Do you want a fun little project? I ran across a bunch of placemats on sale for $2-$3. each. So I picked up a few, thinking I could use them for something ( I do this a lot…buy first, think later). I thought I might make some pillows out of the them since they were lined nicely. I really didn’t want to sew anything so I played around with them and came up with these pillows that look like “clutches” (purses). The “clasp” on the pillows are just old costume jewelry, earrings and brooches. I thought the pillows would look cute sitting on a bedroom or living room chair, as you might set a real purse, but you could coordinate these with your decor. Or you could… lay one as an accent in front of a bunch of pillows on a bed. Or, make them from some fun placemats (leopard, zebra, fur) for a teens room, they love purses. You could also give them as a gift (I’d like one!). (click on pictures to enlarge)
These are no-sew and take about 15 minutes to make! Quick, Easy, Cute, Inexpensive…these buzz words get my attention!
Here’s what you do…
Materials:
- A placemat that is lined nicely on the back, but loose from the front fabric.
- Hot glue gun, scissors, ruler.
- Flat batting, any kind.
- Costume jewelry, an earring, pin, brooch or ?
- Iron
To make the long pillow, fold over the long backside of the placemat about 3 1/2 in. to make the flap. Press to make a crease. Just below the crease, in the center, make a slit just in the TOP layer of fabric about 6″ long. Cut a few 
layers of batting to fit the shape of the pillow. From the crease down, stuff the batting into the pillow, filling corners, but don’t overstuff. Fold the flap over (the cut opening) and glue gun down the flap, about two inches away from the all edges. Glue or just pin on the jewelry. Add a chain or rope trim for a handle or strap if you want.
To make the short pillow, fold the short side of the placemat up to leave a 3 1/2 in. flap. Glue gun the folded sides 
together, close to the seam, be neat and even. Stuff the pillow with batting evenly. Fold the flap down over the pillow and glue gun down flap about two inches away from all edges. Glue or pin on jewerly an add a chain or rope handle if you want.
That’s it! Super easy, but they’re kinda cute and fun to make. Placemats can be used for all kinds of great things. It’s fun to experiment, you never know what you will come up with. Any other ideas with placemats or anything else you’ve 
repurposed? Love to hear!!
1. Very cleaver, I will keep this in mind for sure.
by Gail — 2/23/09 at 4:50 am #
2. Thanks Gail,
It’s great to hear from you and good to hear you may try these. They really are super easy and quick to make.
Thanks for commenting!
by Cathy — 2/23/09 at 2:14 pm #
3. Super super cute. I will for sure be making some of these. Thanks so much for the tip. I make little purse and cosmetic bags out of placemats. They come in handy for a quick gift when an occasion pops up and you don’t have time to run out and pick something up. I try to keep cute placemats on hand. Thank you so much for this idea and all the ideas that you have for decorating and crafts. I’m an avid reader.
by Robin — 2/23/09 at 4:39 pm #
4. Robin!
This purse is adorable…and it’s made out of a placemat?? Sooo cute. Much more work than mine but it sure is a winner. Thanks for sending the picture. It’s so much fun to see what people do to repurpose ready made items. Placemats are great for lots of things…line them with clear plastic and sew pockets into them to store jewelry, line with clear plastic and fold them in half, cut two pockets (add a zipper) in the plastic to make a fold over travel case for cosmetics. Cut open the botton seam to slip over chair backs, match them to the table mats. Lots more…
Thanks so much for adding to the placemat project ideas and enjoying the blog. Love your purse and your nice comments. Thank you!
by Cathy — 2/23/09 at 5:33 pm #
5. So clever….
You never stop coming up with the cutest ideas…..
This would be a cute way to gift someone with a gift card.
Tuck it under the flap.
Something to keep and something to spend.
Keep the ideas coming……..
Love them all….
by Julie — 2/23/09 at 10:29 pm #
6. Hi Julie,
Thank you so much. Love your idea about adding a gift card to make two gifts. Also with the smaller pillow purse, leave out the stuffing and place a little gift inside or a gift card for a “purse” wrapped gift. Add a pretty pin to close it. Lots of great ideas!!! Thanks for yours!
LYC
by Cathy — 2/24/09 at 12:39 pm #
7. Oh my Gosh !!! Super cute… and creative idea. You could also make some real little clutches to carry with outfits just call them “causal clutches” I might have to try making one.. love your idea!
by Nikki — 2/24/09 at 7:31 pm #
8. You are too smart, Cathy!!! Thanks for the great idea. While I’m here, I’d like to ask a question. It’s totally unrelated to the topic, but I didn’t know where to post this. I have a small bedroom, which contains my grandmother’s old bed and matching vanity (medium wood tone). The floors are wood laminate and the walls are ivory. As you enter the room, you’re looking at a wide window (paned). I’ve placed the bed at an angle in the left corner, so it wouldn’t block the window, and also because it looks better that way (in my opinion). As you know, the love black, white and red. I saw a nice black and white toile coverlet at JC Penneys. The toile pattern is larger than the regular toile print you see, and it’s scattered on a white background — very nice. If you were to choose this for bedding, how would you dress the other elements in the room — the wide window, accessories, lamps, etc. OR, would it be more practicle to just use a white matelasse coverlet (which I already have) and use the black and white toile for other things — like pillows, etc. If this is the best way to go, how would you decorate the room? I need lamps and I need artwork for one entire wall — the wall across the room from the window. Could you give me advice on this also? Heck, could you give me advice about EVERYTHING!!! (smiles). Thanks a lot.
by Janice — 2/25/09 at 10:50 am #
9. Thank you Nikki,
Love YOUR idea! They would make cute real clutches wouldn’t they. Play around with them and see what you come up with. No one has to know they’re a placemat in disguise!! When you go into business…send me some royalties LOL.
Drop back soon.
by Cathy — 2/25/09 at 5:13 pm #
10. Hi Janice,
Good to hear from you. Sounds like you’re up to decorating again. I thought we had that whole house finished by now.
The black and white toile coverlet sounds nice. Lets roll with that since you like it. It sounds really nice. Love the bed on an angle. Lets keep the room light and bright with red accents. Keep the wall the ivory color. Add long white/ivory drapery with some black banding on the edge or 12″ border on the bottom. Add a black iron headboard. Add some bed pillows in some black and white geometrics, stripes and checks,and then a solid red pillow in the front. Maybe add a red throw at the foot of the bed. For artwork, copy (somehow) 4-6 prints out of the toile pattern on the coverlet. Toile has some great French scenes or florals. Enlarge them if need be but keep them black and white. Frame them with thick red mats and black frames ( maybe 18″ x 22″) and hang them as a grouping of 4 or 6 on the entire wall. Add in a white/cream chair with red pillow or welting. Add some contemporary lamps for interest and a vase of red flowers.
Is this an idea you had in mind? It would look crisp and fresh. What do you think?
by Cathy — 2/25/09 at 5:46 pm #
11. That sounds wonderful, Cathy! I could see each thing as you were describing it. There is only one thing, though. I’m not sure that I can replace the headboard. It’s my grandmother’s old bed, and I must keep it. It’s in a medium-tone wood and the headboard is arched. When you say contemporary lamps, could you give me an idea about shape or COLOR? And, should I use a pair on the vanity, or put one on the bedside table and the other on the vanity? Since the bed is on an angle, I only have space for one nightstand. By the way, I LOVE your window treatment idea. Thanks again for your help, Cathy.
by Janice — 2/26/09 at 11:01 am #
12. When you say, use black and white pillows in a geometic print, could these be zebra print? I have a couple of those already. What if I decided to just use a white matelasse coverlet, which I ALREADY have. Could I still keep everything else, as you’ve described, and get the same effect. Just wondering.
by Janice — 2/26/09 at 4:30 pm #
13. Hi Janice,
By all means keep your grandmother’s headboard, I wasn’t sure if you had anything or not. It will look lovely. As for lamps, I always like to add a little contemporary to a traditional room, it just updates and freshens a little.Maybe find some simple cleaned lined tall buffet lamps for your vanity. Even in a chrome finish for a little bling. You could use two of the same lamps there if you have some length to it. Then maybe a simple lamp with a glass base by the bed. Or, hang a wall mounted swing arm lamp by the bed to free up table room with a chrome finish. I think the zebra pillows would look great on either bed. If you go with your white coverlet, then maybe go with a black and white toile, damask or floral on the drapery and make a pillow or two for the bed. Add a little red in as well. Either way would look good.
by Cathy — 2/26/09 at 6:53 pm #
14. I appreciate all your helpful suggestions. I still think I will get the black and white toile quilt to add to my bedding stash. It’s one of those things I’ll always regret if I don’t get it. I wanted to ask one last question that doesn’t have to do with bedroom decor. As you know, my kitchen is black, white and red. I have the same black and white checked backsplash that you have (and white appliances), but my cabinets are ebony and my countertops are white. The kitchen walls are red, but I don’t have a lot of wall space because it’s broken up by windows, a sliding glass door, etc. And, my kitchen/dining area is together. I have a round oak table and the French chairs around it are in a pale yellow distressed finish. Right in front of the table is a built-in china cabinet with a built-in buffet below. The space between the cabinets of the hutch and the buffet are mirrored, and I like that because it makes the space look larger. The problem is, I NEVER know what to display on the buffet. I’ve heard decorators say that the table is always the focal point and whatever you use on the buffet shouldn’t overpower what’s on the table. Knowing my color scheme, what do you suggest that I put on the buffet? Right now, I have one of those black wrought iron plate stands with red plates. As I said, I never know what to use. By the way, on the opposite wall across from this space is a large baker’s rack, similar to yours. I have some black and white checked plates on it, a collection of cookbooks, a white soup toureen, and other white things. Anyway, I’d be grateful if you could tell me what to put on the counter of the buffet — and what centerpiece for the dining room table, which sits in front of it. Thank you for always helping me see the light when it comes to decorating.
by Janice — 2/27/09 at 10:43 am #
15. Thank you so much Janice,you always have such nice things to say.
You know, there is no perfect “thing” that should sit on the buffet or table. I like to transition lots of different things, mainly because I get bored with how they look if they sit too long. So rearrange things a little. Shop your home for something unexpected or fun. Lean a couple of framed prints on the buffet or set them on stands, maybe a big bowl of fruit, or a tray with some beautiful bottles of olive oil and vinegars, Maybe a basket lined with black and white checked dishcloth and loaves of French bread sticking out (let the bread just dry out for decoration). Maybe a small lamp and cookbook opened up to a pretty picture of yummy food set on an easel.
For the table, I always like fresh flowers, or a grouping of different candlesticks, bowl of fruit, cut some greens from the yard set fruit on top of it, How about a container herb garden if the room gets light. Maybe stacks of pretty dishes in the center of the table, Set a collection of white vases in the center. Lay a faux or real budding branch on the table and add tall candlesticks in through it.
Theres a few for you. If I think of more, I’ll let you know or if anyone has more ideas please join in.
Your house sounds sooo adorable. Send a picture sometime.
Take care, talk soon.
by Cathy — 2/28/09 at 2:25 pm #
16. You always think of the neatest things! Can’t wait to “play around” with my accessories. I have most of the things you mentioned — the easel, a colorful cookbook, baskets, etc., so this should be an easy project. I wanted to ask you something totally unrelated to the subject, because I know you know the answer. When you have a black, white and red color scheme, does it prevent you from having a certain look for your home. That is, I love anything water-related (ocean, river, etc.) but don’t know how to make my home (the color scheme) relate. You’ve done this with the heron (or is it a pelican) that you have in your living room. He goes, even though your color scheme is not in traditional ocean colors. Also, you scatter shells about — but I don’t picture shells or nautical items with the black, white and red — yet it works. What is the secret? Could I achieve something like this in the room with the black and white toile quilt (or ANY room) — that is, make is look like a house “by the water” (which it is) although I’m not using a nautical decor.
by Janice — 3/3/09 at 2:29 pm #
17. Hey Janice,
I think you can fit any color scheme into any theme. Just don’t overdo the “theme”. All you need are a few subtle references in the direction you want the spaces to lean. (BTW, I don’t have a heron/pelican in my L.R., I remember someone sending a picture of one, on the blog a while back. I think that’s why you thought of that.) Since you’re on a river, use some decorating elements that have a river feel, but still work into your color scheme and French feel.. prints of river birdlife( a heron would work for you
or fish prints, bowls of river rocks, or rock a fireplace, or rock an entryway, tall vases of river grasses or branches, black and white photographs of the riverscape, framed in black and matted in red. Lots of ways to add a little “river feel” to what you already have. Just a little nuance of the natural elements may be all you need to reflect your surroundings. Look around your house and see where you could introduce a little “by the water” feel. Let me know what you come up with.
by Cathy — 3/4/09 at 12:06 am #
18. Thanks for coming to my rescue again. You always help me see the light. I did order the black and white toile quilt and it came yesterday. I was delighted! It is so beautful. I need to find lamps like those you told me about. But, being one that likes to use or re-use something I already have, I was thinking about the possibility of spray painting some old ginger jar lamps, and covering the shades in fabric. A friend of mine spray painted her lamp bases and they came out amazingly well. I know that ginger jar lamps are more traditional, but do you think these would work until I find the right lamps. Should I paint the bases black or white? And would a black and white gingham shade work? Just some things that are running through my mind. Or, should I HOLD OUT until I find just right type lamps? Thanks again.
by Janice — 3/6/09 at 10:45 am #
19. Sure Janice, you could use your lamps. Why spend $ if you don’t have to. Just for fun, how about a big wide black and white stripe around the bases. Maybe 4 stripes horizontally. It may be too hard to tape off, but it could look cool. If not, do black bases and white shades with black banding around the bottom of the shade. Use the gingham on the bed. Sooo glad you got the cute toile quilt. I bet it’s great. What a cute bedroom this is going to be!!
Just thought of another crazy idea…how about paint the bases white and stencil or stamp 1″ black dots all around the base. Fun and different!
Well, a few ideas for you. Take em or leave em. Let me know what you do.
Talk soon.
by Cathy — 3/6/09 at 8:06 pm #
20. Girl, you are so creative! I would have never thought of those great ideas. I especially like the one about the black dots all around the base of the lamp. If I do that, should I just use a plain white shade? Can’t wait to start on this project. On a little different note, I’m always finding the neatest prints and posters on Art.Com. Don’t know if you’re familiar with the poster called “Sauvion Brandy” (check their site if you have time). It’s a large French advertising poster of a mime and there is a little lime green parrot at the top of the print. The background is solid black and the mime is dressed in bright red. Such a cute, whimsical poster. In fact, a homeowner in a recent issue of Country Sampler magazine had this in her living room, which just happened to have red walls — like mine! See where I’m going with this!?! LOL The homeowner had a lot of black and red accent pieces in the room, as well as lime green — in the way of throw pillows, etc. I’m so tempted to order this poster because I absolutely love the bright colors. And, I want a change for spring and summer. I call my style “French tropical” because I like a mix of both styles. To make a long story short, would this poster work in my decor — you know my living room colors. And, if so, could I still use the zebra print rug. And what type treatment would I use for the two, tall windows. You had previously told me to use white panels, banded in black. Would these change? Please give me your thoughts for a space using this fun poster. As you can see, I love to change things in a room — but I will always love my black, white and red sceme. Thanks a bunch!
by Janice — 3/11/09 at 9:58 am #
21. Hi Janice,
Yes, I know the poster you’re talking about. It’s big and colorful but fun. If you like the poster/print, go for it. If would look great with your colors in your room. I think the zebra rug would still look fine. Keep the draperies simple, white with the black banding would look good. It’s nice to change things up a little. A little fresh perspective is always refreshing.
Love your “French tropical” feel. Why not? I think it will be fun and “Tres Chic” (did I spell that right???, pardon my French).
Have fun with that great room…that’s what keeps life interesting.
Take Care!
by Cathy — 3/11/09 at 10:17 pm #
22. As you can tell, I get bored easily! But having the a basic scheme of black, white and red, it’s easy to interject other things into it. Some days I feel French and other days I feel tropical! (smiles) I’m slowly but surely getting a “flow” about my little home and I appreciate your helping me do this. I know some people are different but I like to see a common theme throughout (colors) rather than a blue room, a red room, a yellow room, etc. I have ordered the Sauvion Brandy poster, and as you know, it has a touch of lime green in the way of a parrot at the top of the poster. If you were using throw pillows, would you use two red ones and perhaps a lime one — or maybe a zebra print throw pillow with a lime one. Gee, I don’t know what combination to use! What other accents could I use, in addition to throw pillows, to bring in a bit of lime?
by Janice — 3/12/09 at 4:14 pm #
23. Hi HI,
Sounds like you’re adding a few great things. Yes, that poster does have a little lime in it. Great accent color.I would use the lime sparingly. You could do one lime pillow and maybe a glass bowl full of limes or green apples on the coffe table. That’s all you need of the lime. Since you have the zebra rug, don’t use the zebra pillows ( a little goes a long way). Add your red pillows, maybe one solid black, and a different shaped, like a lombar size, lime pillow.(I’m thinking your sofa is white??)
Yes, I like to pull some of the same colors thoughout the house. Makes a more unified feel, I think.
Everything will look super! I wish I could see how it all turns out.
by Cathy — 3/14/09 at 11:56 am #
24. Thanks!!! My sofa isn’t white — but light camel, which is a good neutral. Perhaps I can use my zebra pillows in a bedroom. And what a great idea about the bowl of green apples or limes. Even when introducing the new color (lime), I still need to use white curtain panels with black borders, right?
by Janice — 3/16/09 at 9:58 am #
25. Yes, keep the draperies low key and neutral/white. You can band them or not. It’s just a nice accent. You have a lot of interest going on in the room with color and pattern, it’s nice to keep some backgrounds simple and clean.
Let me know how it turns out. You’re having fun, I can tell!
by Cathy — 3/16/09 at 3:17 pm #
26. Thanks a bunch! Since spring is officially here, in our area at least, I’m loving that lime color more and more. It’s so refreshing — and well, “spring-like.” In fact, a few days ago, I dressed one of the beds in turquoise and lime. I used a white matelasse coverlet, and used lime for the bottom sheet and bright turquoise for the top sheet. I turned the coverlet back to reveal the blue/green combination. I used four pillows, two in turquoise and two in lime. Simple white tab curtains hang at the window. Girl, I tell you, this room looks like something in Jamaica! Of course, the lime and turquoise are a deviation from my black, white and red theme, but they’re such fun colors. How could I resist!
by Janice — 3/21/09 at 12:48 pm #
27. It all sounds wonderful Janice!!
Love your colors! Lime and turq. are always a great combination. Turning back those sheets over the coverlet looks so sharp. We’ll your all set for summer, and all those guests won’t want to leave your beautiful room. That’s what you get for making everything so nice!!
Enjoy that room , it’s a beauty!
by Cathy — 3/23/09 at 10:57 am #