Handbag Charm (Hearts)

Handbag charms are one of my favourite things to make. I love beading and by using broken necklaces and old pendants, you too can create something similar for your handbag.

Lella Loves... Handbag Charms

This is my Valentine's inspired bag charm. If you enjoy beading, please follow this blog-make and you can see how I made it.

Lella Loves... Handbag Charms

This is a photo of my handbag with the fabulous black hearts charm pin which I made last year. The blog-make for this black pin charm can be found on this link:

http://lellalovescreativity.blogspot.com/2011/08/handbag-charm-pins.html

Lella Loves... Handbag Charms

I took this photo to show you the £28 designer charm on the left and my creation on the right. Don't be afraid to be inspired by boutique pieces, just don't pay boutique prices!

Lella Loves... Handbag Charms

To make each handbag charm, you will need:

1 kilt pin

Several charms which follow a theme, such as hearts

Broken necklaces from which you upcycle the findings and links

Ribbon

Pliers/Snips

To start, lay out all your chosen pendants and charms as above. Choose beads and matching chains if you want to add length.

Lella Loves... Handbag Charms

Thread them on to the open end of the kilt pin. Rearrange and alter the charms according to their weight as you will not want the pin being too heavy on one side.

Lella Loves... Handbag Charms

Ribbon is the secret ingredient to stop your findings rubbing together. By adding ribbon loops as spacers, the chains and links will dangle freely.

Finally, once you have the overall look, take sections of necklace which have large links, gently unfurl and use them as jump rings to secure your charm-work to the closed side of the kilt pin. Make sure you are happy with your design before you do this stage.

All you have to do now is attach to a handbag and say to anyone who asks, "Yes! I made it myself!"

Lella  xx

http://lellalovescreativity.blogspot.com