I wanna be enid.

So, in a nutshell, I was possessed again this last weekend by the discovery of the not so secret-but secret to me (because I am the last to know) vintage Enid Collins box purses. I was minding my own business on flickr when I found this group-and I was struck-STRUCK with the urge to get a box and paint my own. And I did, and another one is drying right now, with another on deck, I can't get enough!

The original Enid bags are amazing, but the potential to make my own is also so compelling and all I needed was at Michael's, the ubiquitous craft emporium. The paint, varnish, and the jewels (why do I have these?) I already had. I stained the unpainted boxes with acrylic paint with a ton of glazing liquid, then painted the design. Then I varnished with a clear oil (toxic and smelly) and then glued on the jewels with tacky glue and put the hardware back on. The purse hardware is also from Michael's as well-who knew!! I am thinking sewing boxes here, and I have a smaller one started to go inside as a lidded pin-cushion box. So excited! I am dorkin' hardcore on these!

These have taken way too much space in my brain (it could be the varnish) and Sadie thinks more jewels are needed-as do I! I will show the other one when it dries. I am experimenting with a stencil for the next one, I can't decide if this would be easier or harder. . . to be continued!