If the nineteenth-century Arts and Crafts movement taught us anything, it is: "Use your hands". With this clever yet sticky fruit leather project, the Kitchen Table School adds an important corollary: "Wash your hands afterward".

MATERIALS
Fruit leather sheets
Raisins or Grapes

TOOLS
Waxed paper
Knife
Kitchen shears

Cut the leather into two rectangles of equal length, one slightly wider than the other. With each, fold over the edges on the bottom and sides, then pinch the folded edges together, so the rectangles are joined. Fold over the overhanging leather to form the flap. Twist two strips into a strap and press the ends in place. Coil a thin strip of leather for the button and press onto a triangle of leather on the front of purse, as shown. Stuff with raisins or grapes.

TIPS: Kitchen Table artisans work on a cutting board to prevent their leatherwork from sticking to the table top (and thus angering their mothers).

REVIEWERS' COMMENTS: "It smells yummy!" "This is sticky for me, but it's not hard to stick on."

You might also like: