DIY Network

Latex Tube Purse Give the classic box purse a funky, flexible twist. From "B. Original" episode DBOR-501

Weave this tough, trendy tote.

There's no such thing as having too many purses: The right bag finishes off any look, whether you're going for classic sophistication or funky fun.

Michele Beschen has the perfect purse for fashion frolics. Woven from latex tubing and hardware cloth, it puts a B. Original spin on a classic handbag. Scroll down for the how-to, and get started on your own purse with personality.

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D
	Figure E
	Figure F
	Figure G

Latex Tube Purse

Materials:

latex flex tube
1/2" hardware cloth
tin snips or heavy-duty shears
wire cage clips
wire cage pliers

• Cut the panels for the purse out of 1/2" hardware cloth:
  Front: 10 squares high by 19 squares wide
  Back: 10 squares high by 18 squares wide
  Sides (cut 2): 11 squares high by 8 squares wide
  Bottom: 8 squares by 19 squares

  Note: Cut as close to the squares as possible when cutting out the panels.
  
  

• Trim the top row of the two side panels so that the main body of the panels is only 10 squares tall, with two single squares sticking up from the middle of the panel (figure A). This is where the handle will attach.

• Set the bottom panel aside. Lay out the other panels left to right in the order they will go on the purse: front, side, back and side. Choose a piece of latex tubing long enough to weave through all four panels.

• Starting at the bottom row, begin to weave the tubing through the mesh of all four panels, attaching the panels as you go (figure B). Weave tubing through the top row of all four panels in the same manner (figure C).

• When all four pieces are attached, bring the far ends together to form the box shape of the purse. Use wire cage clips and wire cage pliers (figure D) to connect the tube ends on the inside of the box (figure E). To use the cage pliers, simply fit a clip into the pliers, fit the slide the clip over the two pieces of tubing and squeeze. Use two clips to connect each tube, then trim away the excess.

• Weave tubing through the other rows of the mesh, securing the tubes with wire cage clips. Trim away excess tubing after attaching the cage clips.

• Weave tubing lengthwise through all the rows of the bottom panel. Make the last weave of each row span an extra square of mesh; this will keep both loose ends of each tube on the same side of the hardware cloth.

• Position the bottom of the purse, tucking the loose ends inside the purse. Secure with wire cage clips (figure F).

• Cut two pieces of tubing the desired length for the purse's handle. Thread the end of one piece through one of the two squares sticking up from a side panel and secure with a wire cage clip; repeat on the other side. Attach the second piece of tubing one side of the purse, wrap it several times around the first piece and secure to the other side with a wire cage clip (figure G).

• Dress up the purse with pedants, beads or charms. You also can add a top to the purse or create funky beads out of leftover pieces of tubing.

Show off your totally tubular tote! It’s as durable as it is original.