Everywhere you look Celine pouches are somewhere to be found, lusted or dreamed of. I myself had a moment of weakness drooling over the leather pieces held together by thread and a zipper shown here. Also, where I found a least expensive alternative achieving the same look. When I saw a photo of a color block Celine pouch (pinned here) I knew that's what I wanted. One bright neon block on the bottom of my pouch. So I quickly picked up one from American Apparel and got to work. Here is how I achieved the look:
Step one: All you need is a leather pouch, acrylic paint in white and the color bright color of your choice, paint brush, painters tape, blow dryer & acrylic coating spray (shown later) and good tunes to listen to
Step two: Mark off the area you want to paint with painters tape. If you are a real perfectionist you can measure it out to make sure it is even on both sides or trust your insticts and eye ball it like I did.
Step three: Mix white acrylic paint with a bit of water for first layer to help it adhere to the leather. Start brushing onto leather from tape down to avoid too much leakage under the tape. (As tedious as you can be I'm sorry to say this still happens.)
Step four: After the white dries, bring out the neon guns and do the same without water added. The white acts as a primer so that your color will pop bright against the muted leather. I used a blow dryer during this process because I couldn't take the waiting in between layers to paint. Works miraculously to get an even coat.
Step five: When you're finally satisfied with the painted color cover the non painted leather with paper or cover with a magazine of some sort. Last minute I didn't like the feeling of the rough paint so ran to the craft store for glossy acrylic spray coat. This helps protect the paint from water and wear while also giving it a soft smooth finish like the leather!
Let dry for 2 hours untouched and you're done! Now what else can I paint with neon...
