DIY Makeup Clutch

This box frame clutch measures about 9.5 inches long and 4 inches tall. It's a DIY version of the Dollup Makeup Case that includes an inner leaf and a mirror.

Fabric – outer case, inner lining and leaf
A box frame

Elmer's Washable Glue

Hot glue gun
Aleene's Tacky Glue
Amazing Goop
A natural brush for the glue
Clover Wonderclips

Elastic tape, 3/8" wide

Acetate sheet

Magnetic paper

Clover mini iron

Mirror

Zipper foot

The box is dark colored, and can show through a very light colored or thin fabric. Upholstery fabric, microsuede or faux leather work very well for the outer cover. Two layers of satin or thick cotton work well for the inner lining. Quilting cotton is best for the leaf.

Start with the lining because it will be inside and not so obvious. If you have a motif on the fabric you want to get centered, think about this when you cut out your piece. 

Cut two pieces of fabric large enough to cover the box and have about an inch overlapping each of the 4 edges. Measure and cut a sheet of magnetic paper to fit inside the case. Cut a sheet of acetate the same size and set aside. Hot glue the magnetic paper to one lining and set aside. Sew elastic to the other lining at intervals to hold brushes. You may also sew an elastic-top case pocket to the lining to hold cotton pads and makeup remover, etc.

Cut another two pieces of fabric a 1/2" shorter lengthwise. This will serve as a leaf inside the clutch. Snip three of the corners of both pieces at a 45 degree angle 1/4" from the edge. Turn the wrong sides together and glue into place with Elmer's Washable. Iron to set.

Sew elastic to one piece at intervals to hold pencils, mascara and lip gloss. Cut a rectangular piece out of the other fabric a 1/2" from the edge. Snip the corners 1/4" inward. Fold the fabric back and glue in place. Iron to set. Sew around the folded edge. Place this fabric over a mirror, making sure the mirror extends beyond the hole 1/4". Hot glue the fabric to the mirror. Now, hot glue the back of the mirror to the back of the fabric you sewed the elastic on. 

Using a zipper foot, position the needle to the left as close to the mirror as you can without damaging the needle. Sew through both pieces of fabric around the mirror. This shouldn't interfere with the elastic. Sew the two pieces of fabric together around three of the outside edges. 

Cut a long slit in the lining 1/4" from each edge and a 1/4" from the inside edge. Insert the raw edge of the leaf into the slit lining up the raw edges. Sew the leaf and lining together with a 1/4" seam allowance. Press the seam open.

Examine the clutch pieces to see how the boxes fit into the frame. Most have a groove in one of the long edges. This is the top of the frame where the clasp is. It is important to know if your fabric has a directional print – you don't want to glue on the fabric and then find its upside down when you glue the box to the frame.

Protect your work surface with plastic. Squeeze plenty of Aleen's Tacky Glue on the case and spread it out with a brush. Don't miss any parts or the fabric won't stick properly and you may get a bubble. Smooth your fabric over the glue.

Fold the corners neatly and use a little glue on the overlapping fabric to hold it down. Use clips to hold the corners firmly while it dries. Once it's fully dry, trim off the excess fabric.

Repeat the process for the outside of the box, and create neat corners. Take a bit more care, these will show! Clip the corners in place, but keep the clips close to the edge or they may create a mark in the fabric as it dries. Leave the glue to dry, then trim off the edges of the extra fabric.

Glue the boxes into the frame. Squeeze a bead of Amazing Goop all around the frame in the groove and in the corners. Add glue around the edge of the boxes trying not to let it drip down onto the fabric. Wait a couple of minutes and then put the frame onto the boxes. Press firmly and make sure the fabric edges and corners are in the groove neatly. Poke the fabric into place with a stiletto to smooth out any edges. Leave the glue to dry. Rub the case to remove any little bits of glue that have seeped out.

Arrange pans of makeup on the magnetic sheet however you like. Place a sheet of acetate over them to keep the mirror clean.