Crocheted purse with material liner and handle

Finally, after two years of putting off finishing this purse, I did it!  I started this purse two years ago, crocheting granny squares then hooking them together (i used 100% cotton sugar n cream yarn).  The purse itself didn't come out exactly as I planned but since I put so much time into it, I decided to keep it in tact.  the problem with my original design was the crocheted handles.  I crocheted handles and after using them for about three days, they stretched and pulled and it just wasn't good.  So, I decided that at some point I'd make a liner and handles out of material and sew the project done for good.  But that was almost two years ago!  Then, over the weekend I was at a craft festival and saw some handmade purses with thick padded straps.  I decided to try it.  First, I measured the purse and made a three dimensional lining for it, complete with pockets.  Then I made a tube out of material, stuck some left over batting I had on hand, sewed it flat and sewed it on to the liner.  the only possible problem I may run into is the lining ripping out of the purse, since I just hand stitched it around the outer edge but I couldn't think of another way to do it.  I guess we'll see.  It's not the prettiest thing but for the amount of hours I put into it, it's worth more to me that it would to anyone else!  Like most of my projects, I do by seeing.  I'll look at a finished product and figure out how to replicate it myself.  or, by trial and error, come up with my own idea and try to create it.  So, I'm sorry if you're looking for exact measurements and step by step instructions.  Perhaps just looking at my design will allow you to be creative yourself! :) have fun!

Valspar Paint Crystals

I saw these paint crystals on pinterest.  I was skeptical.  If Valspar can make them, why doesn't any other company make them?  How do they work?  How don't they become covered in paint?  Would they work?
The answer is .....yes, they do!
Now....I wasn't able to get a good picture of the finished room due to lighting and my cheap camera (they sparkles wouldn't show up) but take my word for it....they sparkle!!!  And it's not overwhelming.
You can get them in silver or gold-they were $6.95 for a package that is supposed to do one gallon of paint.  The package says they need to go into to Valspar Signature Paint (Lowe's paint) but I used them in Behr (Home Depot paint) and they worked just fine.  On a side note, I'm a firm beleiver in paying a little more for good paint.  I used to use the good old Walmart special for like $12 a gallon, not realizing better paint existed.....  Well, it does and it's well worth the money and the final product is worth it.  Anyway-the paint crystals....the package says to mix one package into one gallon of paint and then the paint must be used within a week.  I didn't test the week theory-all my paint was gone in a day.  But I did do an experiement.  I was worried that an entire package would be overwhemling, So I did my first coat of paint plain and then added half the crystals into half a gallon of paint for the second coat.  I used a medium grey paint.  Not sure how these are going to work on lighter or darker paints.....the package directions state that you might need two packages for the crystals to show up on lighter colors.  But let me tell you, my final result was not ovewhelming and sparkles just enough when the sun or light hits it!
Highly recommend! :)