How To Make A Repurposed Purse Clock
Do you have a thing for purses?
When I was in my twenties I loved them. I think I had a different purse for almost every outfit.
That might be a bit of an exaggeration, but then again… maybe not. lol.
I loved searching for them at thrift stores, and finding just the right one for just the right look was always a magical moment.
Even though I’m now a one purse at a time gal, I still love searching for them. The only difference is that now I’m not looking for them for my wardrobe, but instead for repurposing fun.
When I find just the right one for just the right project… it’s still a magical moment, like when I made this bags of blooms and this purse planter.
How To Make A Repurposed Purse Clock
When I saw this orange vinyl purse at the thrift store my first thought was that it looked so yummy.
It had that vintage patent leather look and it reminded me of orange sherbert, which is one of my favourite things.
I’ve been keeping this purse clock project in the back of my mind for a long time, and I finally found a purse that made me want to get it done.
Supplies Needed:
An awesome purse (that is essential, lol)
Clockwork mechanisms and hands
Scissors
Ruler and pencil
AA battery
The first thing I did was I measure to find the centre and mark it with pencil.
Then I poked through the side of the purse with the pointy end of scissors, turning it gently to make a round hole.
It’s important that the hole be just the right size, and no larger than that.
That’s so that the clockwork mechanism can fit through and be nice and snug.
Like this.
After I fit the mechanism through I secured the nut in place to hold it just tight enough to hold it in place, but not too tight. They come in different heights so the size needed depends on the thickness of the purse.
TIP: Make sure that the mechanism is not only tall enough to get through the purse but also to keep the clock hands clear of any decorations, handle straps, etc that might be on the purse.
You can see the mechanism is inside the pocket with the battery side on top for easy changing when necessary.
When I’m finished the pocket zipper will be closed up, and the rest of the purse can be used for storage. Right now it holds the long removable strap that came with the purse.
Here are the black metal hands that I chose for this purse. Clock hands are available in so many designs and sizes and what size you use depends on the size of the purse.
I love the way the black hands look against the yummy vibrant orange.
How To Make A Repurposed Clock Purse
A couple of days after I found the orange purse, I found this awesome black leather beauty.
Love the texture of the faux snakeskin.
I spray painted the black hands metallic gold to match the handle.
Just like the orange purse the mechanism is in the pocket inside the black purse, and the zipper is closed so the rest of the purse can be used for treasure or keepsake storage.
They can sit on a dresser, on a shelf, hung on a wall, or on a closet door. Wherever you like really.
TIP: A purse with strong sides would work best for the project, but if you want to try a soft-sided purse it might be a good idea to fill either the pocket of the purse or the whole purse with some kind of stuffing to make it more solid.
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So the next time you see a cool purse at a thrift store for a great price, or you might already have one that you no longer use, make yourself a fun and funky purse clock.
Thanks so much for reading, and until next time…
keep on keepin’ on!
XOX
P.S. If you enjoyed this project you’ll also love this repurposed purse dresser organizer.
This is sheer brilliance! I have an orange purse that I bought off a Facebook buy-sell group for a buck. I used the heck out of it- the perfect bag. I used it so much (and it’s kind of a cheapie anyhow) that the handle is kaput despite the rest of it being ok. I hated the idea of relegating it to some kind of storage but now, I can do that and still have it out to see! I love it!
Thanks Debbie! I’m so glad you’ll be giving your purse a new life. Sounds like you really loved it as a purse, and now you can continue to love it as a clock.
Hey Tuula,
What an awesome idea!! I just received a purse that I paid a whole 51 cents for and this would be the perfect project to use on it. Thanks as always for the inspiration!
That’s awesome Patricia! Sounds like you have a good purse canditate. I’m so glad my project has inspired you. 🙂
Love it. I would have never thought of this but i’ll Be looking for the “right” purse now. I already have the clock. Love, love your ideas.
Thanks so much Gloria! I hope you find just the right purse soon. 🙂
This totally fills a need I didn’t know I had! I have a couple of purple purses that I just can’t get rid of. Cuz, well, they are purple! Now I know what to do with at least one of them. Or both, actually. My craft room and my bedroom both have one purple wall! Hmmmm……like purple much? She asks as she types this on her new purple laptop! Thanks, girl! Dona
Wow, you have a purple laptop Dona? That’s so fun! I just got a laptop and it’s boring black. Maybe it needs a makeover. lol. The fun thing about making clocks is the hands can be very easily spray painted any colour to make a statement. So many colours look awesome with purple!
This is so unique and very creative, Tuula! Only you could come up with a lovely recycling/upcycling project such as this! And Dona (above) who says she can’t get rid of her purple purses has more purple in her home than I do – and as you know, I love purple! Go purple purse clocks!
Thanks so much Gail! Yes, Dona definitely loves purple and I know you do too. I think purple is such an awesome colour… very regal I think, and it’s sort of a cousin to pink. I might have to do a purple project one of these days.
Tuula you just fired up my home decor imp once again! My son gifted me with a Cricut for Christmas, so I can take your idea and add vinyl numbers for a floating clock face. (The purse is the background, the numbers are placed in
random directions.) I will set my purse on my mantle with a few saggy wrinkles so it looks likes the numbers tumbled over. Now you have given me the perfect storage spot for my wax melts packages, and a mantle clock as well! Thank you for waking my imp up again!
Wow Judy, a circuit for Christmas is awesome! I really need to get one of those one of these days. Sounds like such fun. Love the idea of creating the vinyl numbers yourself. That way you can really customize the look. I’m so glad that I fired up your home decor imp again. 🙂
Tuula, lalalalalalalove these clock purses. I too have a thing for 2nd hand purses. I’ve done a few projects w/mine. But not a clock so excited to try.
You rock !!!!
Thanks so much Kelly! It’s so fun to rescue thrifted purses and find new uses for them.
And you could even add letters that say “Time to go shopping” !!
What a fun idea!
Thanks Gladys! That’s a great idea. I love signs so that would be a fun one. 🙂
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🙂
These are really cute, I’m impressed. I might need a few numbers on mine, I’d probably guess the wrong time…every time!!!
Thanks Linda! I have a thing for clocks without numbers, but they could easily be added with stick on numbers.
SO fun and so creative, Tuula–I LOVE these purse clocks 🙂
Thanks so much Diana! They were really fun to make.
So clever, creative, and fun – I love this idea!
Thanks very much Marie! Now I just need to find me a pink one.
AbSooooooLutely brilliant idea Tuula. It’s so unique and all my creative juices have gone into extreme overdrive right now. Love what you did and I can kick myself. I saw a awesome little purse at the thrift store this week and just walk on by. UGH, I hope it still there
Thanks Michelle! I hope that purse is still there. 🙂
Awesome idea!
Thanks very much Virginia!
So fun, Tuula! Thanks for sharing at Vintage Charm–pinned!
Thanks for pinning Cecilia! It’s always fun to join the party. 🙂
A fantastic fresh idea, I love it. Fun and flare for sure.
Thanks very much Leanna!
What a cute idea. Thanks for sharing at Home Sweet Home
Thanks so much Sherry!
This is a fabulous idea. You are so talented.
Thanks Debra! Now I’m on the hunt for the perfect pink purse to make a keeper clock for myself.
I love this! I just was wandering around some websites looking for an idea for a housewarming gift for my aunt. THIS IS IT 😀 Thank you so much – what a wonderful idea.
You’re so welcome! I’m sure your aunt will love it!