Browsing Pinterest with no particular goal in mind is usually dangerous in that it will take away hours of your life that you will never get back again.
On this occasion, however, this image caught my eye almost immediately.
Now, owls are perennially popular and, when given a useful (not to mention cute) function, proved too irresistible a present-making opportunity for me.
I remember when my daughter was about ten she loved Polly Pocket and a large part of that enjoyment stemmed from its minuscule nature and the fact that, as it hung from a locket around her neck, it was a portable toy that could go anywhere with her, ready to play with as the urge arose. This purse had similar amusement potential.
Clicking on the image through to the original post revealed that the owl was a coin purse with – and this bit is crucial – a secret pocket!
Instantly I knew two little girls that would potentially love this, and I also had an idea for the contents of the secret pocket.
You can find the full tutorial here.
Made from scraps of felt, the only extras needed are a zip, D-ring and two buttons, all of which I already had so these were effectively ‘free’ projects.
Although if you were to count the hours spent (approx six for both) they’re probably the most expensive felt purses ever:)
The raw materials…..
….the completed front and back before final construction.
Here’s a peek at the insides.
A combination of hand and machine sewing make for an interesting mix.
I chose to include zips of contrasting colours, but you could match them to the felt for a more blended-in finish.
I’m going to buy some sprung keyring clips to attach to the D-rings.
A bit of hand embroidery makes a welcome change for someone who rarely gets the chance to indulge in such things!
The tutorial calls for a magnetic clip to close the secret front pocket, but I literally just used my last one so improvised with a tiny piece of Velcro.
As for the secret contents, the obvious choice was a sleeping baby owlet.
I sketched out a quick pattern and cut out the pieces from neon-coloured felt.
At the last minute I decided to add a pair of legs, sandwiched between the front and back layers of the body.
Another one made in opposite colours for the second purse.
Lift the flap and……a little surprise is revealed under the wing!
So there we are, one each for two girls that will, hopefully, derive as much fun from a tiny toy as my daughter did all those years ago.
November 8, 2018 at 10:32 am
They are beyond adorable, just delicious. And I think you had a great deal of fun making them.
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November 8, 2018 at 10:52 am
Oh, most definitely! I couldn’t bring myself to make anything which wasn’t fun as that’s the reason I sew in the first place:)
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November 8, 2018 at 12:22 pm
I remember those Polly Pockets so well. I think my daughters “collection” is probably somewhere in a box in storage. 🙂 She still has every Barbie she ever got, and all the furniture for the dollhouse too.
If only these cute owlies were around then. 🙂 These are even cuter. I love the secret pocket idea, and the contrasting zippers are perfect. So much detail in such small projects. I love these. Definitely going to be very popular little gifts.
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November 13, 2018 at 12:32 pm
Unfortunately, with every house move (six!) has come a huge clear out, so my daughter’s childhood toys have long since gone to other homes, including her much loved Polly Pockets and Barbies. She would definitely have loved a purse like this, though.
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November 8, 2018 at 6:03 pm
Very cute and a useful too – who could ask for more?
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November 13, 2018 at 12:33 pm
Exactly….just like moi:)
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November 8, 2018 at 6:30 pm
Oh so adorable – heck, I’d play with one for hours!!
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November 13, 2018 at 12:34 pm
Kids have such wild imaginations that I’m sure they’ll conjure up some magical games between them:)
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November 8, 2018 at 6:40 pm
Such clever work and so lovely. They will be treasured owls!
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November 13, 2018 at 12:35 pm
Thank you, they were so much fun to make and I know they’ll be as much fun to play with:)
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November 9, 2018 at 2:23 pm
This is a dangerous project indeed…. I have at least two or three ladies who would like to have one…
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November 13, 2018 at 12:35 pm
Ha ha! No doubt I’ll see your own version soon then?
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November 9, 2018 at 2:46 pm
They are lovely and I can think of at least one little girl who would love one – another Christmas present sorted! Thank you.
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November 13, 2018 at 12:36 pm
Fab! I’d love to see a picture if you do make any:)
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November 9, 2018 at 6:34 pm
Very cute, and I know just what you mean about Pinterest – too many projects, not enough time!
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November 13, 2018 at 12:37 pm
Oh yeah, and sometimes I end up more confused than when I began!
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December 14, 2018 at 1:39 pm
So cute!
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