2020 resolution - shopping my own bag and wallet collection. Any one else?

[BowieFan1971]

Thank you! It's been a real game changer for me, particularly this year. As I was recovering from covid and suffering from severe insomnia, changing the colour of my bags kept me busy and brought me a lot of joy. It also helped me fall back in love with several of my bags. I'd shared some of my other re-dyed bags earlier. I'll link them again in case want to see them.

Halston from turquoise to metallic royal blue
Coach Noa from pale blue to pearly blue and purple

The funny thing is, I was yearning for (and actively searching for) metallic bags at the beginning of the year, and I've now got 3 of them that I've painted in various metallic colours. It was far cheaper than buying a metallic and I got to utilize what I already owned.
If I find a great oil slick/holographic bag, I will likely buy it, but otherwise I'm very much sated on the unique metallic leather front.

Wow! Huge changes! Looks fresh! How does the paint stay on/wear? I have one bag that I wanted to paint but was unsure....since leather is pliable, does it crack and peel? How do you strip it/prepare it properly?

 

[BowieFan1971]

He came home wednesday ,but it has been very difficult taking care of him. I am always terrified I might hurt him if he is not lifted exactly as he should be. He has yelped a few times despite us being extremely careful. We have to give him meds every eight hours and he is not allowed out of his crate for six weeks except 2-3 times a day to go potty ,he must be carried to his spot and hold him to do physical therapy.
It has been one of the most challenging weeks of my life in other areas as well. So I have written for myself a positive note despite each horrible thing. I want to learn how to find the positive when I am seriously overwhelmed.

Big hugs! When I feel overwhelmed, I remember that my track record d of surviving bad days/experiences is 100% and that reminds me that “I’ve got this!” Finding activities that require enough concentration that I am forced to truly live in the moment helps too...it is enough to separate me mentally from whatever is going on and the emotions around it that I can come back a little fresher and with better perspective, which helps me handle it more effectively. Lots of activities qualify....running/exercise, needlepoint/sewing, painting, or other detailed activity with your hands, food prep. If you have to give it your 100% attention to get it right or avoid getting hurt, it qualifies, because the point is that your mind can’t wander to all the “what ifs” and other anxiety-causing stuff. Plus, unlike busy work, you have a positive accomplishment when you are done!
Those are the things that work for me...

 

[Bag peace]

He came home wednesday ,but it has been very difficult taking care of him. I am always terrified I might hurt him if he is not lifted exactly as he should be. He has yelped a few times despite us being extremely careful. We have to give him meds every eight hours and he is not allowed out of his crate for six weeks except 2-3 times a day to go potty ,he must be carried to his spot and hold him to do physical therapy.
It has been one of the most challenging weeks of my life in other areas as well. So I have written for myself a positive note despite each horrible thing. I want to learn how to find the positive when I am seriously overwhelmed.

First and foremost:

I cannot imagine how hard it is to care for him whilst he's in the early stages of recovery. I'm glad he's home as that must bring him so much joy to be with the family. I sincerely wish him a speedy recovery and hope he'll be running around again before you know it.
You're doing everything right by him. My heart really goes out to you. I would not handle this situation with such grace as you are.

I'm also really sorry to hear that life is difficult in more ways than one right now. I love your idea of writing yourself a positive note. I did something similar after my accident. I was overwhelmed with the new face I saw in the mirror, so I wrote myself a letter expressing my gratitude for everything I could think of. I told myself to be brave and adaptable so I could rise to the challenge of learning how to speak clearly and chew again. It gave me an outlet and helped focus my mind on the things that mattered most. It definitely helps to actively try to focus on positive things when life is rocky. I commend you for that.
You could also try making your own little gratitude jar to keep on your desk. Not sure if that idea appeals but I used it when I lost someone very close to me to cancer. Every day I would write a memory I shared with him, or something I was grateful for, or something that was beautiful (like the sunset), or something that made me laugh (even a silly children's joke). By the end of the year, this jar was filled with all manner of colourful post-its, each holding a random moment of gratitude or a happy memory that I would otherwise have forgotten. It was a really good way for me to focus on positive things when life was rough.

I hope you don't mind the unsolicited suggestions.

 

[Bag peace]

Wow! Huge changes! Looks fresh! How does the paint stay on/wear? I have one bag that I wanted to paint but was unsure....since leather is pliable, does it crack and peel? How do you strip it/prepare it properly?

I have to say that I'm nothing but a novice, so my advice is really quite basic. And that I work on cheaper bags so the risk of ruining them doesn't weigh heavy on me.
To strip the leather of its original colour and any top coat that may be on it, I've found acetone and/or surgical spirit works wonderfully. Just spray onto a clean cloth and then wipe away. Patience helps. You could be more aggressive with the process and scrub the paint off using acetone as well. This distresses the leather underneath and enables it to absorb dye better, in my experience.
You can also buy a leather prep solution from Angelus that is supposed to be excellent, but I have not used that myself.

I've used Angelus paints for most of my bags and that stuff is amazing. It won't peel, crack or rub off, and the stuff I've painted has lasted years.
Angelus also makes a top coat (in a matte, glossy or satin finish) that can be applied on top of the paint to further seal it. I've done bags, shoes and watch straps with and without a top coat and the paint holds up great either way.
I have also used Jacquard paints. They are lighter bodied than Angelus and I find the finish isn't as smooth. I tend to need more layers of paint when using Jacquard, so it's a little harder for me to work with. However, the colours are great and it also does not peel, crack or affect the feel of the leather.

You can buy a starter kit from Angelus with 5 paint brushes in it (I think it's $10) that will cover everything from larger tips to finer ones. I tend to start with a brush and then work with my fingers to smooth the paint over the finer detailed bits.

For your first attempt, I would not recommend going from a black bag to a light coloured bag. It's far easier to go from light to dark, or to stick with the same colour family. If you have a light blue and want to go to a darker shade, or go from pink to red... it's easier to get the feel for the process that way and cover up any mistakes.
My friend also dyes her bags and sticks to only doing it within the same colour family- she doesn't even strip the original paint at all, she just paints right over the original. In her case, if the original pink shows from under the red, then it just enhances the red a bit, gives it more depth and more character.
I've never just painted on top of the original colour like that because I worry it will change the feel of the leather, but I must say that her work is amazing so there's something to be said for her easier approach.

The main thing is that you use leather dye or leather acrylic paints, not any old stuff in the craft store as I did with that yellow concoction.
Angelus and Jacquard are mostly used to dye shoes, so they're designed for feet/shoes flexing as we walk and they will not crack and peel as the leather of your bag rubs, moves, folds or slouches.

Paint in thin, even layers and allow each layer to fully dry before applying subsequent coats. And that's it! Happy experimenting!

Oh, also, @whateve and @cowgirlsboots (along with others) gave tips up-thread about repairing cracked corners and edge coats, as well as more informed and expert painting tips, iirc. You should run a search before you start on your bag. Hope that helps a bit

 

[msd_bags]

Think I've fixed the attachment issue. Here's the finished bag, awaiting another round of leather conditioner.
In the light, it looks very metallic and almost silver. I only noticed that when I took the picture. That would be the silver mica in the Lumeire paint shining right through.
Otherwise it reads a more subtle green hue. I didn't quite capture the colour properly in the photo (with the kitty), but it's definitely more green irl.
My fur ball approves of the makeover! He says it brings out his eyes, lol!

Edit: also wanted to note that the dunking removed most of the 'bubbles' (pebbles) in the leather. Just in case someone decides to dunk a non-Coach bag, you should know it may change the leather texture a bit.

View attachment 4938143
View attachment 4938144

What a pretty outcome for your project!! I’m glad you’ll get to enjoy her again.

He came home wednesday ,but it has been very difficult taking care of him. I am always terrified I might hurt him if he is not lifted exactly as he should be. He has yelped a few times despite us being extremely careful. We have to give him meds every eight hours and he is not allowed out of his crate for six weeks except 2-3 times a day to go potty ,he must be carried to his spot and hold him to do physical therapy.
It has been one of the most challenging weeks of my life in other areas as well. So I have written for myself a positive note despite each horrible thing. I want to learn how to find the positive when I am seriously overwhelmed.

Sending positive vibes to you and healing thoughts for Ryder!

 

[papertiger]

Think I've fixed the attachment issue. Here's the finished bag, awaiting another round of leather conditioner.
In the light, it looks very metallic and almost silver. I only noticed that when I took the picture. That would be the silver mica in the Lumeire paint shining right through.
Otherwise it reads a more subtle green hue. I didn't quite capture the colour properly in the photo (with the kitty), but it's definitely more green irl.
My fur ball approves of the makeover! He says it brings out his eyes, lol!

Edit: also wanted to note that the dunking removed most of the 'bubbles' (pebbles) in the leather. Just in case someone decides to dunk a non-Coach bag, you should know it may change the leather texture a bit.

View attachment 4938143
View attachment 4938144

Wow, good job - and your baby thinks so too (what a beauty)

 

[papertiger]

lots of us have used the great prices of the secondary market as a chance to reshape our bag collection and hone our aesthetic. Sometimes I cannot refine and reduce (necessary to shopping the closet) without exploring new things. I started shopping bags again during covid. But, the shopping came after a multi year hiatus. When the deals dry up (and preloved prices are starting to creep up), I stop. I don’t mind spending money, but I want a deal and what I buy has to be an upgrade or replacement Or something I’ve always wanted.

also, thank you for the beautiful white Christmas photo!


During covid, unlike many TPFers, I am using more of the bags and wearing more RTW out of my closet. It’s because I took covid as an opportunity to exercise more and reshape my eating habits. I don’t shop or wear my bags, when I cannot fit into my RTW. I also don’t purge my closet when I’m heavy bc I’m afraid I’ll regret getting rid of things I can no longer replace. My bag usage is dependent on my weight and fitness (ive had wrist and back issues and ankle cartilege replacement surgery, so I’ve gone years without carrying anything but a nylon crossbody.


Congrats! I’ve also bought bags, RTW, and jewelry this year, but I’ve released multiple stacks of bags, shoes, RTW and other items, and the purge will continue.


i feel a push and pull from points 1 and 2 when I deciding what to purge. I don’t really have one HG; but there is a point where I naturally stop shopping a category. I know that I’m pretty much there with bags, bc Ive turnEd to shop other stuff, such as jewelry. It’s cyclical for me. The last time I shopped jewelry was in 2001.
@ElainePG, I hope you have recovered from surgery!
@Katinahat, I love your Loewe straw bag. Straw is hard for me to carry and I don’t have the lifestyle...
@msd_bags, do use your beautiful mulberry oxblood bag! i wear my bags during covid and If I need quick access, I just carry my cc in my cargo pants pocket.
@BowieFan1971, cannot wait to see the photo journey of your bag project! I also really enjoyed your description of your bag buying thought process. . .
@jblended, muted, metallic, pearly green gray sounds amazing! (Actually makes me think a bit of the Lord of the Rings in a really great way! And, now that I’ve seen pics, love the fact it matches your beautiful fur ball’s eyes! Also adore your refurbishing job on the coach and the Halston pleated blue bag! They are stunning!
@dcooney4, sending you positive healing thoughts for your Ryder and hope your challenging week resolves into something more peaceful!
haply holidays all! Stay safe and healthy! Hugs

I was very naughty with jewellery for the last couple of years. I hope I can curb my enthusiasm for new 2021. However, jewellery has given me a lot of joy. Unlike bags, during this unprecedented time, we don't even need to go out to wear out.

 

[Bag peace]

What a pretty outcome for your project!! I’m glad you’ll get to enjoy her again.

Wow, good job - and your baby thinks so too (what a beauty)

Thank you both! You're too kind.

 

[Bag peace]

Unlike bags, during this unprecedented time, we don't even need to go out to wear out.

I need to start wearing my watches and jewellery at home. I haven't worn any since this pandemic really hit. It might make me feel more myself if I start using them again.

 

[880]

I was very naughty with jewellery for the last couple of years. I hope I can curb my enthusiasm for new 2021. However, jewellery has given me a lot of joy. Unlike bags, during this unprecedented time, we don't even need to go out to wear out.

I’m sure everyone here would adore some action pics! It would brighten up the thread In time for New Years!

 

[dcooney4]

Big hugs! When I feel overwhelmed, I remember that my track record d of surviving bad days/experiences is 100% and that reminds me that “I’ve got this!” Finding activities that require enough concentration that I am forced to truly live in the moment helps too...it is enough to separate me mentally from whatever is going on and the emotions around it that I can come back a little fresher and with better perspective, which helps me handle it more effectively. Lots of activities qualify....running/exercise, needlepoint/sewing, painting, or other detailed activity with your hands, food prep. If you have to give it your 100% attention to get it right or avoid getting hurt, it qualifies, because the point is that your mind can’t wander to all the “what ifs” and other anxiety-causing stuff. Plus, unlike busy work, you have a positive accomplishment when you are done!
Those are the things that work for me...

You are so right. That is exactly what I need to do. Thanks!

 

[dcooney4]

First and foremost:

I cannot imagine how hard it is to care for him whilst he's in the early stages of recovery. I'm glad he's home as that must bring him so much joy to be with the family. I sincerely wish him a speedy recovery and hope he'll be running around again before you know it.
You're doing everything right by him. My heart really goes out to you. I would not handle this situation with such grace as you are.

I'm also really sorry to hear that life is difficult in more ways than one right now. I love your idea of writing yourself a positive note. I did something similar after my accident. I was overwhelmed with the new face I saw in the mirror, so I wrote myself a letter expressing my gratitude for everything I could think of. I told myself to be brave and adaptable so I could rise to the challenge of learning how to speak clearly and chew again. It gave me an outlet and helped focus my mind on the things that mattered most. It definitely helps to actively try to focus on positive things when life is rocky. I commend you for that.
You could also try making your own little gratitude jar to keep on your desk. Not sure if that idea appeals but I used it when I lost someone very close to me to cancer. Every day I would write a memory I shared with him, or something I was grateful for, or something that was beautiful (like the sunset), or something that made me laugh (even a silly children's joke). By the end of the year, this jar was filled with all manner of colourful post-its, each holding a random moment of gratitude or a happy memory that I would otherwise have forgotten. It was a really good way for me to focus on positive things when life was rough.

I hope you don't mind the unsolicited suggestions.

Thank you! I like this idea. Perhaps in a notebook as it will be more private that way.

 

[Katinahat]

Thanks! It's proving to be a little bit of a chameleon colour, leaning (khaki or sage?) green, grey or silver depending on the light. I'm very happy with how it came out given that I really stumbled my way through this particular project.

And thanks on the kitty love. @Katinahat's kitty looks like she could be a distant relative of his!
He's the youngest of my rescues and follows me around like a puppy most days, lol. His one earlobe is permanently folded down after he needed surgery on it, but thankfully his hearing is unaffected.

I hope your Ryder will be home soon!

Your cat is lovely! My two are brothers. The one you saw is the quieter of the two. This one looks even more like yours and is the boss! He thinks he’s a present!
I love a tabby cat!

 

[Katinahat]

Congrats! I’ve also bought bags, RTW, and jewelry this year, but I’ve released multiple stacks of bags, shoes, RTW and other items, and the purge will continue.


@Katinahat, I love your Loewe straw bag. Straw is hard for me to carry and I don’t have the lifestyle...

Straw doesn’t work for me most of the time either. Usually it’s just summer abroad I can carry this. Yesterday was a crisp dry winter day. Today is pouring rain and blowing a storm as well. Straw would not have worked!

These are both lovely! That leather panel on the Loewe is really cool! And the asymmetrical straps. Sharp!

Thanks! These kind of little details are what makes a bag more special.

 

[papertiger]

I’m sure everyone here would adore some action pics! It would brighten up the thread In time for New Years!

I seldom post my jewellery on this threads. I'll wear something nice on NYE, even if it's just to do the countdown in (OMG, I would love to go out to dinner)

Until then here's one of my mother's inherited silver and multi-stone bracelet (lemon and smokey quartz, blue topaz, amethyst, aqua, turquoise etc) plus new recycled-silver smokey quartz rings I found at Cos (yes, that Cos).

I usually wear the Cos rings (only bought a couple of months ago) when in a minimalist mood. I set myself a task to find a different vibe with them.

My mother was a bit more 'out there' with here jewellery. The silver she bought me is all clear, opalescent and white stones.