonderful week!

    Jeanette

  2. Shannon Fox says

    Well. You are just to thrifty and handy!! That is the cutest and you little looks adorable with it :)))

  3. TLady says

    This is one of the NICEST projects I’ve seen done with Graphic’s Fairy Images!!! I LOVE “deals” at the store too!!:) AND your little boy looks QUITE HAPPY!!!!!!!!!:) It’s NICE to have a mom who knows how to do things!!!!:)

  4. Wendi @ H2OBungalow says

    Too creative! We love bird watching too:) My son and I used to look up the different birds on the water in our back yard together. Girl you can sew too! Talented you!!

    • Larissa says

      Ha! Yes, I used to do it more often, but lack the time…one day! I’ve got scads of people wanting my feedsack purse and am trying to decided whether or not to commit to it. Thanks for stopping by! 🙂

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Client Love

I love it! Larissa is amazing. She listened to what I wanted and then she took care of the rest! This is my second piece I've bought from her and I'm in love! I highly recommend her.

~ Laurel

Prodigal Pieces
2020-03-21T21:34:13-04:00

~ Laurel

I love it! Larissa is amazing. She listened to what I wanted and then she took care of the rest! This is my second piece I've bought from her and I'm in love! I highly recommend her.

I love this cart, it's exquisite. The item was received in extremely secure packaging, no damage to the item. The delivery person was very professional and courteous. Larissa of Prodigal Pieces is so very amazing. A rating of 10 is deserved. Thank you, Larissa.

~ Stephanie

Prodigal Pieces
2020-03-21T21:39:34-04:00

~ Stephanie

I love this cart, it's exquisite. The item was received in extremely secure packaging, no damage to the item. The delivery person was very professional and courteous. Larissa of Prodigal Pieces is so very amazing. A rating of 10 is deserved. Thank you, Larissa.

I should have left this review MONTHS ago! I absolute love this lunch bag. I honestly carry this 5 days a week. It is the perfect size! Not only can you put your lunch in it, it can also hold your book. I enjoy reading at lunch, so I have all I need in one cute bag. Thank you so much Larissa!

~ Mikki

Prodigal Pieces
2020-03-21T21:43:16-04:00

~ Mikki

I should have left this review MONTHS ago! I absolute love this lunch bag. I honestly carry this 5 days a week. It is the perfect size! Not only can you put your lunch in it, it can also hold your book. I enjoy reading at lunch, so I have all I need in one cute bag. Thank you so much Larissa!

Awww…I love this sweet Cat with an attitude!! SO SO adorable! Well worth the money, and he will become a priceless treasure in my home! Thanks Larissa for always making your ideas turn into true treasures!

~ Sharon

Prodigal Pieces
2020-03-21T21:45:37-04:00

~ Sharon

Awww…I love this sweet Cat with an attitude!! SO SO adorable! Well worth the money, and he will become a priceless treasure in my home! Thanks Larissa for always making your ideas turn into true treasures!

Perfect purchase from start to finish! Absolutely adorable piece so creatively thought out. Packed with the greatest of care with lightening fast delivery. Very customer-oriented and friendly crafter. Could not ask for more! Thank you!

~ Deanna

Prodigal Pieces
2020-03-21T21:52:00-04:00

~ Deanna

Perfect purchase from start to finish! Absolutely adorable piece so creatively thought out. Packed with the greatest of care with lightening fast delivery. Very customer-oriented and friendly crafter. Could not ask for more! Thank you!
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