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Although these look quite intricate, there is really no skill to this, just patience. I find all sorts of old clutch-purses in op-shops and have also found many in my Nanna’s wardrobe. Sometimes they are too beautiful to change but if you have something fairly generic, it’s perfect for beading. When choosing a purse to bead, make sure it is big enough to get your hand into, otherwise it will be far too fiddly.
Think about the colours you want to go with and then buy a range of beads in those colours, mainly small glass beads but some big ones as well to make flowers or other patterns. Use strong beading thread (available from any good craft store) – regular cotton breaks easily and given the hours you put into this, you’ll want it to last. Beading thread is rot-proof and fray resistant and should last at least your lifetime.
An old clutch purse
Beads - lots and lots of beads
Beading thread (I usually go through at least four 30 metre reals per medium-sized purse)
Narrow needle
Scissors
Silk lining
If you are using an old purse, you may need to remove the lining (carefully so as not to cut through the outside of the purse). Now, simply sew on the beads! You need to sew close together to get a good effect. When you’ve finished, the inside of your purse will likely be a messy array of threads, I usually line mine with silk to cover this up.