DIY Embellished Straw Clutch

As cliché as it might sound, the part I enjoy most about making things by hand is not the result but rather, the process. Finding the right supplies to successfully make something I’ve envisioned come to life is gratifying – and at times, inspiring. Serendipitously discovering an unexpected component can completely transform a project for the better. This is why I’m so excited to share today’s launch of Etsy Studio with you! Etsy Studio is a marketplace solely dedicated to DIY supplies and projects, brought to you by our friends at Etsy. This means millions of unique materials, parts and components, from all over the world, will now be shoppable at one place. Finally!

It’s taken me years for me to realize that some of the most beautiful and colorful vintage trims are found in Peru. I’ve also learned that some of the best made pom poms come from Thailand and beautiful fringe trim can be found in India. These little discoveries inspired today’s DIY, an embellished straw clutch. And after today, thanks to Etsy, you’ll be able to find everything you need to make your own on the new Etsy Studio.

You’ll need:

Start with a clean, straight edge on your first piece of trim. Line it up against the horizontal edge of the clutch, making note of the vertical placement. Spread fabric glue (or tacky glue) along the vertical line of the clutch and carefully place the trim over the glue and press into place.

Add glue along the backside of the clutch and then back around to the front, underneath the flap. Continue pressing the trim into the glue. Cut the trim so the edge lines up cleanly against the edge of the clutch and allow the glue to set for a few seconds before moving on.

Continue adding more trim . The vertical lines of the straw clutch are a great guideline to keep the trims aligned perfectly. When adding pom pom trim, allow for more time for the glue to set and dry. It’s a heavier and stiffer trim so it might even need extra glue.

When you come across the snap closure, simply cut a small piece out of the trim.

To layer the fringe trim, start by gluing down the trim that will follow the last piece of fringe and work backwards. Add the last piece of fringe trim.

And then add the first piece of fringe trim.

There are several ways to finish the bag. You can leave it as is with the straw edges exposed. Or you glue down a line of small pom poms or a string of tassels with a hot glue gun. The possibilities are endless.

Whatever you decide to do, just have fun with it and don’t be afraid of playing with color and textures!

(Photos by HonestlyWTF; this post was created in collaboration with Etsy Studio. All opinions are my own!)

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32 Comments

  1. Michelle wrote:

    It looks so amazing, and so expensive and precious!
    https://www.makeandmess.com/

    4.25.17
    Reply
  2. Kate wrote:

    I love the top she’s wearing…where is it from??

    4.25.17
    Reply
    • Erica wrote:

      @Kate, the top is by United Wood and is unfortunately sold out on Shopbop now.

      4.26.17
  3. Your DIYs are incredible!!!!
    https://oblogdamary.wordpress.com/

    4.25.17
    Reply
  4. Kay wrote:

    Such a fun and beautiful clutch! A bit too colorful for me but I will still try it out <3

    https://www.myblackcloset.com/

    4.25.17
    Reply
  5. Tajah wrote:

    Such a great project with so many ways to individualize it. Your clutch looks perfect for any summer day or fun evening. Thank you for sharing!

    4.25.17
    Reply
  6. I’m making !

    4.26.17
    Reply
  7. Stephanie wrote:

    Love!
    Where did you get the straw clutch?

    Thanks!

    4.26.17
    Reply
  8. Shannon B. wrote:

    Agreed – you’re DIYs are INCREDIBLE indeed! Ditto on where you got the clutch? Thanks for sharing your creativity. I love coming to your site and discovering new things.

    4.26.17
    Reply
  9. Lisa Morita wrote:

    Yes, please share where you found the clutch. Hard to start the project without knowing where to find the plain clutch.

    Thanks. 🙂

    4.26.17
    Reply
    • Erica wrote:

      Hey guys! The clutch is from Etsy and can be found here. This shop on Etsy also has some super cute DIYable straw clutches and bags!

      4.26.17
  10. Lorena wrote:

    Genius. This turned out amazing.

    4.26.17
    Reply
  11. Theresa Heiens wrote:

    I love your outfits you pair with your DIY’s & wish you’d post the link on where to purchase the items. I also can’t wait to give this DIY a try!!!

    4.26.17
    Reply
  12. Charlotte wrote:

    Always turning to your blog for inspiration, this is a wonderful idea! Can’t wait to give it a try.
    Keep inspiring! ^_^

    4.27.17
    Reply
  13. So cool and colorful! Great for spring and summer. Makes me really miss home and being able to make crafty things with all my supplies (currently in storage). Can’t wait. Thanks for the inspo!

    4.27.17
    Reply
  14. thiscache wrote:

    Love the outfit!!! I would totally wear this for spring, however, sadly I live in a tropical climate. No spring for me :/

    https://thiscache.blogspot.sg/2017/04/mothers-day-2017-free-printable-cards.html?m=1

    4.27.17
    Reply
  15. Love the philosophy of “do it yourself”. So Hardcore punk. But i am the laziest person ever. Can i buy it? Seriously.I love its color pattern.
    http://www.vivaguides.com/

    4.28.17
    Reply
  16. I too love the process of making stuff more than the end result (hey, it’s a cliche for a reason:). Your clutch is fab, so tribal and on trend!

    4.28.17
    Reply
  17. veronica wrote:

    this is gorgeous.
    I love the bag(and etsy).

    🙂

    4.28.17
    Reply
  18. Ann wrote:

    Hi! The links to your straw bags don’t seem to be working. Can you repost again please? Also, any recommendations on where to get the trim? I love the trims you’ve used and would love to replicate. Thanks!

    5.2.17
    Reply
  19. Lauren wrote:

    This is stunning! It looks really expensive too, I really need to try it. Need to find a straw clutch first though!
    Lauren
    livinginaboxx | bloglovin

    5.3.17
    Reply
  20. susan wrote:

    Ann, it looks like the link for the straw clutch is working correctly, but the item is sold out. This one from H&M is cute and under $20! Great tutorial as always, Erica!

    http://www.hm.com/us/product/67405?gclid=CJ334Zyo49MCFQ6QaQod3A0LeQ&article=67405-A&CAGPSPN=pla&CAAGID=10029219597&CATCI=pla-357949354037&s_kwcid=AL!860!3!46030674837!!!g!357949354037!&ef_id=WRH5YwAAANmi9rZi:20170509171619:s

    5.9.17
    Reply
  21. susan wrote:

    Oooooh, saw these cute things and thought you’d love these as well! They look like a fairly easy DIY!

    https://www.etsy.com/listing/499428216/monogrammed-straw-clutch-with-tassels?ref=market

    5.9.17
    Reply
  22. unomers wrote:

    Wow, great. I need to make this for myself

    http://www.escorts2u.com

    5.23.17
    Reply
  23. Lupis wrote:

    Hermoso, donde puedo conseguir a mayoreo las bolsas

    1.13.21
    Reply