How to Make Beaded Bag Charms (Plus How to Gift and Sell Them!)

If you’ve been seeing beaded bag charms everywhere lately and thinking “I could totally make those,” you’re right and you absolutely should. These little accessories are one of my favorite recent obsessions because they check every box: they’re quick to make, totally customizable, they make the most thoughtful gifts, and if you’re feeling entrepreneurial, they can actually turn into a sweet little side income. Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or someone who’s just getting started, beaded bag charms are the perfect project to pick up.

I’m going to walk you through everything: the supplies you need, how to make them step by step, creative ways to gift them, and how to start selling them if that interests you. Let’s get into it!

What You Will Need

• Round wooden beads: beautiful boho-colored round beads in sage green, dusty rose, orange, and brown. These Whaline Modern Boho beads come in the perfect earthy color palette for bag charms.
• Letter beads: for adding names, words, or fun phrases. This set has all the letters you need and is super popular right now!
• Beading wire: holds everything together. This 0.019 gauge beading wire is structured and my go-to for bag charms.
• Stretch cord: a more forgiving option for beginners. This 0.5mm stretch cord works great.
• Swivel lobster claw clasps with key rings: how the charm attaches to a bag handle or zipper. This set comes with both silver and gold swivel clasps, just like the ones shown in the photos.
• Jump rings: small metal rings that connect the clasp to your beaded strand. These 6mm jump rings come in both gold and silver.
• Crimp beads: used to secure the ends of beading wire. Grab a pack of these so you always have extras on hand.
• Crimping pliers: essential for properly securing crimp beads. This jewelry pliers set includes everything you need.
• Round-nose pliers: help you open and close jump rings cleanly. These round-nose pliers are perfect for delicate jewelry work.
• Wire cutters: for trimming your beading wire to length. These flush cutters give a clean snip every time.
• Tassel or pendant charms: optional, but a dangling tassel takes the design to the next level. For the look shown in the photos, try these rust suede tassels with a gold cap from Mandala Crafts. For a boho natural-fiber look, these earthy brown mala tassels are a beautiful alternative.

Step 1: Plan Your Design

Before you touch a single bead, spend a few minutes planning what you want to make. This is honestly one of the most fun parts!

Think about color palette (neutrals, a pop of color, pastels?), length (most charms fall between 4 and 8 inches), whether you want a pattern or a random mix, and whether you want to add any words or phrases with letter beads. Once you have a rough idea, lay your beads out on a beading mat in the order you want to string them before you commit.

Step 2: Cut and Prep Your Wire

Cut a piece of beading wire about 4 inches longer than your desired finished length. This gives you enough extra to secure both ends without running out of working room.

Thread one end of the wire through a crimp bead, then through your lobster claw clasp, and then back through the crimp bead to form a small loop. Leave about a half-inch tail. Use your crimping pliers to flatten the crimp bead firmly, and give it a gentle tug to make sure it’s secure. Slide a seed bead or two over the tail end to hide the raw end before you start beading.

Step 3: String Your Beads

Now the fun part! Start sliding your beads onto the wire in your planned order, with the clasp end at the top. A few tips: work slowly if you’re doing a pattern (it’s easy to lose your place), leave about an inch of bare wire at the bottom when you’re done, and add your letter beads in the middle section where they’ll be most visible. If you’re adding a tassel or pendant at the very bottom, add that last.

Step 4: Finish and Secure the End

Once all your beads are on and you love how it looks, it’s time to finish the end. Thread your wire through another crimp bead, then through a jump ring (this is where your tassel or bottom charm will hang from). Loop the wire back through the crimp bead and pull snugly so there’s only a small loop at the bottom. Flatten the crimp bead with your crimping pliers, trim any excess wire close to the crimp bead, and use your round-nose pliers to open your jump ring, slide on any bottom charm or tassel, and close it back up firmly.

Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches

Take a moment to look over your finished charm. Make sure both crimp beads are fully secured, the clasp opens and closes smoothly, no gaps are visible in the bead strand, and any charms or tassels are hanging freely. Clip your charm onto a bag, tote, keychain, or zipper pull and admire your work!

Tips for Making Beaded Bag Charms Even Better

Mix textures. Combining matte and glossy beads, or mixing glass with acrylic, adds visual interest without complicating the design.

Use quality clasps. A charm that falls off because the clasp failed is heartbreaking, especially if it’s a gift. Spend a little more on sturdy gold or silver-tone lobster clasps.

Try fringe charms. Instead of one strand, make three or four shorter strands and attach them all to the same clasp for a fringy, boho look.

Experiment with bead sizes. A strand that mixes seed beads with occasional larger accent beads, like a single chunky pearl or gemstone bead in the center, looks elevated and intentional.

Keep a bead journal. Take a quick photo of every charm you make before it leaves your hands. You’ll build a reference library of designs you love, and it’s great for a shop portfolio too!

How to Gift Beaded Bag Charms

Honestly? These might be the most giftable thing I’ve ever made, and I say that as someone who makes a lot of gifts. Here’s why they work so well and how to make them extra special.

Personalize with initials or names. A charm with someone’s initial or full name is instantly meaningful. Use letter beads in their favorite color for a totally custom touch.

Match their style. Pay attention to the colors they always wear or carry. A friend who’s always in neutrals will love a cream, tan, and gold charm. Your boldest, most colorful friend deserves something with all the jewel tones.

Package it beautifully. Drop the charm into a small organza bag or a kraft jewelry box with a little tissue paper. Tie a ribbon around it. These tiny details make a handmade gift feel like a luxury item.

Add a gift tag with a note. Something like “Made just for you” or “Every bag needs a little charm” makes the recipient feel truly seen.

Give sets. Make two or three coordinating charms in different lengths and give them as a set. They’re meant to be worn together on the same bag for a layered look.

Beaded bag charms are perfect for birthdays, Mother’s Day, teacher appreciation, bridesmaid gifts, stocking stuffers, and holiday markets. They feel personal and handmade without looking rough or amateur when done well.

How to Sell Beaded Bag Charms

If your friends keep asking you to make them one (and trust me, they will), it might be time to turn this hobby into a little income. Here’s how to approach it.

Price Your Charms Fairly

A lot of crafters underprice their work and burn out fast. Before you set prices, add up your material cost per charm, then multiply by three to cover time, overhead, and profit. For beaded bag charms, a fair retail range is usually $12 to $28 depending on the complexity, bead quality, and your market.

Where to Sell

Etsy is the most obvious starting point for handmade jewelry and accessories. The audience is already there and actively looking for unique pieces like these.

Local craft markets and holiday bazaars are fantastic for selling charms in person. People can see the colors and textures up close, and impulse purchases happen all the time.

Instagram and TikTok are powerful for building an audience. Post videos of yourself making the charms, doing satisfying bead-laying flat lays, or showing before-and-after styling on a bag. Short-form video is where handmade accessories are absolutely thriving right now.

Boutiques and gift shops may be open to carrying your charms on consignment, especially local boutiques that love featuring local makers.

Tips for Selling Successfully

• Create a cohesive line rather than making random one-offs. A “boho neutrals” collection or a “personalized names” line gives your shop a clear identity.
• Photograph on bags. A charm photographed dangling from an actual tote or crossbody bag sells so much better than one sitting on a flat surface.
• Offer customization. “Your name/color/vibe” listings do really well because customers feel like they’re getting something made just for them.
• Batch your production. Make 10 charms at a time instead of one at a time. It’s much more efficient once you have a system down.
• Track your bestsellers. After a few markets or a month on Etsy, you’ll know which designs fly off the table and which ones sit. Double down on what’s working.

Shop the Supplies

• Round wooden beads (boho color set)
• Pony beads (assorted colors)
• Letter beads
• Beading wire (0.018 or 0.019 gauge)
• Stretch cord (0.5mm or 0.7mm)
• Swivel lobster claw clasps (silver + gold)
• Jump rings (6mm, gold and silver)
• Crimp beads
• Crimping pliers
• Round-nose pliers
• Wire cutters
• Rust suede tassel charms with gold cap or boho mala tassel charms (earthy brown)
• Pendant charms (stars, moons, hearts, flowers)
• Beading mat or tray
• Organza gift bags (for gifting)

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.