These purses are so fun and easy to make. You can use them for a purse, scripture holder, or even a little lunch bag. You can find cute placemats anywhere, the $1 store, Wal-Mart, Target, Kohls, etc. The blue one shown in this post I got at the dollar store and the others pictured I picked up at Target.
1st measure about 2 1/2 inches in from the side and pin ribbon on the front side of the placemat. Start with the ribbon a few inches down on the left side and then pin to the end.
Once you come to the end of the placemat do not cut the end of the ribbon, measure about 13" for the straps and then start pinning 2 1/2 inches down the other side. Once you reach that end measure another 13" and then pin the ribbon until it meets up where you started. I like to turn the ribbon under so the ends do not show to reduce fraying.
I added another strip of ribbon on the left-hand side about an inch in from the other ribbon. Then I sewed a fabric flower over where the two ribbons met together.
Next fold the placemat with the right sides together and stitch the edges closed.
For the last step take the bottom corners and fold them out into a triangle.
Then measure 1 1/2 inches from the tip of the triangle and stitch across.
Turn the bag right side out and you're done! If you want you can add a small piece of Velcro at the top to close the bag.
My girls have loved these purses and they have so much fun coming up with combinations of ribbons and flowers, as well as reasons to use them!
