How to Make Designer-Inspired Wallets, Clutches & a Book Bag from Thrift Store Finds
In this special 100,000 follower celebration tutorial, Debi from Studio Mdaz walks you through multiple projects in one action-packed show, proving that thrift store finds can look like they came straight from a high-end boutique.
You'll watch Debi take a pony hair wallet, a small leather clutch, and a canvas book bag — all sourced from thrift stores for just a few dollars each — and turn them into pieces that could realistically sell for $100–$150. The star technique of the show is applying designer-inspired patches (think LV, Tiffany, Hermès, and Coach styles) using a combination of heat activation, Tandy leather double-stick tape, and tacky glue for a professional, lasting hold. You'll also learn how to add rhinestone borders around patches using a picker pen for precision placement, how to use B7000 and T8000 adhesives and when each is the right choice, and why hot glue and tacky glue work best together — one for temporary hold, one for permanent.
For the book bag project, Debi shows you how to print pop art images and book quotes directly from the internet, decoupage them onto canvas with Mod Podge Multi, and use a heat gun to smooth out any bubbling. She then walks through painting the bag with leather paint, layering Folk Art Adrift and pearlized golden green acrylic paints, and finishing the whole piece with a copper wax paste to pull every color together beautifully. You'll also learn how mink oil works as a leather sealer and color blender — a trick borrowed straight from cowboy boot restoration.
Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned crafter, this tutorial is packed with practical, budget-friendly techniques you can apply to purses, wallets, clutches, stockings, denim jackets, and so much more.
🛒 Supply List
Base Items
Thrift store wallet, clutch, pouch, or book bag (leather, pony hair, canvas, or pleather)
Patches
Designer-inspired iron-on patches (Carmen Sanchez Fendricks — $5 each, available via private message)
Adhesives
Tacky glue (Aleene's or similar)
Hot glue gun + glue sticks
B7000 clear adhesive glue
T8000 clear adhesive glue (stronger hold, great for bling and patches)
Tandy Leather double-stick tape (Amazon)
Decoupage
Mod Podge Multi – Matte finish
Printed images or quotes (printed from home printer)
Heat gun (to smooth bubbling paper)
Small paintbrushes
Paint & Color
Angelus Leather Preparer & Deglazer (for solid leather surfaces)
Angelus leather paint (full line available online)
Folk Art Adrift acrylic paint
Pearlized Golden Green acrylic paint (Masters Touch or similar)
Copper wax paste (metallic finish, blends colors)
Rhinestones & Bling
Copper rhinestones (Amazon)
Rhinestone picker pen
Small rhinestone trays (for organization)
Decorative bling/statement pieces (bee charms, large crystal accents)
Silver trim (Amazon, patina-aged with solution)
Finishing
Mink oil (leather conditioner/sealer — Amazon or hardware store)
Leather sealer (spray or brush-on)
Liquitex sealer (alternative for mixed media projects)
Optional Embellishments
Stickles glitter glue
Velcro (for closures)
Ribbon (for bows/ties)
Gold foil flakes
Four designer-inspired thrift store clutches and wallets transformed into stunning, boutique-worthy accessories, displayed against a black background. Top left is a leopard print pony hair zip clutch featuring a brown leather Louis Vuitton-inspired patch bordered with pearl rhinestones. Top right is a teal and gold tooled leather structured handbag with a matching LV-inspired patch rimmed in copper rhinestones and a large amber crystal statement button on the flap. Bottom left is an iridescent bronze crocodile-embossed envelope clutch accented with a jeweled bee brooch in gold, pearl, and teal crystals. Bottom right is a soft mint green leather pouch with a Tiffany & Co.-inspired patch outlined in pearl rhinestones, finished with a gold metal frame detail. Each piece was sourced from a thrift store for just a few dollars and elevated with designer-inspired patches, rhinestone trim, and statement bling — proof that with the right techniques, a $5 find can look like a $150 boutique bag.
