Carolyn J. Braden • 3 Minute Read
How to Transform a Basic Purse into a Designer-Inspired Handbag (Easy DIY Tutorial)
If you love the look of luxury handbags but not the price tag, this DIY designer-inspired purse makeover is a fun and surprisingly easy project. With a little creativity and leather paint, you can turn a simple bag into something that looks unique, stylish, and completely custom.
For this project, I started with inspiration from a previous painted purse tutorial I created, a beautiful neutral Portland Leather bag and added bold color and metallic accents to give it that high-fashion designer vibe.
Here’s exactly how I did it.
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The Creative Inspiration
After testing my painted purse idea out on a less expensive non-leather tote (see my “Birkin-ish Bag tutorial here), I decided it was time to take my leather purse out for a creative spin. I ordered leather paints to make it last, used some of my painting techniques from my first tutorial and created a new version that I quickly fell in love with.
I love Portland Leather bags!
See my first painted purse in my 1-minute video tutorial below via my YouTube channel @carolynjbraden:
The Finished Designer-Inspired Handbag
The transformation is amazing. What started as a simple leather tote now looks like a custom boutique handbag and I was really proud of what I created. It’s not for everyone, but it’s definitely my style and the bag is now very unique. Try color blocking on your bag if abstract design isn’t your thing.
The combination of hot pink and metallic gold accents creates a bold, stylish piece that looks completely unique. The best part is that no one else will have the exact same bag.
DIY projects like this are a great way to personalize your accessories, upcycle a basic purse, and create a designer-inspired look for less. Try it with thrifted bags or old leather shoes to give them a new life.
I painted the whole thing!
What I Used for This DIY Purse Makeover
Links go out to either the brand website, Amazon, CVS, Walmart, Sam’s Club, Target, or Lowe’s where we source our supplies based on discounts, budget and pricing.
Check out my 1-minute video tutorial for this project on my TikTok now or coming soon here and to my YouTube channel @carolynjbraden!
My finished purse!
To create my designer-inspired handbag, I used:
A Portland Leather Crossbody Tote (I used the Lola but the brand has many styles and it’s very well made)
Angelus Acrylic Leather Paint – 186 Hot Pink (the colors in this Angelus kit will work too)
Angelus Pearlescent Leather Paint – 18K Gold
Soft paint brushes (I used what came in the leather paint kit)
Paper towels or a soft cloth
Painter’s tape (optional for clean lines)
Drop cloth (or a garbage bag cut in half)
Prep your leather first
The leather paint kit includes everything you need to get started with painting leather, and the colors I chose (pink and gold, my favorite) create a bold, designer-inspired contrast that really makes the bag pop. Metallic accents really help amp up a purse.
Splattering on the paint
Step 1: Prep the Leather Purse
Before painting, make sure your leather bag is clean.
Wipe the surface of your purse with a soft cloth to remove dust or oils.
Allow the leather to dry completely.
If you want crisp edges or patterns, apply painter’s tape where needed.
Proper prep helps the paint adhere smoothly and gives your finished purse a more professional look. I wiped the leather preparer and deglazer on my bag with a paintbrush and let it dry before painting it.
I love the gold paint!
Step 2: Plan Your Designer-Inspired Look
This is the fun part! Think about the design you want to create.
For my bag, I decided on a bold abstract splatter and lined style with lettering (I decided on “Designer Tote” inspired by the Marc Jacobs The Tote Bag. I added vibrant hot pink stripes and finished the look with metallic gold accents for that high-end designer feel.
You could also try:
Geometric shapes
Stripes or color blocking
Metallic trim details
Abstract or artistic patterns
Big and small platters
Allow it to dry overnight
Step 3: Apply the Leather Paint
Using the Angelus Acrylic Leather Paint in 186 Hot Pink and Angelus Pearlescent Leather Paint in 18K Gold, I applied splatters to the front side of the bag, then let it dry overnight. I painted abstract lines on the sides and bottom of the bag while it was drying and added abstract lines to the straps. Once dry, I splatter painted the other side of the bag and let it dry overnight.
Tips for the best results:
Use thin layers instead of thick ones
Allow each coat to dry before adding another
The paint instantly transformed the bag and added a bright, modern look.
The side and bottom view
You can use metallic paint to highlight:
Edges
Small decorative details
Shapes or trim
Hardware accents
I love this and will use it proudly!
Step 4: Add Designer Details
The “DESIGNER TOTE” lettering details give the purse a luxury designer-inspired finish and create a beautiful contrast with the hot pink, white and gold paints. I just went for it, creating abstract lettering to match the abstract lines on the bag. I also added my initials in a small corner of the bag.
Pro Tip: Not sure of spacing? Practice painting the lettering on a similar sized sheet of paper first.
A little gold accenting goes a long way and instantly elevates the design.
The backside of the tote
Step 5: Let the Paint Cure
After finishing your design, let the purse dry completely.
Leather paint usually dries to the touch quickly, but allowing it to cure for 24 hours helps ensure the paint becomes flexible and durable.
Once dry, your purse is ready to carry!
Final Thoughts
If you enjoy DIY fashion projects, painting leather handbags is an easy way to give your accessories a fresh new style. With a quality leather bag like the Portland Leather Crossbody Tote and professional leather paints from Angelus, you can create a custom designer-inspired purse (or shoes or anything leather really!) in just a couple of days (with drying time).
It’s creative, affordable, and a great way to turn a basic bag into a statement accessory.
Take Action
If you try any of my ideas, let me know how it turned out—or tag me when you try them because I LOVE seeing your posts💚 If you tag me using @carolynsbloomingcreations or @carolynjbraden, I’ll see it! Or tell me about it in the comments below.
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Carolyn J. Braden is the owner of Carolyn’s Blooming Creations is a regular contributor and editor for CBC. She has been featured in numerous media publications such as InStyle Magazine, on HGTV, on Bustle.com, and more. She is the author of the books Georgia McMasters in Amethyst Lake Cemetery, How To Be Yourself: 3 Ways To Help You Being You, and the illustrator for the children’s book Bridging Connections. She is a former classroom teacher that now dedicates her life to educating others on how to live their most healthy, creative and happy life. Learn more about her visiting our About Us page.