Beaded Bag Charms – A Handmade Summer

If you’ve been looking for a fun way to add personality to your favorite tote bag, you’ll love these Beaded Bag Charms.

This colorful project is the perfect combination of creativity and sparkle, using seed beads, sequins, tube beads, and felt to create handmade accessories that look like they came from a boutique. Whether you sew every bead, as I did, or choose the quicker glue-on method, these charming bag tags are a wonderful way to personalize your bags or create thoughtful handmade gifts.

Three pink and orange fish-shaped ornaments decorated with sequins and beads are displayed on a cream and pink fabric background.
Four images: a decorative glass ornament, a kitchen with flowers on the counter, a living room with white furniture, and a bowl of soup with scattered toppings.
Text reads "MY 100 YEAR OLD HOME | A HANDMADE SUMMER" in uppercase letters on a white background.

Beaded Bag Charms

A white and pink tote bag with pink handles hangs on a locker. A sequined fish keychain is attached to one handle.

There is something incredibly satisfying about taking a handful of tiny beads, sequins, and felt and turning them into something that looks like it belongs in a boutique.

When I finished making my polymer clay bag charms a few weeks ago, I thought I was done making accessories for my bags. But then I stumbled across some gorgeous hand-beaded bag tags and knew I had to try making my own. Before long, my craft table was covered in felt, seed beads, sequins, bugle beads, and every shade of pink, peach, orange, and coral imaginable.

Three beaded fish ornaments in shades of orange and pink lie on a white surface, surrounded by scattered small round sequins.

Today I am sharing the final project in my A Handmade Summer series, and I can’t think of a better way to wrap up months of handmade creativity. These beaded bag charms are colorful, whimsical, completely customizable, and they are made entirely by hand.

In just a few weeks, we’ll begin A Handmade Fall, and I already have so many fun projects planned. But first, let’s celebrate summer with one last colorful craft.

Why I Love These Beaded Bag Charms

A beige and pink tote bag hangs on a white wooden wall, decorated with three colorful fish-shaped keychains attached to one handle.

One of my favorite things about handmade gifts is that no two are ever exactly alike. Every bead, every sequin, and every stitch makes each finished piece unique.

These fish bag charms were inspired by my love of colorful summer accessories. They look adorable hanging from beach bags, tote bags, backpacks, cosmetic bags, or even gift baskets. They would also make wonderful party favors, teacher gifts, stocking stuffers, or craft night projects.

The finished charms have a wonderful handmade feel but also look surprisingly elegant thanks to the sparkle from the beads and sequins.

The Inspiration

A white and blue bag with a gold keyring holding four striped fish-shaped keychains in green, pink, orange, and blue.

A few weeks ago I made my clay bag charms using decorative paper napkins. I absolutely loved how they turned out, and apparently you did too because so many of you asked if I had more bag charm ideas.

Instead of using clay again, I decided to try something completely different.

Beading.

White and pink tote bag with two embroidered fish keychains attached to a handle.

I’ve admired hand-beaded ornaments and accessories for years but had never attempted anything this detailed before. While it definitely takes patience, it is much easier than it looks.

And honestly?

I found it incredibly relaxing.

Once I started stitching beads onto the felt, I didn’t want to stop.


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A canvas tote bag with lavender handles and base, featuring two cotton bolls on the front pocket and adorned with cute polymer clay charms for a playful touch.

Lavender Canvas Tote Bag

A canvas tote bag with light blue straps and base, featuring a front pocket decorated with two cotton boll illustrations, is perfectly sized for carrying your essentials or even a few polymer clay charms.

1-Pack Canvas Tote Bag with an External Pocket

White canvas tote bag with pink straps and bottom, featuring a small pocket on the front containing two cotton stems. Accentuate its playful charm by adding beaded bag charms for a personalized touch.
Pink 1-Pack Canvas Tote Bag
A package of Staedtler FIMO Soft white oven-bake modeling clay, 454g, showing product details and usage instructions in English and French—ideal for crafting unique polymer clay charms.

Soft Polymer Clay

Four stylized fish with alternating colored stripes—pink, green, orange, and blue—resemble whimsical polymer clay charms as they’re arranged horizontally on a blue background with a subtle patterned border.

Cocktail Napkins Disposable 3-Ply Paper Party Napkin Pack, 5″ x 5″, Stripers, 20-Count

A set of gold oval key rings in various sizes, with examples showing a set of keys, a teddy bear keychain, and colorful polymer clay charms attached to the rings.

Brass Key Rings

Supplies

Assorted craft supplies, including beads, felt sheets, glue, thread, and four fish patterns labeled "Beaded Fish Bag Tags," are arranged on a white surface.

Here’s everything I used.

Stacked rows of neatly folded fabric in a wide variety of colors, organized in two columns with different shades ranging from light to dark.

100% Cotton Fabric Bundle

A plastic organizer box with 18 compartments, each holding different shapes and shades of pink, purple, orange, and yellow beads. Below are grouped samples of each bead type.
NBEADS Bugle Round Glass Seed Beads
Plastic organizer box with eight compartments containing assorted pale pink, white, and peach beads and sequins in different shapes and sizes.
John Bead Sequins and Beads Kit
Beading needles set includes various needles, threaders, measuring tape, scissors, and a storage tin. Items are arranged on a white background.
86 Pcs Beading Needle Set
A plastic organizer holds assorted colorful sequins; additional sequins, a decorated cupcake, bow patches, and white thread are shown alongside.
Loose Sequins Bulk Rainbow
Forty spools of sewing thread in various colors are arranged in five rows on a wooden rack.

Embroidery Machine Thread, 40 Colors

Two pairs of small scissors, one purple and one teal, each with matching protective covers labeled "PARSON," are shown on a white background.

Small Travel Embroidery Scissors Set

Six bottles of Aleene's Original Tacky Glue, each 2 fl oz (59 ml), are arranged in a row with white caps and purple labels.
Aleene’s Original Tacky Glue
A red box labeled "Soft Stitch Cover" contains 100 heat fusible, lightweight, 7" x 7" embroidery backing sheets.
Heat Fusible Iron-On Stabilizer
A white ironing mat is partially unrolled with the tip of an iron visible on the right side.

Fusible Iron on Cut Away Machine Embroidery Stabilizer

A large spool of white cotton twine is shown standing upright, with tightly wound strands and a visible cardboard core at the top.
Cotton Butcher Twine
A large spool of black paracord is tightly wound around a cardboard reel, viewed from the side against a white background.
Paracord Planet Paracord

The fun part is mixing different bead shapes and finishes. I used matte beads, shiny beads, bugle beads, sequins, and even tiny transparent beads to add sparkle and texture.

Step One: Print Your Template

Black and white illustration of four different beaded fish designs for bag tags, each fish about 3 inches long, shown with various bead patterns.
Two printed sheets titled "Beaded Fish Bag Tags," each showing four outlined fish designs with spaces for beads, intended for a craft activity. Sheets are on a light surface.

I designed several fish templates that are approximately three inches long. Each design has circles and lines showing where the different beads can be placed.

The template isn’t meant to be followed exactly. Think of it as a guide. You can substitute different bead sizes or even create your own patterns as you work.

I simply printed the template and cut out the fish I wanted to make. It printed much larger than I wanted, so I printed the file at 75% to reduce the size.

Download the file below.

Handmade Beaded Bag Tags – A Handmade Summer 35Download

Step Two: Cut the Felt

Four blank fish-shaped cutouts are placed next to a printed sheet with three beaded fish bag tag coloring templates.
Six paper fish cutouts, three decorated with orange and pink felt, and three with black and white patterned designs, arranged on a white surface.

Using the fish template, I cut out another template from cardstock. Next, I cut out the fish from pink and orange felt.

I chose soft shades of pink and peach because they remind me of summer sunsets.

An iron rests on a floral surface next to an orange felt square and two cutouts of pink felt, one fish-shaped and one rectangular.

After cutting the felt, I fused a lightweight stabilizer to the back.

This step makes a huge difference.

The stabilizer gives the felt much more body so it doesn’t stretch or distort while you’re sewing hundreds of beads onto the surface. The finished tag also feels much sturdier.

Step Three: Begin Beading

A needle with pink thread rests on a pink felt fish, partially decorated with a row of shiny sequins on its upper side.
A pink felt fish shape is partially decorated with beads, a needle with thread, and loose beads scattered nearby on a white surface.
A pink felt fish shape is outlined with beads and sequins, with a needle and pink thread visible on the left side.
A pink beaded fish shape is partially embroidered on fabric, with pink, silver beads, and sequins. Outlines of more fish are drawn on the background.

This is where the magic begins.

Start along one edge of the fish and work your way around the outside.

I used combinations of:

  • Seed beads
  • Tube beads
  • Tiny spacer beads

The outer border creates a finished edge and provides a guide for filling in the rest of the design.

My Best Tip

A fish-shaped fabric patch is being decorated with orange and yellow sequins and beads. A box of pink and orange sequins is visible above.

Whenever you add several beads at once, don’t simply stitch them down at both ends.

In addition, stitch through the beads again at the halfway point and anchor them to the felt.

This keeps long rows of beads from shifting or lifting away from the fabric.

It also gives the finished tag a much more professional appearance.

A piece of peach felt shaped like a carrot lies on a table, with a beading kit above and a threaded needle and beads arranged along the carrot’s edge.
Peach felt carrot shape being decorated with pink and peach beads, needle and thread, and a segmented tray of assorted beads in the background.
A felt fish shape is being embroidered with beads, with a box of pink, peach, and orange beads above it on a light surface.
Pink felt cutout being embroidered with small pink beads; a container with pink sequins and beads is visible in the background.

I created an illustration of how to make the overlapping stitch. I shared how to do it with three beads and with five.

Step-by-step visual guide showing how to weave pink and orange beads onto a thread to create a flat square stitch pattern, with each step numbered from 1 to 8.

Filling the Design

A felt fish is decorated with beads and sequins. More beads are scattered on the table, near a bead organizer and a black-and-white fish outline.
Felt fish shape being decorated with pink and yellow beads and sequins, with an open box of sequins at the top left and scattered beads on the table.
Two fish shapes decorated with beads and sequins in pink, orange, and purple tones are placed near a divided box containing matching craft supplies.

Once the outline is finished, start filling the fish.

This is where you can really get creative.

One fish might be mostly sequins.

Another can feature bugle beads.

One can be covered with tiny seed beads.

A fish-shaped craft decorated with pink and orange beads and sequins is on a table near an open container of beads.
Beads and sequins arranged in the shape of a fish on a table, with a box of organized pink and orange beads in the background.
Three fish-shaped crafts decorated with orange and pink beads and sequins are displayed on a table, surrounded by open containers of beads.

The larger circles in my template are perfect places for sequins, while the long narrow areas work beautifully with tube beads.

Mixing bead sizes gives the fish wonderful texture and sparkle.

I also love using tiny clear beads between larger beads because they almost disappear while helping everything lie flat.

Don’t Forget to Knot

Three felt fish shapes with stitched details are placed on a table, near containers holding various pink and orange sequins and beads.

This is probably the most important tip in the entire project.

Whenever you begin a new thread, tie several secure knots on the back of the felt.

When your thread is getting short, don’t try to squeeze out one more row of beads.

End the thread.

Tie several knots.

Then begin again with fresh thread.

These bag tags will be handled frequently, so you want everything to stay securely attached.

Taking an extra minute to knot the thread well is absolutely worth it.

Hand Sewing vs. Gluing

Two fish shapes made of beads, sequins, and small tubes are placed on top of a plastic organizer filled with pink and peach craft beads.

Every bead on my finished fish was hand sewn.

(Oops! There was one exception … the black eye. I thought I had purchased black beads, but I ended up with ones without holes. So I used a bit of glue to attach it. )

Hand sewing definitely takes time, but I love how secure the beads feel and how beautifully they lay against the felt.

If you’re making these with children or simply want a quicker version, you can absolutely glue the beads instead.

A strong fabric glue or jewelry adhesive works very well.

You can even combine both methods by sewing the larger design elements and gluing smaller accent beads.

Finishing the Back

Five fish-shaped ornaments on a white surface; three are plain felt with strings, two are decorated with sequins and embroidered designs.
Four fish-shaped ornaments hang by white cords; three are decorated with beads and sequins, and one features pink and white felt. All are arranged vertically on a white background.
Three pink and orange fish-shaped ornaments decorated with sequins and beads hang by silver threads against a white background.

Once all of the beading is complete, it’s time to finish the bag tag.

Cut a second piece of felt that is just slightly larger than the original fish.

Before attaching it, place a folded piece of twine at the top to create a hanger.

Glue the backing felt onto the stitched side, securing the twine between the two layers.

The slightly larger backing completely hides the stitches while giving the ornament a clean, finished edge.

It also makes the bag tag feel thicker and more substantial.

Why I Love Handmade Projects Like This

A white and pink tote bag hangs on a hook, decorated with a keychain featuring three sequined fish.

People often assume handmade means simple.

I think projects like these prove exactly the opposite.

These bag tags look like something you would discover in a lovely little boutique while traveling.

Yet they’re made with inexpensive supplies and a little patience.

The best part is that you can customize every single one.

Change the colors.

Use holiday themes.

Add initials.

Make beach, Christmas, Halloween, or even sports-themed bag tags.

The possibilities are endless.

Perfect Gift Ideas

Three pink and orange fish-shaped ornaments with beads and sequins hang by thread against a cream and pink fabric background.

These beaded bag tags would be wonderful:

  • Attached to gift bags
  • Tied onto wrapped presents
  • Added to backpacks
  • Hanging from cosmetic bags
  • On beach totes
  • As stocking stuffers
  • Teacher gifts
  • Craft night projects
  • Girls’ weekend favors
  • Holiday ornaments

I already have several friends requesting their own.

Beige rubber tote bag with two handles and a pattern of evenly spaced small holes on the front. The words "SIMPLE MODERN" are embossed near the top center.
Simple Modern Extra-Large Beach Bag
Six striped rectangular zippered pouches with wrist straps in purple, green, blue, orange, pink, and yellow, arranged in two rows against a white background.
6 Pack Bulk Seersucker Makeup Bag
Ten gift bags in assorted colors, each with a matching satin bow handle, are arranged in staggered rows on a white background.
Vitalizart Paper Gift Bags
Three plain, off-white canvas tote bags with handles, two standing upright and one lying flat, displayed against a white background.

Segarty 3PCS 16.5×13 inch Natural Heavy DIY Tote

A set of 14 tote bags in various pastel colors, each with colored handles and trim, arranged in rows on a white background for a vibrant view from above.

Pastel Canvas Tote Bag

A glossy tote bag with vertical pink and cream stripes, featuring two short handles and an open top.
Striped PVC Tote Bag

A Few Final Tips

Three beaded fish-shaped ornaments in pink and orange tones are displayed on a white surface, with a box of matching sequins and beads in the background.

Before you begin, sort your beads into small containers.

Keep your thread lengths fairly short so they don’t tangle.

Good lighting makes a huge difference.

Don’t rush.

These are the kinds of projects that are meant to be enjoyed one stitch at a time.

I found myself reaching for these each evening because they were relaxing to make.

Three woven-pattern luggage tags in green, pink, and orange-blue with leather straps, displayed above a black gift box with a travel-themed design.

Luggage Tags for Suitcases
Floral-patterned luggage tag with pink, blue, and green design, gold buckle, and a small gold emblem at the bottom.
Lilly Pulitzer Leatherette Luggage Tag 
Two blue and white striped luggage tags are shown, one displaying a flap revealing a contact information card and the other showing the reverse side without visible information.
2Pcs Luggage Travel Tags

Wrapping Up A Handmade Summer

It feels a little bittersweet writing the final post in my A Handmade Summer series. Over the past few months, we’ve painted, embroidered, sewn, worked with clay, made pillows, quilted bags, created polymer clay charms, and now finished with these beautiful beaded bag tags.

I honestly think this may be one of my favorite series I’ve ever shared because every project encouraged us to slow down and create something beautiful with our own hands.

And while summer is winding down, I promise the creativity isn’t.

In just a few weeks I’ll be kicking off my brand-new A Handmade Fall series, and I already have so many cozy, colorful, and creative projects planned. Think pumpkins, autumn colors, handmade gifts, seasonal décor, and lots of new ideas for your craft room.

Until then, I hope these beaded bag tags inspire you to pull out your beads, gather your felt, and make something that is completely your own.

After all, the best handmade projects aren’t about perfection. They’re about enjoying the process, trying something new, and creating something that makes you smile every time you see it hanging from your favorite bag.

How to Follow Along With A Handmade Summer

Here are all of the A Handmade Summer craft projects so far.

Three pink and orange fish-shaped ornaments decorated with sequins and beads are displayed on a cream and pink fabric background.
Beaded Bag Charms – week twelve
A white throw pillow with orange and yellow citrus fruit slice designs sits on a beige armchair near a window.
A Citrus Pillow – week eleven
Smiling older woman in a light pink striped shirt holding a large pink paisley-patterned tote bag with the name "LESLIE" on it, standing in a bright hallway.
Handmade Bandana Tote Bag – week ten
Two canvas tote bags, one with pink straps and one with blue straps, hang on a staircase railing. Both have colorful feather-shaped keychains attached.
DIY Polymer Clay Charms – week nine
A young child walks barefoot on artificial grass in a backyard, with two small golf flags and greenery along a wooden fence.
4th of July T-shirts – week eight
Three folded sweatshirts are shown: two light pink ones and one light blue one with "VENTURA" embroidered in large white letters.
Embroidery Gifts for Friends – week seven
A rectangular beige Box Frame Purse with small black polka dots and gold metal accents, placed on a white surface with pink decorative leaves in the background.
How to Make a Box Frame Purse – week six
Two white handkerchiefs with pink embroidery are displayed on a light wood surface next to artificial pink roses and green leaves.
DIY Embroidered Cocktail Napkins – week five
Two ceramic plates with colorful cocktail glass patterns are placed on a light wooden surface, surrounded by three pink tulips.
Decorative Summer Clay Trinket Dishes – week four
Assorted pink and gold wax seals, some with dried flowers embedded, are arranged on a white surface alongside pressed flowers.
Homemade Fun with Wax Seals – week three
Oval mirror with a frame decorated with various seashells, mounted on a light wood wall.
My New Coastal Mirror – week two
Two ceramic paint tube sculptures, one pink with gold patterns, one with a floral design, each holding two paintbrushes on a white surface.
DIY Clay Brush Holder – week one

Each week, a new summer craft will be shared here on the blog. I will also be sharing behind-the-scenes moments, progress videos, and finished projects on Instagram so you can see each craft come to life.

You can jump in at any point. There is no need to start at the beginning or complete every project. Choose the ones that speak to you and make them your own.

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Three colorful fish-shaped beaded bag charms with sequins and beads hang on a pink and white fabric background.

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