The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly! 5 Tan Bags-Rehab Reveal!

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#46
katev said:
So those are my recent tan rehab projects. In total I only spent $60.50 for all 5 bag (an average of $12.10 per bag) and that's pretty good; but the 2 bags that I am least happy with are the 2 that required the most work, the Court Bag and the USA City Bag. So I plan to avoid light bags in poor condition in the future!
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Amazing as usual! I hope you find a way to share your talents with the world once you have outfitted all your family and friends. I can't get enough of your before and after pics. Agreed on the Nutmeg.

Of course, I think even the last two look great, but my standards may be suspect. One of my great fears is that one day you will see a pic of my fav glove-tanned tote in Tobacco - the one that got me through grad school and that I plan to carry again once the handles get replaced (they wore so thin they almost broke!)- and declare it clearly not fit for rehab :-)
 
#47
irr_actor said:
Amazing as usual! I hope you find a way to share your talents with the world once you have outfitted all your family and friends. I can't get enough of your before and after pics. Agreed on the Nutmeg.

Of course, I think even the last two look great, but my standards may be suspect. One of my great fears is that one day you will see a pic of my fav glove-tanned tote in Tobacco - the one that got me through grad school and that I plan to carry again once the handles get replaced (they wore so thin they almost broke!)- and declare it clearly not fit for rehab :-)
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Thank you!

When there is a sentimental attachment to a bag that's different, of course you have to try and save your beloved bag! Look what I went through to try and save my adored Copper Zoe! I took her to the boutique, the cobbler, and I sent her to Coach JAX for evaluation and they all said "can't be fixed" but I wouldn't give up and so I finally painted her, she looks great now!

I am not sentimentally attached to the bags when I first pick them up at the thrift stores or garage sales - the problem is that I become attached after I work on them. That's why I get so disappointed and frustrated when they don't come out the way that I want them to look!

So (after I work through my current rehab project pile!) I am going to try and only get attached to bags with a good chance of success!
 
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#48
katev said:
Item: Slim Satchel Standard (British Tan/Nutmeg? 9430, NYC, circa 1980)
Seller: Salvation Army
Price: $20

Comments: This bag is very old but it was in good shape except that the leather was very dry. I was sure that it was British Tan when I bought it but now I am not certain. It looks BT in the photos but as soon as I gave it a little TLC it immediately darkened and it stayed dark, even the interior. I know that color of tan bags change with age and use but this one looks a little different to my eyes. It is not as dark as mahogany and I have learned that this bag came is a color called nutmeg – so that may be the true color.

The bag has some scuff marks and signs of weat that I was able to minimize but not eliminate but I am still very happy with the results. And I love the thick leather and the big, industrial-sized TALON zipper on this older made in NYC Coach bag!


The first 3 pics are before and the last 2 are after:
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They all look FABULOUS!!
But this is my favorite- I have always loved this style. My mom had one and I remember her carrying it all the time. It's gorgeous- the deep color after rehab is TDF. What a beautiful job! Congrats!:D
 
#50
MedtechCarol said:
They all look FABULOUS!!
But this is my favorite- I have always loved this style. My mom had one and I remember her carrying it all the time. It's gorgeous- the deep color after rehab is TDF. What a beautiful job! Congrats!:D
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Thank you.

I was so excited when I found the satchel! I bought it at Salvation Army for $20 and it was the cheapest bag they had among "the expensive bags behind the counter" including some high-priced, hideous fakes! I thought it was the best of the bunch but I think it was downgraded because it is obviously an older bag, but I like it too!
 
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#53
I love seeing the before and after pics! Makes me wonder how leather dye would take on the bags that are more problematic and discolored..would they evenly still be discolored? Or would it blend more? Wonder how much of a mess it would be to try and do that hmmm...
 
#54
katev said:
That's kind of funny because I may soon do my first professional rehab job! Someone saw one of my rehabs (it was being carried by my friend) and wanted to hire my services. My friend took her information and I called her and we have arranged to meet later this month. It sounds like she has a well-loved black willis and I've agreed to take a look and see if I can restore it.

I'll let you know what happens!
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I so agree. Sounds like you have quite the niche market for this type of business and you could do very well with it even if it was a part time venture for you. I have several older coach bags from the 90's sitting in my closet who could benefit from your service. Wouldn't it be wild if Coach even hired you as a subcontractor to rehab bags they themselves decided were gone? Your rehab jobs are nothing less but amazing.
 
#56
nns said:
I love seeing the before and after pics! Makes me wonder how leather dye would take on the bags that are more problematic and discolored..would they evenly still be discolored? Or would it blend more? Wonder how much of a mess it would be to try and do that hmmm...
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Thank you!

I've only dyed one bag and I had it done professionally, but if you search on TPF (not just the Coach forum) you will find information about dying a leather bag.
 
#57
BlackApple said:
I so agree. Sounds like you have quite the niche market for this type of business and you could do very well with it even if it was a part time venture for you. I have several older coach bags from the 90's sitting in my closet who could benefit from your service. Wouldn't it be wild if Coach even hired you as a subcontractor to rehab bags they themselves decided were gone? Your rehab jobs are nothing less but amazing.
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Thanks! Maybe it will become my retirement career - if I ever get a chance to retire!
 
#59
fabulous, Fabulous, FABULOUS !!!!!! You do such great work, I can tell it's a labor of love. Their new owners not only have a fabulous looking rehab, but also all the love and attention to detail that you put into it. They are very fortunate indeed :)
 
#60
I was hoping to get your opinion if you have time. I have always liked the vintage NYC satchels and after seeing how gorgeous yours came out I have been on the hunt for one. Never having seen one IRL I am wondering is it more along the lines of a handbag or a briefcase? I was hoping to use it more as a handbag as my job doesn't really call for a briefcase on a daily basis. Thanks in advance!:smile1:
 
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