 |
| AppletonDance ginko charm in faux leather and quilted cotton with Tilda brand button accent and twill ribbon attachment |
by Linda Theil
From the Hermes pony to the Tiffany posey, bag charms are the cherry on top of every equipage confection. Create your own signature charm following this process.
Choose a symbol of your own preference. Examples include:
- Geometric: circle, square, triangle, etc
- Symbol: star, penant/flag, heart, etc
- Natural: leaf, flower, tree, etc
- Animal: horse, dog, cat, etc
- Personal/Individual
Draw your symbol and make several patterns in various sizes, none smaller than three-inches in at least one direction -- preferably larger. You can make smaller charms, but larger is easier -- at least to begin with.
Choose your materials -- preferably double-sided materials that are finished on front and back. Or sew, or glue materials wrong sides together to make a double-faced material to use for your charm. Note: Don't forget to reverse your pattern when cutting your backing out of non-reversable materials.
Materials include:
- leather
- faux leather
- vinyl
- quilted fabrics
- fused fabrics
- paper fabric
- metal
- wood
Process
Cut various sizes and/or various shapes of your chosen symble.
Layer the symbols and fasten with rivets, buttons, stitches, or any other secure fastening system.
Choose embellishments such as stickers, beads, fringe, rivets, etc; and add to charm.
Cut or punch a hole through all layers to use a method of securing the charm to your bag. Add a grommet if appropriate/desired.
Choose a material to secure your charm to your bag:
- metal ring
- lobster clasp
- chain
- rivet
- leather cord
- braided cord
- keyring hardware
- ribbon
- twill
- pin back
- etc
Attach to bag strap, hardware, or zip pull using a slip knot.
Bag charm inspiration:
How to make leather flower charms
Tiffany leather flower charms
Comments