# Repurposed Placemat Purses This 'Henry Happened' DIY Tote Has a Hippy Feel to It By Erin Kirkpatrick | Published 2013-05-10 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/henry-happened-diy-tote References: [henryhappened](http://www.henryhappened.com/crossbody-diy-tote-from-a-placemat.html) If you want to revamp your accessory collection without spending all your cash, then this 'Henry Happened' [DIY tote](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nylon-tote-bags) lets you make a casual and chic carrier. It also uses the most unlikely material: a placemat. Conventionally, placemats are used as placeholders and as a means to keep food off the kitchen table; however, this Henry Happened tote utilizes the placement as a means to create a [crossbody purse](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cleo-bag). Crossbody purses are the best because there is no fussing with their straps and they keep your hands free. In order to create this bag you'll need a woven placement, wooden beads, a parachute cord and some embroidery thread. The tutorial entails folding the placemat in half, stitching it together and attaching the desired length of strap. Don't forget to add some [tassels and wooden beads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pillow-cover) to this bag to add a little boho touch. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.8/10 - Popularity: 33% | Activity: 14% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 10% men, 90% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [DIY](https://www.trendhunter.com/diy) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Repurposed Placemat Accessories:** Opportunity to innovate by repurposing unconventional materials into fashionable accessories. - **DIY Fashion:** Opportunity to tap into the growing demand for unique and personalized fashion items through DIY projects. - **Crossbody Bags:** Opportunity to design and create convenient crossbody bags that offer hands-free functionality and ease of use. ### Who This Affects Most - **Fashion Accessories:** Fashion industry can explore sustainable and innovative ideas by incorporating repurposed materials into their accessory lines. - **Craft and DIY:** Craft and DIY industry can capitalize on the growing interest in DIY fashion projects by offering tutorials, supplies, and inspiration. - **Handbag Manufacturing:** Handbag industry can develop crossbody bags that cater to the demand for convenience and hands-free functionality, utilizing innovative design and materials. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Woven Statement Totes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/holst-lee1.md) - [Juice Pouch Purses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pouch-purse.md) - [Resurging Quilted-Denim Handbags](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/coach-tabby-shoulder-bag.md) - [Ancient Geometric Pattern Purses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/infinite-convertible-bag.md) - [Grocery Bag Runway Accessory](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/march-packable-tote-bag.md) - [Stylish Cooler Accessories](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tote-cooler.md) - [Airline Safety Equipment Accessories](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/upcycled-life-vests.md) - [Functional Bookworm-Inspired Bags](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/book-club-tote.md) - [Reimagined Archival Handbags](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/coachs-western-tabby.md)