Emoji Clutch DIY!

While I certainly enjoy making items that are more of a timeless style that I can keep for a long time to come, there's always something extra fun about making projects that are purely based off of trendy fads too. They are just, well, fun! We've been pretty emoji obsessed around here and thought it was high time that we devote a wearable accessory to the lovable icons. A wristlet clutch seemed like the perfect project to feature the faces! Want to make one too?

Supplies:
-vinyl fabric in yellow, pink, and black
-zipper
-fabric scissors
-fabric glue
-X-Acto knife
-emoji clutch template (right click to download)
-round bowl or plate about 8" wide
-binder clips (optional)
-non-stick sewing machine foot

(optional)
-Chicago screw for handle (optional)

Get your bowl or plate that you're going to use as your face template (shoot for a size of 8-9"). Trace two circles onto the back of your yellow vinyl, and cut out your circles.

Designate one of the circles to be the back of your bag, and cut a slit that is 1/2" wide and 7" long down the middle of the circle. Try to find a zipper that is exactly 7" long if you can, but if you can't find one, you can use wire cutters and scissors to trim the zipper down to size (the wire cutters are to cut through the metal zipper section more easily). You can also adjust the length of the window you cut to accommodate a different size zipper.

Use the fabric glue to glue the zipper under the cutout so that the zipper fits perfectly in the window.

Once the glue dries, stitch around the window about 1/4" from the edge to secure the zipper in place. I would suggest using either a nonstick foot for your sewing machine (handy for lots of different materials), or putting a piece of scotch tape on the bottom of your standard foot. The material will move much smoother through your machine than if you don't.

Cut two pieces of black vinyl that are 3/4" x 11" and 3/4" x 12". Glue the pieces wrong sides together with the shorter piece centered in the middle of the longer one (see first photo above). Making the last 1/2" of each side only one layer thick instead of two will make the strap less bulky when you fold it in half and sew it into the side of the clutch. Before folding, you can either leave the strap just glued together, or you can stitch along the sides with black thread for a more finished look.

Fold the strap in half and glue the two ends together to make a loop. If you want to add some sort of decorative hardware here (like a Chicago screw or stud), just punch a hole and install the screw at the beginning where the strap goes from two layers of fabric to four.

Use the template in the supply list to cut out your heart eyes and mouth from pink and black fabric, and glue the cutouts into place. This is another detail where you can simply leave it glued on or stitch over the cutouts to secure them further and give a more finished look. It's up to you!

Once the cutouts are in place, use the glue to attach the front circle to the back circle (wrong sides facing each other), and glue the end of the handle loop between the two layers to secure. Use binder clips to keep the edges together as the glue sets.

Sew around the edge of the bag with a 1/4" seam allowance (removing the clips as you go), and your bag is ready for its big debut!

I was planning on just making the heart eyes emoji face, but once Elsie saw the finished bag, she loved it so much that she requested one of the annoyed "oh good grief" faces for her. They were so fast to make, that I had hers done in no time, and it turns out they look even cuter when they have a buddy nearby!

This little wristlet is perfect for a fun date where you don't want to lug around a bulky bag all night, but you still want your essentials nearby. Think you'll give this project a try? What face would you make? xo. Laura

Credits// Author and Photography: Laura Gummerman. Photos edited with A Beautiful Mess Actions.