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July 2, 2012

DIY: Book clutch

I'm obsessed with book clutches... well, I should be, right? novelstyle? not really original!. I thought about getting the Kate Spade's book clutch as a wedding day handbag... but it is kind of pricey and it was out of stock. (note: Kate Spade, I adore your stuff, but for real...everything I wanted was out of stock in both dc and ny stores, not cute!). Going back to the clutch... I decided I could make it!. I googled it...and realized I was not alone in this DIY project. I found a lot of terrible explanations and one that was really good, done by runwaydiy.com. There you can find how to do it... I will just show you the steps I changed. 
Olympia Le-Tan book clutch


First I had to pick a book. It seems easy, but it is not! It had to be a book I had read and loved. It had to be big enough to fit my essential stuff. It had to be a hard cover book with a beautiful cover. After walking around Barnes and Noble for a while, measuring books, checking their weight and if they were big enough to fit my cellphone....yes, people thought I was crazy. yes, I felt really stupid and yes, it is difficult to find a book you know you will destroy. I picked this beautiful Jane Eyre hardcover edition in black and silver...



Just cause it is faster and makes the clutch a little bit bigger, I cutted around the text. Also... I was trying to save the book, but after the first chapters... it is impossible!. I found some safe books at the Spy Museum in DC, but they only had The Lord of the Rings and an English Dictionary...  not really cute to use as a clutch, unless u r a Tolkien or Grammar fan... then I will recommend u to get them already done because...


This is the worst part. The first time I read Jane Eyre, it took me just 3 days. Well...this definitely took me more!!!. I wanted to give up, I cursed the stores for not having the clutch and even considered selling it for the same price as the Kate Spade one... but I continued working...


Yaaaayyyy!!! I finished!!! Well, almost!.. I decided to put a ribbon instead of a clasp. So I glued it in the middle of each side and used the first and last page to hide it. I let it dry... and then:


Done!!! So exciting! The work was completely worth it! Mostly cause I saved around 280dls and it looks beautiful :) 


I really like the girlish touch the bow gives to the clutch. It may be annoying to tie it every time I open it, but I think it looks cute and perfect to be my wedding handbag. 


I also added some stick on jewels. 


And it fits a lot of stuff!!

Hope you like my new book clutch!
I know I love it :)
xoxo! 

..........................................
Estoy obsesionada con las carteras que parecen libros... lo cual no es muy original, considerando que mi blog se llama novelstyle!. Pensé en comprarme un sobre en Kate Spade, pero, ademas de ser bastante caros...no tenían stock en los negocios a los que fui. Por lo que decidí hacerlo yo! Busque si había algún DIY en internet, y si! Encontré uno muy bueno en runwaydiy.com. Ahí pueden encontrar una muy buena descripción de cada paso a paso. Yo les muestro un par de fotos de mi proceso y de algunas cosas que modifique. Espero que les guste!! A mi me encanta como me quedo, fue bastante trabajo...pero valió la pena! :) Beso!

201 comments:

  1. Thank you for the lovely comment. Of course we can follow each other. Im a new follower. Do you follow me back?*

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks!!! Of course I will follow back :)

      Delete
  2. Wow!! That's a pretty amazing DIY and it turned out great!! The bow looks super cute with it!! Amazing!! :)
    xo Andrea

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks!!! It really turned out great, I was worried it would look horrible...But I love it :)

      Delete
  3. Ahhhhh I am soooooo obsessed with Olympia Le Tans geniousness too!

    Check out the amazing Cathleen Jia giveaway on Daring Coco! Enter now!
    SDMxx
    www.daringcoco.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I knowww...they are amazing!!! Im glad I finally got my DIY version :D. Will check ur giveaway! xoxo

      Delete
  4. That, I must say, is amazing! I may just tackle this "novel" idea!! Thank you so much for the comment!

    James 4:8
    vintage-verses.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You should... It is really worth the hard work :) xoxo!!!

      Delete
  5. That is awesome! I may die a little on the inside if I destroyed a book, but it's a wonderful clutch!

    caitylenox.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hahaha, I know the feeling, that is why I wanted to save the text!! :S and also picked a book I already have... :)
      Thanks for ur comment!!! :) xoxo!

      Delete
  6. wow! so awesomexx
    http://beautyplethora.blogspot.com.au
    definitely following

    ReplyDelete
  7. great d.i.y! it turned out amazing.. those real ones are just so heavy on the wallet!!
    <3

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I knowwww... why are they so expensive??!! And this one turned out really good! Better than expected :)

      Delete
  8. Great DIY!!!
    http://ponerleonda.blogspot.com.ar/

    ReplyDelete
  9. What amazing idea!!! :)

    Babi

    NEW POST ON MY BLOG
    www.voguebuster.net

    ReplyDelete
  10. what a cool accesory!!!

    kisses!!
    self-dressed.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  11. wow, you made the book clutch. it surely must've been torturous to tear away the pages of the book; great work.

    love,
    http://becomingponytail.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks!!! It really was!!! Thats why I wanted to destroy a book I already had... but it was difficult to pick! Wanted to keep them all for my book shelves :)

      Delete
  12. This is SUCH an incredible DIY. Love the clutch.

    $100 Shopbop GIVEAWAY

    ReplyDelete
  13. Hi!

    Lovely clutch!;)
    Kisses from Spain.
    Cristina.
    http://blog-andcoffee.blogspot.com.es

    ReplyDelete
  14. excelente ile! yo tengo una cartera de china que es como un librito (L) la amo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gracias! Quiero verlaaaa :) fotito! fotito! :)

      Delete
  15. very COOL!!!

    nishalooks.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  16. what a creative idea girl:) really like it!
    and thanks for commenting on my blog <3

    lots of love!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks! Glad u like it! You have a great blog :) xoxo!

      Delete
  17. Oh my I can't believe you made it! I am so going to try this! Now what book do I use?
    Love love love this DIY
    -Che

    style-che.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That is the second most difficult part! lol :) Cant wait to see how yours looks!!! :)
      xoxo!

      Delete
  18. actually...i don't like this type very much...but i like the DIY :D
    of course i follow you!!!!!!!!!!!
    xoxo

    http://www.ladomenicamangio.blogspot.it
    http://www.facebook.com/LaDomenicaMangio

    ReplyDelete
  19. Hi, lovely blog :-)
    Do you want follow me? :* I promise I follow you back :-)


    http://lipsia1.blogspot.it/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks!!! WIll check ur blog now :) xoxo!

      Delete
  20. yo si uso ese libro me agarra un ataque... como hiciste?!!! YO ME QUEDO CON EL CUTTER EN LA MANO LLORANDO DESCONSOLADA HAHAHHA

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. hahahaha.... da pena, te dan ganas de quedartelo para la biblioteca...pero estaba 12 dls!! O sea ue no es taaann de coleccion :). Y queria la cartera! Igual cuando fui a comprarlo...elegi otros, pero decidi quedarmelos para mi y no cortar este! :D Sali con 6 libros del negocio :)

      Delete
  21. Heh pretty cool one:) Congrats!

    Thanks for visiting my blog and yes, I would love o follow yours:) Following you on Bloglovin and GFC:) Hope you do the same!

    xoxo
    Daisy
    www.fashionmemos.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks!!! Im now following you back! :) xoxo!

      Delete
  22. I love this! I am studying English literature so I am definitely going to be trying this out! I have shared this on twitter and google+ and have also shared it on my blog :)
    My blog is londonfashionrogue.blogspot.co.uk if you want to check it out :)

    xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks sweetie! That was really nice of you! Considering you study literature, it is very brave from you to destroy books! lol... But you should do it!!! Everyone will love it and its a great conversation starter :)
      xoxo!!!

      Delete
  23. Awesome DIY! It looks really cute! I would have to choose a book that I really don't like, because I don't think that I could stop myself from cringing if I did that to one of my favorites!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks!!! hahaha, yeah, but if you carry a book you do not like, everyone will think you love it!!

      Delete
  24. so pretty *-*
    xoxo ;*

    http://lorena-flor.blogspot.com.br/

    ReplyDelete
  25. Una idea genial. Lo tengo que intentar.

    Un saludo so chic.

    http://sochicbypatricia.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gracias!!! :D SI, intentalo... vale la pena :)
      xoxo!

      Delete
  26. Such a cool idea! I love it. Thanks for visiting my blog.

    xo Jo

    http://whiterosesandcoffee.blogspot.ca/

    ReplyDelete
  27. I love this idea! I am your newest follower! I cannot wait to read more of your posts and hope that maybe you can return the favor and follow my preppy blog. I always comment for every comment left on my page and hope to start a friendly relationship with your wonderful blog!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks!!!! Of course! I would love to follow a preppy blog :)
      xoxo

      novelstyle.blogspot.com

      Delete
  28. This is such a great idea and interesting clutch! Great post girl! xx Pip

    http://easyoutfitsbypip.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  29. this is a really cool and unique idea. i really love it. it would be really fun to do this diy. i also love how personal it is as well because i would use my favorite book so people sort of learn something new about me when i carry it around.

    xx rae
    http://www.loveforschoolgirl.net/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You are totally right!!! :) I love it a looott :) And picking the book involves a lot of thinking, which is better than at the stores, where they offer the ones they liked. Thanks for ur comment!!! xoxo!

      Delete
  30. Thanks!!! Really appreciate it! :) I will totally follow you!
    xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  31. I love the book clutch! I think you did an amazing job on this one! Great DIY!

    Rebecca

    www.winnipegstyle.ca

    ReplyDelete
  32. Wow that is such a neat idea for a clutch!

    katiesbliss.com

    ReplyDelete
  33. Cute idea!
    Thanks for stopping by my blog.
    Of course we can follow each other!
    I'm following you now on gfc and bloglovin.
    Kisses

    http://insofiashoes.blogspot.pt

    ReplyDelete
  34. loving this clutch!


    xx

    www.aroundlucia.com
    www.aroundlucia.com

    ReplyDelete
  35. I am obsessed! I cant wait to make my own!! I like the comment about using your favorite book so it says something about who you are. Such personal style!
    BJ xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks! I think it can be a really personal item :) Im so glad u like it, and cant wait to see how urs turns out, and which book u pick! :)

      Delete
  36. perfect!
    visit and follow my blog if you love to, i'll follow you back dear:)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks! :) Will check ur blog now :D xoxo

      Delete
  37. oh wow, this is so awesome!! Thanks for stopping by and for following, I am your newest follower

    xx
    meinmode.blogspot.de

    ReplyDelete
  38. I love the clutch. It's a great idea! :)

    Oh, thank you!! I really like your blog. I'll follow you

    xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  39. Nice DIY :)
    Love book clutchs, yours look really cute :)

    xoxo
    STYLE TRACES
    ST FACEBOOK PAGE

    ReplyDelete
  40. Que original, te quedo perfecto. Besos

    ReplyDelete
  41. Thx for that comment, followed you on bloglovin :)

    ReplyDelete
  42. Super cool!

    http://thefashioninbox.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  43. Your book-clutch is much much prettier!

    Follow you at Bloglovin'

    kiss
    from
    Greece

    ReplyDelete
  44. Ow wauw, that's so cool! Love the bookcover, it's perfect for a DIY clutch!
    Thank you for the comment. We think your blog is really awesome, so of course we're following!

    Xo Men Trend

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks!!! :D Makes me really happy that u like my blog! xoxo!

      Delete
  45. The book clutch is a really neat idea! Love it!

    ReplyDelete
  46. Wow such a great idea! :) Anyway, sure we could follow each other. Followed you via Bloglvin (number 83). Hope you could follow mine as well. :)

    Mish
    http://starmishie.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Of course I will follow yours! Thanks for following dear! :)

      Delete
  47. This is amazing :) thanks for the tip! Will try this out <3

    http://tuwentytri.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  48. Que hermosa idea!!! nunca se me hubiera ocurrido!
    besotes!

    ReplyDelete
  49. Pero que idea tan genial, a mi me encantan los DIY!
    me ha gustado tu blog, te sigo desde ya y te invito a pasar por el mío y si te gusta puedes seguirme.
    besos
    Duapara


    http://duapara-duapara.blogspot.com.es

    ReplyDelete
  50. I am not a big fan of these type of clutches but I must say you did a great job :)
    Thanks for your sweet comment! Actually I dont have any particular hair treatment! I mean I wash my hair with Pantene..very basic :) I am not the type of girl to go to the hairdresser very often either I prefer to do it myself on a day to day basis!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well u have a great hair! Will have to check out Pantene :) xoxo!

      Delete
  51. yes! i wanna follow you, following via bloglovin now, follow back :*

    ReplyDelete
  52. Yes, We could follow each other ! ;)
    I did it already, your turn !
    xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  53. Well done! You chose a really nice cover, so pretty.

    ReplyDelete
  54. te quedo hermoso ileee !!! <3
    TE FELICITOO ! jijiji
    cuando quieras me podes hacer uno !! :P

    .Jesi

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Graciasss!!! hahaha, tal vez te indico como mientras lo haces :P
      haha
      xoxo

      Delete
  55. This is such an adorable idea!! i love it!

    xoxo
    lesleykim.blogspot.com
    LesleyKim

    ReplyDelete
  56. Thanks! :) Will check ur blog :D

    ReplyDelete
  57. Of course we can follow each other :)

    following you now

    thoughtsof93.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  58. That looks so much fun!

    I'm now following you so you can follow me back if you want like you suggested. :) Wonderful blog!
    http://www.heijastuspinta.fi/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks!!! really glad u like it :) Of course I will follow back!
      xoxo

      Delete
  59. You did a great job! It looks fantastic!

    ReplyDelete
  60. thanks for your comment!

    OMG! it looks real cute! i should really try this out! :D

    anyway, followed! :)

    allthelusciousthings.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks!!! I really hope u try it out :D I wanna see which book u pic and how it looks :) xoxo

      Delete
  61. This is perfect, definitely something for me! I want!

    XO, Imke

    ReplyDelete
  62. This is amazing! Will br trying this!! xx

    {Satin&Souffles}

    ReplyDelete
  63. What a neat idea!
    And thanks for the sweet comment on my blog.
    Following you now and I hope you'll return the favor (:

    xx Amber
    http://amberleetea.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Glad u like it!! i will totally follow u! xoxo

      Delete
  64. What a chic idea! I haven't seen a clutch like this! Great job! It's super cute!!!
    xoxo
    Ashley from isoldmycookiecutter.com

    ReplyDelete
  65. this idea is BRILLIANT! not only can you update your look by an original way but also you can tell people who you are on a more sophisticated level!
    thanks for dropping by at my blog, im following you so i can keep reading you, i invite you to do the same with me! generally my posts are bilingual ;)

    lots of love!

    Mic.-
    www.mytrendyjournal.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. hahaha, like I dont need to carry a handbag with a silly cellphone and a lipstick... all I need is a book! :) hahaha
      Of course I will follow u! U r really funny :)
      xoxo

      Delete
  66. para, y por qué te escribí en inglés? JAJAJAJA sos de Baires!!! vecina :) desp contame como es eso de que te vas a Austria! twitter @mytrendyjournal :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. hhahahaha Ahora sos mas graciosa todabia! :D Ya te agrego...me lo acabo de hacer! :)

      Delete
  67. Hola Ileana! Gran idea, me encanto!!!
    Saludos :)
    Noe

    http://theuniversalfashion.blogspot.com.ar/

    ReplyDelete
  68. My english is not good but i love your blog and i follow you !
    Des bisous ! Sarah.

    ReplyDelete
  69. thank you so much :)

    aw, so original! nice idea! :)
    bisous xxx

    ReplyDelete
  70. hey,thanks for stopping by my blog,i really appreciate it,YES i will love us to follow each other,if you are following let me know and i will do same,lovely blog you have,xoxo

    http://sazistopsecret.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  71. Amazing post. Your blog is great. I totally love it!!!New follower on Bloglovin!!!
    Best Regards
    Miss Margaret Cruzemark
    http://margaretcruzemark.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanksss!!! Im really glad u like my blog!:D

      Delete
  72. Thank you for your comment on my blog!)
    I am follow you with GFC and with Bloglovin, follow me too?

    ReplyDelete
  73. I don't know if I could have destroyed the book, it looks so beautiful, you were strong!
    Good job on the DIY the end result looks lovely and I really love the feminine touch of the ribbon. You will have a very original wedding handbag :)
    I would love to follow each other, I'm following you on GFC now :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. hahahaha.... yeah, but I boought six books that I couldnt destroy, before getting this one! :D So glad u like the ribbon...was worried about it :) Im now following u too! xoxo

      Delete
  74. What a great idea! :) Love your blog! x

    ReplyDelete
  75. I think it's a very interesting clutch. Great idea :)

    http://anna-and-klaudia.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  76. Hey girl! Love your blog - Thanks for the comment on mine, sorry I'm only just getting back to you!! I'm following you, really really love your blog! :)

    WhatRebeccaSaidxxxxxxxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks!!! So happy u like my blog! I will definitely follow u! xoxo

      Delete
  77. wow that's cool :D
    xx
    http://maybe-not2day.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  78. What a great idea! It looks beautiful

    -dai

    ReplyDelete
  79. followed back darling, you're the sweetest!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks!!! Hope to learn some photoshop from ur blog :D

      Delete
  80. La verdad que son muy originales!! Te ha quedado muy chulo
    Muchas gracias por visitar mi blog y me parece una buena idea seguirnos, yo ya te sigo ;)

    Besos
    http://jourlejour-marie.blogspot.com.es/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gracias!!! :) Me alegra que te guste como me quedo la cartera! :D

      Delete
  81. Ofcourse we can follow :) Following you now via Bloglovin :) x

    ReplyDelete
  82. Woow that is so awesome! I have never actually seen this anywhere! But I think it is different and pretty original.

    New Post at: http://blonde-frosting.blogspot.com/

    xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  83. LOve those clutches I have a similar one from Zara :)

    http://jackiegloves.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Did not know Zara had them!!! Well, now I have it, so I cannot buy it!!! lol

      Delete
  84. Holy crap, that is such a darling idea! Ooooo, I'd love to make a Frankenstein one. Your blog is wonderful. Yes, I'd love to follow each other! I'm following you now. (:

    May the force be with you.
    Emily

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. haha, ur comment is great! :D A Frankestein one would be really cool!! May the force be with you! Im following back !

      Delete
  85. love your book clutch it'll go perfectly with your wedding shoes!!! looove it !!
    Love, Pat

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks!!! :) I wanted to glue some little pearls, but couldn't find at the store...

      Delete
  86. really love it :)
    such a great idea ;)


    xcocolienx.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  87. Hi, thank you for your lovely comment! I'm following you on Bloglovin, would love it if you followed back :) xoxo

    www.fashionmavenmommy.com

    ReplyDelete
  88. OMG I love these book clutches! I think they are just adorable!!! And your DIY is amazing!!! :)
    :)
    Allison

    P.S. I'm having an INTERNATIONAL $75 Shopbop giveaway on my blog, so don't forget to enter! :)
    A's Fashion Files
    $75 Shopbop Giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks!!! Im really glad u like it :) Will check ur giveaway! :D

      Delete
  89. Wow! Looks pretty good! Great job!
    Thank you nice comment!
    I'm following you on bloglovin and facebook!

    ReplyDelete
  90. Really cool idea!

    Your blog is very nice, I like it. I'm following, follow me back if you like!

    http://gomadandbuyeverything.blogspot.pt/

    Kisses*

    ReplyDelete
  91. this is an amazing idea i need to go to a thrift store find a cute book and make one thanks for sharing dear
    x
    cammi
    http://cammilicious.com/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks!!! Hope u find a really cute one :D

      Delete
  92. Oh that is so adorable...I've seen quite a few book clutches and wanted to make one myself..but I didn't want to cut up any of my books!! Then I realised that there are these things called book stores/charity shops/the internet, that sells books too...therefore I don't have to chop up my book collection... took me long enough to realise that!

    http://segenswunsche.blogspot.co.uk/

    x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. haha, but that is a great idea! I would have never broken any of my books..had to pick a new one :)
      xoxo!

      Delete
  93. Hey! Oh I love Olympia le-Tan..that's a great idea! btw..thanks for stopping by..I'm following back now =)

    Xx Elisa

    http://degenerationmode.blogspot.it/

    ReplyDelete
  94. wow, what a cool idea, bur poor jane eyre-I love the book!
    thx for visiting:)
    xx chris

    ReplyDelete
  95. Thank you thank you thank you for this!
    You have a real eye for turning a-list apperel into DIY alternatives

    www.jennafifi.com
    xxx

    ReplyDelete
  96. OMG!!! What a fantastic idea!!! I am most definitely going to try this out as soon as I find an appropriate book to use!! THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR SHARING THIS :D heheh

    ReplyDelete
  97. Looks amazing! Just need to find a book so I can try!

    Enter our international giveaway at http://buttonsapart.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/international-give-away.html

    Sita & Radha xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  98. it does look beautiful! I'm not sure I'd have the heart to destroy a book though...I'd probably chicken out!

    ReplyDelete
  99. I will never stop admiring people who have got enough patience and imagination to make something original out of somenting very usual. My applauses go to you loudly.
    Reagrsd,
    maria

    www.stilistmoldova.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  100. Wow! It looks amazing! I really like it! <3

    ReplyDelete
  101. OH MY GOODNESS I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THAT. thank you so much for sharing.. <3

    i'm sort of new here and just got around to following people. it would be an honor if i get a follow from you! would you follow me back? :)
    amsaima.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for all your beautiful novels! I really appreciate them :)
Don't forget to add your blog so I can check it out!!! xoxo

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