First I have to apologize to you.

I haven’t posted in forever.

Between having my mom in town all week and also getting our baking project underway, I have neglected you.

It won’t happen again.

Okay, I can’t promise that but I’ll do my best.

Tell me. What’s better than an innovative project that involves coffee, recycling and fashion accessories?

Anyone? Bueller? Bueller? Bueller?

I’m not coming up with anything….

Recycled burlap coffee bean bag purses are the hot topic today.. (or tonight since it’s currently 10:30pm)

You heard me.

I have a friend named Aletheia. Among Leathy’s many talents is her awesome  skill for making recycle-chic purses from old coffee bags.

I contacted her a few weeks back and ask if she would put together a tutorial for us on how she does them. Just so you know, she makes and sells these so if you LOVE them (which I do) and want one (which I do) her info is at the bottom of this post. Here is a pic of her purse finished..

Here is the tutorial in Leathy’s words (sorry, my computer had problems with the first two pics):

Step #1: Pick out a burlap coffee bean bag

Step #2: Cut two pieces of the burlap. Width should be twelve inches and the length 20 inches. Fold over the top 3 inches twice and pin it to make the final size 12 inches by 14 inches. Feel free to play around with the size of your bag! Mine come out different every time

Step #3:  Sew down the 3inch fold at the top. After sewing down add a pocket, applique, buttons, or any other decoration you would like on your purse. On this particular purse I appliqued a Koala for my Sister-in-law. After all your decorations are added face the right side to each other and sew the bag inside out. Make sure you only sew the sides and bottom!

Step #4: After turning the bag right side out again use a yarn or embroidery thread to make decorative stitches around the sides and top of the purse.

Step #5: Cut a liner 12inches by 14 inches using sturdy exciting fabric. Also cut a pocket 3×6 inch. Hem the top of the liner and the top of the pocket by folding it down ¼ of an inch twice. Sew the pocket onto the liner and then turn the liner inside out and sew the three edges (sides and bottoms).

Step #6: Keep the liner facing inside and out and drop it into the purse. Don’t sew it into the purse yet! Next make a strap using a fabric similar to burlap, but not burlap. Burlap can be itchy on bare shoulders. I have found that linen made for curtains works great for this! I sew the strap 41 inches long and 7inches wide. I fold over the strap and sew right down the side – making the strap 3inches wide.

Step #7: Sew the strap to the inside of the purse. After sewing the strap in sew the liner around the top of the purse. Covering the messy strap and making the purse look neat and crisp!

Step #8: Ta-da! You are finished! Enjoy your sturdy, durable, recycled purse as you sport your creativity

Isn’t she so talented? If you would like a purse please feel free to contact Leathy on facebook (Leathy Stroup) or by e-mail: Aletheia@Stroups.net. She sells and ships her purses.

I hope this got those creative juices flowing!