DESIGNER INSPIRED: DIY FEATHER BAG
Anyone else guilty of “window shopping” online. Browsing through online stores, adding items to your cart & then looking at the price tag (laughing to yourself) and closing out the window?
Oh, no? Just me? You mean you don’t look at designer shoes and bags, pretending like you might actually max out a credit card buying one?
Ok, well if you don’t, good for you. But if you’re like me, you might end up in the downward spiral of fake online shopping at midnight while watching reruns of Gossip Girl every once in a while. My most recent “shopping trip” turned into an obsession for all things feathered.
Apparently, ostrich feather bags and accessories are all the rage this season. With designers like Christian Louboutin selling dreamy feathered bags with not so dreamy price tags.
So I did what any normal, crafty gal, with an obsession for neon pink designer accessories would do… I figured out how to hack the sh*t out of it and crafted a DIY version. Your girl got on Amazon, turned her hot glue gun on and made an epic DIY Feather Bag for under $30.
Designer Inspired: The Feather Bag Trend
In case you missed it, feather fashion is all the rage in 2020. From fully flounced mini dresses to shoes & handbags adorned in flashy feathers. I’m a huge fan, especially when it comes to bright colors, fuchsia being a favorite.
The combination of bright, neon colors & delicate feathers is a must for spring and fall. But who realistically wants to spend $3k on a purse, especially when it’s made out of feathers (I just imagine spilling a smoothie on it within 3 minutes of buying).
DIY FEATHER BAG TUTORIAL
The trick is to use a trim, not individual feathers. Most of what you’ll find on Amazon & Etsy are actually artificial or synthetic feathers. If pink isn’t your color, there are a ton of other options. If you see a designer bag above that you like, just pick a similar color faux feather trim!
From there, you’ll want to pick a handbag to act as your base. Ideally, you want to find a bag that is similar in color to your feathers. I used this bag from Lovers + Friends I’ve had for a while. I chose it because I *oddly enough* got ice cream on it and it had a giant sugar stain on it.
The Christian Loubouitin Marie Jane Bucket Bag is a different style, but I wanted to try to keep the cost as low as possible. You can find a ton of cute bucket bags online, or just change up the bag!
You can use an old bag, or find something cheap on Amazon or Shein. Here are some great, inexpensive options I found:
Materials You’ll Need:
- Ostrich Feather Trim (be sure to measure your bag & the amount of yardage you’re buying)
- Handbag, Clutch, Bucket Bag or Mini Backpack
- Hot Glue Gun
- Scissors
Instructions
Take your trim and measure the length of your bag. I like starting at the bottom and working my way up so that they’re layered naturally.
Cut the trim to fit. Depending on the shape of your bag, it may make more sense to work on the front & to back. If not, wrap it all the way around.
Using your hot glue gun, draw a line and slowly adhere the feather trim to the purse. Working carefully not to burn your fingers!
Work your way around the entire bag, gluing the feather trim & layering to create a full effect.
For each section I recommend “snaking” the line of feather trim around. I glued a line onto the bag, attached the feather trim, and trimmed the edges.
It’s THAT easy! You can get really crafty and use any leftover feather fringe on sandals, heels, keychains or clothes!
Looking for other fun clothing DIYs?
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DIY: GIVE YOUR VANS A PATCH MAKEOVER
