Raid Your Jewelry Box to Upcycle a Purse from the Thrift Store

A stylish bag completes your look, but there’s no need to break the bank to have an awesome purse! I recently found a name-brand purse for $4 at my local thrift store. The color and shape stood out and it is in very good repair. Take a look at a few of my ideas for updating my thrift store treasure, then dive into your jewelry box or make something new to upcycle a purse from your own local thrift shop or the back of your closet.

Above image: Necklaces, bracelets, and pendants make stylish embellishments for thrift store purses.

Tips for Thrifting Your Next Purse to Upcycle

1. Set a budget and stick to it.
2. Keep a color (or colors) and favorite brands in mind as you search.
3. Choose a bag with very little decoration so it will be easier to embellish.
4. If the strap is attached with a metal ring on each side of the purse, that makes it easier to attach a clip or to connect strands across the front of the purse.
5. Look for signs of acceptable/unacceptable wear on the strap, inside, and outside.

Put a Tassel on It

Tassels are the easiest way to add your own flair to a thrift store purse. Use a large lobster clasp to attach a beaded tassel to the strap attachment. I made a peyote stitch topper for this suede tassel, but a tassel with beaded fringe would also make a glam addition to this purse.

Beautiful Bracelets

Remove the clasp on a beaded strap bracelet, then stitch the bracelet to the front of the purse. The shape of the purse will influence the style of bracelet you choose. Charm bracelets work well with hobo style or more curved-shape purses. Beaded loomwork and other flat strap beadwork make eye-catching adornments for flatter, more rectangular purse shapes.

Necklace Nirvana

To find the right size necklace, measure the front of your purse and search accordingly as you sort through your jewelry box. Keep in mind that it’s easier to start with a longer necklace that can be adjusted to accommodate the size of the purse. Pass the ends of the necklace through the rings on the sides of the purse and fasten the necklace at the front. 

How would you upcycle a purse you liked but didn’t love? Let us know in the comments!

Related Articles: 

Easy Thrift Store Jewelry Updates: On a recent trip to my local thrift store, I spent $5 on a dose of creative inspiration. I bought plain bangle bracelets, a wooden bead necklace, and a beaded headband. All of them inspired me to do some jewelry-making hacks and stash busting for these easy thrift store updates.

5 Ways to Upcycle Thrift Store Finds for Jewelry Displays: You never know what treasures you’ll discover at your local thrift store. It takes time to browse with an open mind, but you can make creative displays while saving money. I spent less than $10 on a variety of vintage books, postcards, and interesting home décor to transform into creative jewelry displays for my art jewelry collection.

More Ideas for Thrifty Crafting