Spray Paint & Image Transfer Leather For a Thrift Store Makeover

2 Materials
$15
3 Hours
Easy

When I spied this old 1950s leather briefcase in my local thrift store for just a few pounds, I couldn't resist buying it as it reminded me of the one my grandma used to take to work.


Even though the old leather bag was from a different era it was the perfect size for my laptop. (I'd painted the leather from an old handbag before(see here.))

The bag was sitting in my loft and I had kind of forgotten about it until I spied a gorgeous bright yellow D&G handbag in a magazine with a bright red watermelon graphic on it. This sparked an idea for me to transform the bag.

I covered the bits of the bag I didn't want to be painted with painters tape.

I spray painted the whole bag with leather paint primer.

Once dried I then spray painted the bag a citrus yellow.

I wanted it to be bright and bold.

Instead of the watermelon graphic, I decided that I wanted a Scarlet Macaw on my bag. I found the vintage bird images I needed on the internet. They are free to download, (link on the blog).


I then printed the birds on dark T-shirt transfer paper and cut out the images.

Following the instructions that came with the transfer paper, I ironed the macaws onto the back and front of the bag.

The handle of the bag was a bit knackered so I wrapped a red ribbon around it and glued it in place for extra support. I also added a colorful pom pom to complete the look.


I love my new laptop back, it's just so bright and summery and really stands out. I can't wait to take it to my next blogging conference.

I love to use spray paints on fabric it is a quick and easy way to get a fantastic colourful transformation. You should check out my colourful spray-painted floor lamp here.

Suggested materials:
  • Spray paint
  • T-shirt iron on transfer paper
Claire at Pillarboxblue
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
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