Who doesn't love to take a good thing and make it just a little bit better? One of the fun aspects about DIYs is that you can either dive full in and make the whole item from the ground up, or you can take an existing thing and add a few tweaks to make it a little more exciting. Since I am always shopping for supplies for blog projects, I tend to find cool supplies unrelated to the project I'm working on, and I just can't help but make a project out of the accidental find too. I was searching Etsy for a few items and I found these adorable (and brightly colored) cone spikes that I thought would be perfect to add a little excitement to a wearable item. I loved this series of Christian Louboutin bags adorned with candy colored spikes, so that pretty much made the decision for me—a purse it is!
All I needed to do was use an inexpensive plain bag with a flat surface (I love this one that I chose) and lay out the spikes before I glued them to get the right placement. Depending on the shape of bag you choose, you could simply outline a portion of the flap or bag shape, cover the entire front, or glue the spikes along the top of the strap (like on a cross body bag). I tested glueing a few spikes onto a different bag that was also a faux leather material, and both the super glue gel
and the epoxy that I used secured the spikes really well. The super glue gel gives you a lot more control with where you put the glue, but I did notice that the faux leather would very slightly puff up under the spike where the gel was applied. So I decided to use the epoxy (applied to each spike with a toothpick) instead. However, I'm a pretty patient person, and if I didn't want to take the time to do the epoxy/toothpick method, the super glue gel would have been just fine.
Also, here's a little tip for when you are glueing things down in rows: place the spikes where you want them to be glued, but glue and place the middle spike and the spikes on either end first. Once those are set, glue the spikes that are halfway between the middle spike and the outside end spikes, and then do the rest of the spikes in between. This method helps me to keep my spacing much more even than if you just start at one side and glue the whole way over from there.
Even with doing the toothpick and glue method, it didn't take me very long at all to have all the rows securely glued down into place, and I love the colorful addition to the bag! You could also use these spikes on a bracelet, a jacket, or even across the top of oversized sunnies for a fun twist. What item would you add a colorful upgrade to? xo. Laura
Credits // Author: Laura Gummerman, Photography: Laura Gummerman and Elsie Larson. Photos edited with A Beautiful Mess actions.
45 Comments
Awesome and easy way to update a bag!
Would be great in a monochrome look with white spikes:
https://www.etsy.com/shop/gempalace/search?search_query=White+spikes&order=date_desc&view_type=list&ref=shop_search
Or a black and white look with black spikes:
https://www.etsy.com/shop/gempalace/search?search_query=Black+pyramids&order=date_desc&view_type=list&ref=shop_search
Or gunmetal:
https://www.etsy.com/shop/gempalace/search?search_query=Hematite+pyramids&order=date_desc&view_type=list&ref=shop_search
Thanks again! Love your blog.
Http://www.gempalace.etsy.com
Beautiful! And maybe you can spray paint regular spikes if you can’t find bright colored ones or if you want some specific color.
https://theunhappymermaid.wordpress.com
Fabulous..Very fashionable handbags.
This is such a cute idea! Really want to try this now xxx
Étáin
Wow, this is an epic DIY. I’m completely obsessed and will be looking to do a project like this in the future.
Apt Moda
The spikes look like colorful chocolate chips!
This is a REALLY good idea. Can u get the spikes in gold or silver you think?
Great idea! 🙂
Mmmmm, they look like delicious candy coated Hershey kisses. Love!
i’m crazy about this!! love it!
xx nikki
www.dream-in-neon.com
Your pics of the black and white handbag on the black and white background makes it look like a line drawing or something, haha!
Cool idea!!!
Love the idea!
http://larryandco.co
Love the idea!
http://larryandco.co
Very nice DIY idea! I would seriously consider updating some old purses with neon studs! So Dainty and Chic!
www.daintyandchic.com
Very nice DIY idea! I would seriously consider updating some old purses with neon studs! So Dainty and Chic!
www.daintyandchic.com
This look so cute.
http://www.modaventa.com/
Thats looking stylish.
So great.
http://www.discountmon.com
Awesome!:-)
Could be transferred to other objects as well….
This looks fun…such a colorful makeover, and so simple…will def try this out when my now new white clutch becomes a little boring.. 🙂
xo
Hems
http://agoldentulip.blogspot.com
This is an awesome idea! I’ve actually been looking for a cute way to upgrade my boring handbags, but I’d only ever found ideas that used metallic spikes. I never really liked that “edgy” look, but know that I see your tutorial, I can’t wait to try! The colors are so fun! 🙂
Keep up the amazing work!
XOXO,
Isabella
That is so much fun! What a great idea.. and super colorful too. I love it.
http://xfallenmoon.blogspot.com
Wowwwwy! What a fabulous idea. It kinda reminds me of Valentino.
www.getchaglowon.com
This is an amazing idea, especially for spring! They look like delicious little candies that I really want to eat 😛 Definitely a good plan to start with an inexpensive purse – maybe graduate to the LV later….:)
Jill
Latest Post: Spiral into Fit – I Spiralized Every Meal For a Day!
What a fun and easy DIY project!! Thats a great idea and great way to update a handbag!! 🙂
www.thekissingboothblog.com
Like candy!
Amazing. Looks like a candie bag!
Love this so much http://www.hannamarielei.com
Those spikes are so cute! I love the bright colors!
Monica – Mocha and Moccasins
These are cute – love the colors!
Warm Regards,
Alexandra
www.littlewildheart.com
This is such a cute idea!
www.angerawrs.co.uk
I love it! It looks so edgy<3
Perfect for spring!! Love it =)
Cute idea!
http://www.mintnotion.com
Very cool. I used metal studs to spruce up my jacket.
:] // http://www.itscarmen.com ▲
Such a super cute and on trend idea! Simply gorgeous! 🙂
http://www.pennedbyjenny.co.uk
What a great idea!
I love spikes and having such colourful ones on this bag looks so stylish 🙂
http://neenyslittleblog.blogspot.co.uk
This is so cute! And very very easy!
I love this idea! What a cool addition to a handbag. Great job! I definitely want to try this.
That’s a really cool tutorial! Love this for those who prefer color!
www.littleblackshell.com
Great idea! And so easy!
Great idea, I’ll definitely be trying this 🙂
Omgosh this is too cute! I need to go and buy a bag like yours so I can do this. I need one!
www.liannabell.blogspot.co uk
The spikes really add such a fun and colourful touch! I also love the idea of using them on a bracelet.
x Kathryn
Through the Thicket