Keeping up with latest fashion fads, while a thrill ride for some, can still require a great deal of commitment, not only in terms of time, but also money. Even if you love the thrill of the hunt and the wild rush that results from the knowledge that you have indeed finally scored that hand-woven, reclaimed tree branch purse that everyone has been talking about, there is a point where one-of-a-kind accessories and the credit card damages they incur end up negating all traces of the happy little endorphins that got you there in the first place. Watch: This is the part of the article where the author is going to slip on her cheerleading outfit and rah! rah! her readers into throwing convention to the wind. She is probably going to talk about how, in the world of fashion, anything goes these days, and that mere mortals are just as capable of creating bespoke handbags as crafty little chimpanzees. I bet she is going to go as far as to suggest a design degree is not even need — just the desire to do it yourself. Oh, brother, I’ve read it all before. Yeah, but have you actually given it a try? In the time that it takes to watch one episode of Game of Thrones you too can be the proud new parent of a handy-dandy recycled pocket book or wallet. Become a “clutter buster” by scrounging around the house for random materials and exercising those hands of yours. Lo and behold, once 60 minutes have flown by, you will be able to feast your eyes on a gloriously reincarnated tote!

Make a one-of-a-kind handbag out of…

… old maps. The very same paper material can become a coordinating wallet. … a pillowcase and scrap fabric. … shirts, upholstery samples and neckties. … bubble wrap. Make a lightweight, hand-adorned matching wallet, too. … a bra. Maybe this recycled boys’ briefs wallet would be a suitable accessory? … assorted types of sports balls. Soccer anyone? This wallet, made out of an old football, would kind of maintain the theme. … a recycled potato chip bag. … a men’s suit jacket. You can even create seasonally inspired options. … shopping catalogs, newspapers, adhesive vinyl and duct tape. … a woolen sweater. … a bird seed bag, a dog food bag or any type of post-consumer packaging you can think of. … recycled inner tubes. Don’t forget the matching wallet. … large produce bags. … obsolete computer diskettes. … woven measuring tapes. … a plethora of aluminum soda cans. … vinyl records and certainly record album covers. Or why not a hybrid design? … a placemat. … recycled rubber gloves. … a life vest. Whatever your particular bag fancy, there is a style that will no doubt float your boat. … ruffled cotton T-shirts. … belted denim. Then tuck your DIY recycled denim pocket wallet inside. … a rustic burlap coffee sack. Here is a basic tutorial for inspiration and a wallet to match! … a vintage dictionary or classic hardback novel. For a slight design twist, make a fabric-lined book clutch. … recycled flexible construction fencing. … capri pants. So many style options to choose from! … an old leather bomber jacket.

Make a one-of-a-kind wallet or coin purse out of…

… a retired bicycle tire. … a Nintendo NES controller. … a foil-like coffee pouch or folded paper beverage cartons. … fused plastic shopping bags. … comic book pages. … a brandy box or recycled beer labels. … a recycled leather skirt. … an old cassette tape. … 35-millimeter photographic negatives. … menswear shirt cuff or a combination of suit jacket material trimmed with a recycled silk necktie. … a combination of recycled plastic shopping bags and newspapers. … a metal mint tin. … snack chip bags. … a computer keyboard circuit sheet.