One of the things about doing TV craft demos is that you end up with a ton of step-outs.  Step-outs are the project in its various stages.  Let's say that you're making a birdhouse and that the project has four steps.  You have to bring five birdhouses:

  1. blank birdhouse
  2. birdhouse with step #1 completed
  3. birdhouse with step #2 completed
  4. birdhouse with step #3 completed
  5. birdhouse with step #4 completed

The idea is that you show the audience how to do each step, but to save time, you pull out the finished step-out and continue on with the next step.

The big issue I always have is what to do with those step-outs?

I have had a bunch of canvas quilt tops stuffed in a drawer ever since I appeared on Quilting Arts TV a year or two ago.  This was the project we were making (and man, has my photography improved since I took this shot!):

PrimaryExample-sm
I took the step-outs and made them into this cute little purse:

MEpurse-sm
Even the strap is made up of step-outs!

Don't worry if you don't have step-outs.  How about an unfinished quilt top?  Or just some leftover scraps?  For this purse I airbrushed some blank canvas using some of the new Crafter's Workshop stencils:

Stenciledpurse-sm
What a fun and easy way to use up those things that clutter our workspaces.

Thanks for stopping by!

P.S. I'm delighted to say that I wore my little step-out purse and was complimented multiple times by complete strangers!  That's always a good feeling!

Julie Fei-Fan Balzer

Based outside of Boston, Julie Fei-Fan Balzer is a painter, printmaker, and collage artist who constructs vibrant compositions. Her artwork investigates the interplay of identity and perception, inviting viewers to take a longer look. Julie works in layers, both physically and metaphorically, exploring what is visible and what is concealed. Passionate about connecting with and inspiring other artists, she shares her expertise through in-person workshops and her online classroom at MyArtPractice.com. Julie's achievements include high-profile clients, multiple publications - including her book, “Carve Stamp Play” - and exhibits in New York City and throughout Massachusetts. She is a graduate of Brown University.

24 thoughts on “Simple Purses

  • What a great way to use some “left-overs” Julie!

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  • What a great way to use some “left-overs” Julie!

    Reply
  • What a great way to use some “left-overs” Julie!

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  • What a great way to use some “left-overs” Julie!

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  • Great idea!!
    And people who gave you compliments know exactly what a piece of art is… they are adorable, is you on the pictures?
    Have a great week, Julie!

    Reply
  • Great idea!!
    And people who gave you compliments know exactly what a piece of art is… they are adorable, is you on the pictures?
    Have a great week, Julie!

    Reply
  • Great idea!!
    And people who gave you compliments know exactly what a piece of art is… they are adorable, is you on the pictures?
    Have a great week, Julie!

    Reply
  • Great idea!!
    And people who gave you compliments know exactly what a piece of art is… they are adorable, is you on the pictures?
    Have a great week, Julie!

    Reply
  • OMG! Julie those are fabulous! I LOVE the airbrushed one. Way to use up those extras too.

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  • OMG! Julie those are fabulous! I LOVE the airbrushed one. Way to use up those extras too.

    Reply
  • OMG! Julie those are fabulous! I LOVE the airbrushed one. Way to use up those extras too.

    Reply
  • OMG! Julie those are fabulous! I LOVE the airbrushed one. Way to use up those extras too.

    Reply
  • OMG Julie I love the purse with young photos of you~ So adorable. Now you have to show us how to make these.

    Reply
  • OMG Julie I love the purse with young photos of you~ So adorable. Now you have to show us how to make these.

    Reply
  • OMG Julie I love the purse with young photos of you~ So adorable. Now you have to show us how to make these.

    Reply
  • OMG Julie I love the purse with young photos of you~ So adorable. Now you have to show us how to make these.

    Reply

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