If you love festive fashion and holiday DIY crafts, this DIY Christmas bag charm is the perfect project. In this step-by-step tutorial, I’ll show you how to decorate a purse with beads, garland, ornaments, and festive charms. You’ll be able to create a bold holiday accessory. Whether you want a fun craft night idea, a handmade Christmas gift, or just an excuse to add more holiday sparkle to your everyday bag, this festive purse charm is easy, affordable, and completely customizable.

DIY Christmas bag charm on red purse with beads and garland

Some of you may already know…. nothing is safe when it comes to getting the festive treatment around here. From DIY Halloween bag charms to Christmas tree garlands, holiday beaded bookmarks, holiday beaded phone cases, I love turning everyday items into holiday-ready showstoppers. And this year’s DIY Christmas Bag Charm might just be my favorite yet.

This fun, over-the-top craft is exactly the kind of project that brings the holiday spirit wherever you go….because why shouldn’t your handbag be just as festive as your tree? Honestly the more festive the better… just makes my like festive heart so happy!

DIY halloween bag charm on black purse with beads and garland

✨ How This Project Started

It all began with my Halloween bag charms. For those of you who missed those, I’ll have a photo of them on this post too….they were spooky, sparkly, and such a hit that I decided to bring the idea back for Christmas! [FULL BLOG POST HERE] Honestly at this point… no holiday is safe!

Actually during November Granny Camp this year (if you’re local to the Conroe, Texas area, you’ve probably heard me talk about it… [LINKED HERE] it’s a creative retreat where I have attended and even taught a few seasonal crafting classes… it’s a crafters dream weekend), I actually taught a mini workshop where we made bag charms together. Everyone put their own spin on the idea — some went all out with beaded ornaments, some made dangling drop-down charms, and some turned theirs into tree ornaments instead of purse décor. It was such a fun girls’ night project.

🎅 Supplies You’ll Need

One of my favorite things about this DIY is that you don’t need fancy materials — just some affordable finds and a little creativity! Here’s everything I used to create my over-the-top festive bag charm:br/p>

• TIP: Shop in the mini sections of the stories because you can add small Optional Extras: Jingle bells, sequins, or tiny bows for filler accents.

💡 Festive Tip: You can find traditional bead strands like the ones I used in the Christmas section at Walmart. They’re budget-friendly and perfect for twisting, looping, and layering onto your bag without adding bulk or weight.

🧵 Step-By-Step: How I Made My Christmas Bag Charm

This DIY isn’t about perfection… it’s about personality! Here’s how to create your own Christmas bag charm (or give your handbag a full holiday makeover like I did).

Step 1: Choose Your Bag and Plan Your Layout

Start with a solid base. I went with a bright red structured bag so the colors of the garland and beads would pop. If you’re working with a darker purse (like black or forest green), mix in more metallics and whites for contrast.

Lay out your materials before gluing or wiring anything down. I like to play with layers — think textures like velvet ribbon, shiny ornaments, and fuzzy pom-poms all working together.

🧵 Step 2: Attach the Beaded Garland

Once I strung all the beads on fishing line, I tied off each end securely, then twisted the traditional Walmart bead strands together and attached them to the sides of my bag. Twisting a few strands together gives that full, garland-style look while keeping everything lightweight and secure.

Fishing line makes a huge difference… it holds up beautifully, even when the bag is handled or moved around. Also, it helps the beads drape naturally instead of stiffly.

Step 3: Layer the Beads

It’s time to start layering beads. I used a mix of everything I just thought looked pretty…wooden beads, plastic ornaments, and candy-inspired strands.

To create a “swag” look (like a beaded garland draping across a mantel), I cut my strands at different lengths and attached them with gold wire so they hung across the front of the bag.

You can also opt for a “drop down” style instead — this is where you hang single bead strings or ornaments so they dangle from the top. Either way, it’s going to look merry and bright.

Step 4: Add Statement Christmas Charms

Here’s where the fun really begins! Attach your big pieces like the crocheted Christmas tree keychain, mini Santa charm, or even a felt garland that says “MERRY CHRISTMAS.” I think this is the funniest part- adding your personal touches… maybe you have a favorite ornament you thrifted or maybe you made something fun at Granny Camp. This is where your personality shines.

Personally I love using a mix of textures — soft crocheted pieces, shiny beads, and a few sparkly accents. The crocheted tree from my Etsy shop adds that handmade touch that feels nostalgic and warm.

Step 5: Fill in Empty Spaces With Mini Ornaments

Once your main pieces are on, step back and look at your bag. Fill any empty spaces with mini ornaments, ribbon bows, or bells. I used a few candy cane beads and peppermint discs from a craft pack to tie everything together.

If it feels like too much, it’s probably just right — this is maximalist Christmas chic.

Creative Ways to Use a Christmas Bag Charm

Clip it onto a purse or tote bag
Hang it on a Christmas stocking
Use it as a tree ornament
Attach it to a teacher gift bag
Hang it from a rear-view mirror

My Finished Red Christmas bag bead and garland

💃 Style It: How to Wear Your Festive Bag

This is such a conversation starter wherever you go. I styled mine with a Griswold’s Tree Farm t-shirt, some leopard print pants, and red lipstick…because festive doesn’t mean you have to tone anything down!

For a more subtle version, you can hang just the beaded charm on your everyday tote or backpack. It’s also adorable clipped onto a teacher gift bag, stocking hook, or even a doorknob for décor.

To be honest- I do not carry this huge purse everywhere especially thrifting… so what I think I am going to do is to a small layered stack on a smaller purse, and yes I wear a seasonal purse as well. During the Halloween months my smaller purse was a ghost face purse.. lol. I’m extra , I’m aware and there is no shame in festive obsessed game.

🎁 Christmas Craft Night Idea: Make Festive Bag Charms With Friends

This is one of those projects that’s even better when done in a group. When I taught it at Granny Camp, I was amazed by how different everyone’s charms turned out.

Some crafters made theirs sparkle like vintage tree tinsel, others added ornaments shaped like gingerbread men, and a few used their charms as festive car mirror hangers!

So if you’re planning a Christmas craft party or a holiday girls’ night, grab a table full of beads, hot glue guns, and holiday snacks. Turn on your favorite Christmas movie (bonus points if it’s National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation), and let everyone make their own charm.

It’s a guaranteed hit — creative, nostalgic, and full of laughter.

🛍️ Shop This Photo

Want to recreate my exact look or find similar pieces? Here’s everything you’ll see in the photo above…LET ME KNOW IF I MISSED SOMETHING:
• 🎄 Crocheted Christmas Tree Keychain — [ETSY SHOP COMING SOON]
• 👜 Red Purse — [LINKED HERE]
• 👚 Griswold’s Tree Farm Shirt — [LINKED HERE]
• 💎 Christmas Beads — [LINKED HERE]
• 🕯️ Home Décor from the Background — Plaid lamp, candy cane blanket, vintage red bow ornaments — [LINKED HERE]

🌟 Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Holiday Bag Charm

Here are a few of my favorite little lessons learned from making dozens of these charms (yes, dozens….I can’t stop):
1. Work in Layers: Start with the biggest textures (garland, ribbon) first, then layer smaller items.
2. Mix Textures: Combine shiny beads with matte, fuzzy pom-poms with glittery accents.
3. Use a Color Anchor: Pick one or two main colors (I used red and green) and repeat them throughout so it looks intentional, not chaotic.
4. Keep It Lightweight: Avoid adding too many heavy charms to one section or your bag may sag.
5. Think Beyond Christmas: Try this again for Valentine’s Day (pinks and hearts), Easter (pastels and florals), or even SummerWeen (orange and black beads)!

🎄 Where to Find Affordable Supplies

Crafting doesn’t have to break the bank ….especially for something this fun. Here’s where I like to source supplies:
• Shein & Temu: Great for bulk beads and small charms at super affordable prices.
• Dollar Tree: Perfect for seasonal ribbon, mini ornaments, and little trinkets.
• Hobby Lobby & Michaels: Ideal for garlands, hot glue, and quality ribbon.
• Etsy: For unique handmade pieces like the crocheted Christmas tree keychain.

If you’re hosting a craft night, grab multi-packs of beads so everyone can mix and match their favorites.

💖 Why I Love This DIY

There’s something magical about creating something with your own hands … and bonus- it’s festive asssss heck. It’s me in the festive spirit.

It’s a mix of nostalgia (crochet, beads, and homemade touches) and modern glam (hello leopard print and red lipstick)! It’s perfectly me ….and I know once you make one, you’ll feel the same way.

Plus, these make amazing handmade gifts. Imagine gifting your best friend a festive charm that matches her favorite bag!

✨ Pin This DIY Christmas Bag Charm for Later

Don’t forget to save this post to your DIY Holiday Crafts or Christmas Ideas Pinterest board! (You can use one of the photos from this post as your pin cover… the one with the red bag and tree works perfectly!)