If we insist on traveling in style (which we do, in case you haven't seen my recent OOTD from Cuba!), it's only fair that our passports get the same sartorial treatment!
With my adventuring to the Caribbean and Brad's cavorting in Cannes, France, we both needed a passport purse that would hold this important document but not be a drag when it came to complementing our daily looks. And look what we came up with! Made with just a little re-purposed leather or sturdy fabric and some simple DIY supplies, this purse will work even on American soil as a perfect small satchel for the summer. To borrow a phrase I'm sure Brad heard all the time during his stay in France — tres chic!
Prep It:
5x12" medium weight leather 5x5" medium weight leather 3x5" medium weight leather Chain Ruler 2 small jump rings 2 medium jump rings 2 medium-sized clasps 1 screw back stud Scissors Sewing machine (highly recommended, but a needle and thread will work) Small leather hole punch Medium leather hole punch Long nose pliers
Do It!:
- Cut out your three pieces of leather to the sizes instructed (5x12", 5x5", 5x3") and place on top of each other at the bottom of the largest piece, making sure to line up the corners.
- Use a sewing machine or needle and thread to start stitching at the top of the 5x5" piece, working down and around the bottom, securing the 5x5" piece and 5x3" piece to the larger one. Stop sewing at the top of the piece on the other side. You should have created 2 pouches out of these pieces.
- Fold over the top piece of leather and decide about where you'd like your stud closure to be on the purse and mark. Unfold and use the larger leather to punch through in this spot. Fold the top back down and mark where this spot will be on the bottom of the purse, then use the leather hole punch to create the hole through the smaller pocket. Push the bottom of your screw back stud through that hole, then screw the top on over it. Fold the flap over and secure the stud through the hole to make sure it is big enough and closes securely!
- Now turn your purse over and lay flat. Use the smaller hole punch to create two holes, about 1/4 inch apart, on the side of the purse, slightly in from the edge. Repeat this step on the other side!
- Time to pick up those pliers! Open one of the larger jump rings and work through the two holes, then close. Do this on both sides!
- Open your smaller jump rings and slide a clasp onto each. Hook these smaller jump rings onto the larger ones on the purse before closing. Whoo! You're almost there!
- Last step: Open the clasps and connect to a the chain on either side, creating a strap. If you're unsure of what length of chain you need, I demonstrate how to measure this in my DIY Chain Water Bottle tutorial! Annnnnd you're done. Throw a passport in that baby and take the vacation you deserve!
