Unlike the bra purse, which turns a decorated old bra into a handbag, I've found a way to make a surprisingly respectable homemade bag -- but in messenger bag form.

This version churns out quite the stylish messenger bag. Here's a few ways it "recycles" old products:

- The material of the bag is from an old advertising banner (which can be picked up from any sign-printing store I imagine).
- The small buckles are taken from the straps on shopping carts (apparently there are quite a few abandoned carts in L.A. -- I don't recommend stealing one from the local grocery store).
- The big buckle is from a suitcase (you know you have an old suitcase you need to get rid of, anyway!)
- The author of the guide got his Velcro and foam padding from a trashcan, which could certainly be avoided if you want to just buy the darn things, as they aren't expensive.

The process involves a lot of folding and cutting and being pretty crafty, but in the end, you'll have a very useful new bag (and it's completely customizable).