Originally Posted by kay carlson
I measured the outside of the bag and cut out heavy duty cardboard for the base. The cardboard was inserted in a pillow case type sleeve I made and the "open" end was folded underneath the base. I wanted something removable and easily washed. Of course, with the pillow case type sleeve, the covered base can be flipped over once in case I get the creeps about how clean it is :-)
I didn't have much to choose from for the bottom of my purse...but then I found the 12 pack Pepsi cardboard! I cut it apart so that I had 4 individual pieces. Measure and cut one piece the size I needed, then cut the other 3 the same size - duck-taped them together...wrapped fabric around it, and done!
It's plenty stiff, lightweight, and feels wonderful. Now that I've done it once, I think I will always use this method. It works wonders! I only wish it were washable, but I can take the fabric off and wash it if needed (it's only glued on the back, so I can easily pull it apart).
Hope this helps :)