Have you ever looked at your purse and felt like it needed a little something extra? I know I have.
Purse charms are the perfect way to infuse personality and flair into your everyday accessories.
In this article, I’ll walk you through a fun and easy DIY guide to creating your unique purse charms.
Let’s get crafting!
Purse Charms DIY
Purse charms are the ultimate accessory for any fashion-forward individual looking to personalize their handbags.
These delightful adornments come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials, ranging from elegant metal initials to vibrant, playful tassels.
Their purpose extends beyond mere decoration; purse charms can also serve as practical identifiers, helping you easily distinguish your bag in a crowd.
Embellishing your handbag with these charming trinkets is an exciting way to reflect your unique style and elevate your overall look.
1. Beaded Tassel Charm
Creating a beaded tassel charm is a fun and easy way to add a pop of color to your purse.
You can start by selecting a variety of beads in your favorite colors and threading them onto a piece of string or thin wire.
Once you have enough beads to your liking, tie the string securely and attach it to a small tassel.
You can make the tassel yourself using embroidery floss or purchase one from a craft store.
Attach the beaded tassel to a keyring or a small lobster clasp, and you’re ready to clip it onto your purse.
This charm not only adds a personal touch to your bag but also makes it easier to spot in a crowd.
2. Pom-Pom Charm
Pom-pom charms are fluffy, fun, and incredibly easy to make. You’ll need a pom-pom maker or simply use your fingers to wrap yarn around until you have a thick bundle.
Tie the yarn tightly in the middle, then cut the loops on both ends to create a pom-pom. Fluff it out and trim any uneven edges.
For added flair, you can mix different colors of yarn or add a few strands of metallic thread.
Attach your pom-pom to a keyring or lobster clasp using a piece of string or thin ribbon.
This charm adds a whimsical touch to your purse and can be customized to match any outfit.
3. Leather Tassel Charm
A leather tassel charm gives your purse a chic and sophisticated look. You’ll need a small piece of leather or faux leather, scissors, and a keyring.
Cut the leather into a rectangular piece, then make small cuts along one edge to create the tassel fringe.
Roll the leather tightly from one end to the other, securing it with a dab of strong glue. Once the glue is dry, attach the tassel to a keyring or lobster clasp.
This is perfect for adding a touch of elegance to your bag and can be made in various colors to suit your style.
4. Button Charm
Button charms are a great way to upcycle old buttons and create something unique. Gather a collection of buttons in different shapes, sizes, and colors.
Using thin wire or strong thread, string the buttons together in an interesting pattern.
You can create a simple linear design or cluster them together for a more complex look. Secure the ends of the wire or thread and attach it to a keyring or lobster clasp.
This charm is perfect for if you love vintage or eclectic styles and want to add a bit of character to their purse.
5. Mini Plush Toy Charm
If you have a knack for sewing, making a mini plush toy charm can be a delightful project.
Choose a simple shape like a heart, star, or animal and cut out two identical pieces of fabric.
Sew the pieces together, leaving a small opening to stuff with cotton or fiberfill. Once stuffed, sew the opening closed.
Add details like eyes, a mouth, or other decorations using fabric markers or small pieces of felt.
Attach a small loop of string to the top and connect it to a keyring or lobster clasp. This charm is adorable and can be personalized with different fabrics and designs.
6. Clay Figurine Charm
Polymer clay is a versatile material that you can use to create custom charms. Mold the clay into your desired shape, whether it’s a cute animal, a tiny fruit, or an abstract design.
Follow the clay’s instructions for baking it in the oven until it’s hardened. Once cooled, you can paint your figurine with acrylic paints for added detail.
Attach a small eye pin to the top before baking so you can easily connect it to a keyring or lobster clasp. This charm allows you to express your creativity and create something truly unique.
7. Seashell Charm
For a beachy vibe, create a charm using small seashells. Gather a few small shells and drill a tiny hole near the top of each one.
Thread a piece of thin wire or string through the holes, adding small beads or charms in between the shells for extra decoration.
Secure the ends and attach the charm to a keyring or lobster clasp. This charm is perfect for summer and can serve as a lovely reminder of your seaside adventures.
8. Initial Charm
An initial charm is a stylish way to personalize your purse. You can find pre-made metal or acrylic initials at craft stores, or you can create your own using polymer clay or wood.
If you’re making your own, shape the material into the desired letter and decorate it with paint, glitter, or small gems.
Once your initial is ready, attach it to a keyring or lobster clasp using a small jump ring. This charm is both elegant and personal, making it a great addition to any bag.
9. Feather Charm
Feather charms add a touch of boho chic to your purse. You can use real feathers or craft feathers in various colors and sizes.
Gather a few feathers together and secure them at the base with a small piece of wire or string. Add beads or small charms to the wire for extra decoration.
Once your feathers are secured, attach them to a keyring or lobster clasp. This charm is light and airy, perfect for adding a bit of movement and color to your bag.
10. Resin Charm
Resin charms are beautiful and can be customized with a variety of inclusions. Mix up a small batch of resin and pour it into a silicone mold.
Add inclusions like glitter, dried flowers, tiny shells, or even small photographs. Allow the resin to cure completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Once hardened, pop the charm out of the mold and attach a small eye pin or jump ring.
Connect the charm to a keyring or lobster clasp, and you’ve got a gorgeous, personalized charm to adorn your purse.
11. Crochet Flower Charm
If you enjoy crocheting, a flower charm is a lovely project. Choose a pattern for a small flower and crochet it using colorful yarn.
You can find many free patterns online or create your own design. Once your flower is complete, attach it to a keyring or lobster clasp using a piece of yarn or thin ribbon.
This charm is cute and adds a handmade touch to your bag, making it feel even more special.
12. Gemstone Charm
Gemstone charms are not only pretty but also believed to have various healing properties. Choose a small gemstone or crystal that you love.
Wrap the stone in a thin wire, creating a secure and decorative pattern. Attach the wire to a keyring or lobster clasp.
You can also add small beads or charms to the wire for extra flair. This charm is elegant and adds a touch of natural beauty to your purse.
13. Embroidery Hoop Charm
An embroidery hoop charm is a unique and artistic addition to your bag. Use a tiny embroidery hoop and a piece of fabric.
Create a small embroidered design, such as a flower, initial, or cute pattern.
Once your embroidery is complete, secure the fabric in the hoop and trim any excess. Attach the hoop to a keyring or lobster clasp using a small loop of string or ribbon.
This charm is a beautiful way to showcase your embroidery skills and add a touch of handmade art to your purse.
14. Macrame Charm
Macrame charms are trendy and easy to make. Using a macrame cord, create a small knotting pattern, such as a simple square knot or a more intricate design.
Once your pattern is complete, trim the ends and add a few beads or small charms for decoration.
Attach the macrame piece to a keyring or lobster clasp. This charm has a boho vibe and adds a touch of texture to your purse.
15. Vintage Key Charm
Vintage key charms are timeless and elegant. Find a small vintage key at a thrift store or online. Clean the key and attach it to a keyring or lobster clasp using a jump ring.
For added decoration, you can wrap a piece of ribbon or lace around the key, or add a small charm or bead.
This charm is simple yet sophisticated, perfect for adding a touch of vintage charm to your bag.
16. Photo Charm
A photo charm is a lovely way to carry cherished memories with you. Start by selecting a small, clear photo that you want to use.
You can either print a miniature version or cut out a portion of a larger photo.
Place the photo in a small, clear locket or a photo charm frame, both of which can be found at craft stores.
Secure the photo inside and close the locket or frame. Attach it to a keyring or lobster clasp using a small jump ring.
This charm is deeply personal and makes a great conversation piece while adding a sentimental touch to your purse.
17. Bottle Charm
Bottle charms are cute and whimsical. You’ll need a tiny glass bottle with a cork stopper, which you can find at craft stores or online.
Fill the bottle with something small and decorative, like glitter, tiny beads, sand, or even a tiny rolled-up message. Secure the cork with glue to make sure it doesn’t come out.
Insert a small eye screw into the cork, and then attach the bottle to a keyring or lobster clasp using a jump ring.
This charm is not unique but also allows you to carry a little piece of something special with you wherever you go.
18. Scrabble Tile Charm
Scrabble tile charms are fun and customizable. Choose a Scrabble tile with your favorite letter or initial.
You can also spell out a short word or name by using multiple tiles. Attach a small eye screw to the top of the tile.
For added decoration, you can paint the tile, add glitter, or apply a small decal. Once decorated, attach the tile to a keyring or lobster clasp using a jump ring.
This charm is playful and adds a personalized touch to your purse, perfect for word lovers and Scrabble fans alike.
19. Charm Bracelet
Turn a mini charm bracelet into a purse charm. Start with a small bracelet chain and a collection of tiny charms that you love.
Attach the charms to the chain using small jump rings. You can choose charms that reflect your interests, such as animals, hobbies, or symbols.
Once all the charms are attached, connect one end of the bracelet to a keyring or lobster clasp.
This charm is versatile and allows you to display a variety of mini charms, adding a fun and dynamic element to your purse.
20. Origami Charm
Origami charms are delicate and beautiful. Choose a small piece of origami paper and fold it into a tiny shape, such as a crane, star, or butterfly.
Once your origami is complete, you can spray it with a clear sealant to make it more durable.
Attach a small loop of thin wire or string to the top of the origami, and then connect it to a keyring or lobster clasp.
This charm is lightweight and adds an intricate, handmade touch to your purse, showcasing your origami skills.
Jose M. Lemon is a prolific writer and enthusiastic DIY enthusiast with a deep passion for all things related to do-it-yourself projects. With an extensive background in crafting and building, Jose has dedicated his career to exploring and sharing innovative DIY ideas across various platforms.