Crafty by Nature

Resparkle an Old Handbag with Spring Flowers!

Susan Beal, contributor

4 users recommend

This newly resparkled handbag is an instant favorite!

Susan Beal

All you need for an instant update is a plain purse, rhinestones in a few different sizes and shapes, and glue!

Susan Beal

Add the rhinestones in patterns to form each flower from the center out.

Susan Beal

This newly resparkled handbag is an instant favorite!

Photo: Susan Beal

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4. Add a second set of petals to the same flower next to each of the first ones, spacing them slightly apart as shown above. Continue adding petals all the way around—I used a total of 10 for my large rhinestone center.

Add the oval rhinestones asymmetrically if you need to accommodate an odd number of petals.

5. After you finish the large flower, begin adding petals to the small one, with one at the top and a pair of two at the bottom instead of just one (as shown). This asymmetrical style is to accommodate an odd number of petals (I used seven on this one).

6. Fill in the sides of the second flower with four more petals as shown, for a total of seven. You can eye these instead of arranging them exactly symmetrically. Once those are finished, you’ll move on to the third, medium-sized flower—another even-numbered set of petals that can be arranged symmetrically. Add a petal at the top and one at the bottom, as you did with the first flower.

After finishing the first two flowers, begin adding petals to the third one symmetrically again.

7. Finish the third flower as you did the first one, with a total of eight petals.

8. Now you’ll begin the simple decorative border in your first color, to match the centers. Begin gluing the rhinestones down between and under the flowers, as shown, to create a contrast to the more intricate flower design. Continue gluing ovals down in straight lines until you have covered the front of the purse from side to side and top to bottom, or as desired.

After you finish your third flower, begin adding oval rhinestones in straight lines as a border design.

9. Let the purse dry for several hours or overnight before carrying it.

I love this new take on my old handbag!

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Comments (7)

Stile writes: fun idea, giving me thoughts for how to embellish those nifty, not yet used or gently used handbags I find at thrift store.
Posted: 12:36 pm on January 17th

WholesaleHandbags writes: My niece has gifted me a purse in that she has made pattern of flower like this. I think she got idea form your post only.
Posted: 12:07 am on December 25th

byabpryor writes: Very clever! I might try this with my own pattern... Thanks!
Posted: 8:30 pm on December 5th

niranjana writes: very sweet and cute idea
Posted: 6:13 am on September 6th

milicia writes: Very good idea! bravo!
Posted: 10:36 am on August 16th

quiltingGG writes: I love purses and this one is a winner.....
Posted: 8:23 am on August 16th

Paws2 writes: How adorable!!! I have a black patent leather purse that is crying for something pretty and eye catching! Great idea! Thanks
Posted: 7:33 am on May 3rd

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