Vintage Handbag -> Now Planter -> DIY

For years, I've been friends with Bonnie Stauch, costumer extraordinaire. When you live in Hollywood, CA, you're bound to hang out with people that work in the industry. (Yup, I did too - during my early years after college.) Many years ago, Bonnie created wardrobe for what seemed like 100s of Hallmark movies. More recently she's dressed Bruce Willis.  Lucky me, she has used Dunitz & Company designs in several shows. Mel Harris (think Thirty-Something) wore our amulet pouch in one movie and I actually had a press shot of her showing it off. I have scoured my home and office for that image. Unfortunately I put it in such a safe place, I cannot find it. When I'm feeling insecure about what dress to purchase for this event or that event, Bonnie allows me to drag her shopping. Now that's a friend! If you're professionally dressing actors all day long, every day, I'm sure the last thing you want to do is go shopping with your girlfriends.

So, here's the thing. For Bonnie's birthday, I wanted to create a gift she'd appreciate - but was not way over the top. Truth is, none of us need anything. So, something imaginative and thoughtful is always the prize. If you don't already know this about me, I love a good flea market. Hunting the steal is my fun. You can only imagine how stoked I was to find this vintage Lucite (fancy name for plastic) 'Original Rialto NY' handbag. It's not in perfect condition, but it sure is pretty. I knew I'd never carry it.  I knew Bonnie would never carry it. I also know that either of us would love staring at it.  So, the question became, what should I do with it?

Here's the transformation!

Do you think she'll love it? I've given it a trial run in my kitchen window box. So, here's food for thought for you. Just about anything can make a cool planter. A rusty coffee can. Old boots. A humorous coffee mug. Get creative. Succulents are absolutely impossible to kill. They hardly ever need watering. If you do so sparingly, you won't need to have holes in the bottom of your creative pot. So, grab some dirt. Snatch up some cuttings from your yard (if you can) or pick up a few small plants at your nearest nursery. Easy. You'll have your next creative gift in no time flat. Who will receive one from you? (And by the way, she LOVED it!) - ND