DIY: Embellished Barrette Bag -

It’s no secret that I love using unconventional supplies. Well, I practically burst from excitement when this idea came to me.

This tutorial demonstrates how you can use plastic children’s barrettes from the dollar store to upgrade a basic bag. Add some glistening faceted rhinestones and you’ve got yourself a pretty kick ass purse. The key to making this project look like a gem (no pun intended) is focusing on the position of each embellishment. Don’t just throw it all on there; think about the overall picture and how the pieces work together.

Here’s how I made it:

Supplies:

Flat-sided purse
Flower clip-on barrettes
Rhinestones
Metallic spray paint
Heavy-duty pliers
Strong craft glue

Not feeling the flowers? Use any type of clip-on barrette that you can find. Since they are made for young girls, there may not be many shapes that can work for adults… but you never know. I purchased these barrettes at the dollar store.

1) Un-clip each barrette. Using the cutting portion of the pliers, cut off the flat clip end. For best results, cut the barrette at the base of the main shape.

2) Repeat with the remaining barrettes.

3) If needed, snip away any parts of the barrette that may prevent the shape from laying flat. This is typically a little nub that the clip latches on to.

4) Spray paint the plastic shapes.

As always, head outside for this part. Proper ventilation is super important when using spray paint. Protect you work surface with tarp, cardboard or a plastic bag.

Let dry according to the can’s directions.

5) Glue each shape to the bag.

6) Glue on the rhinestones as an accent.

Once everything dries, you’re good to go. Can we just talk about how easy and non-traditional this project is? No one will believe you when you tell them you used barrettes. It just goes to show that everything has potential.

This is the perfect project to re-purpose old barrettes that your children, sisters or nieces have outgrown. Just don’t snag them if they’re still young enough to use them; sharing is caring, after all.

Tutorial Images: Kirsten Nunez
Styled Images Haruka Sakaguchi (The Denizen Co.)