Looking for the perfect summer accessory that combines style and function? This guide shows you how to bedazzle a beach bag with Estella flatback crystals, turning a plain tote into a head-turning, sparkly statement piece to carry all season long.
It is a beginner-friendly project in technique, though a full lettering design takes some patience. Here is everything you need, then the full method.
Project at a glance
- Difficulty: Beginner (simple technique, large surface and lots of crystals)
- Time: A few hours, plus overnight to cure
- Crystals used: Estella flatbacks in Pacific Opal, SS16, around 1440 for the lettering
- Best crystal type: Non-hotfix flatbacks, glue-set to the bag
Watch the tutorial
See this project come together. Watch the full make below, then scroll down for the kit list and step-by-step instructions.
What you'll need
Quantities suit a lettering design like ours, so scale to your own. Add the crystals, glue and tools to your cart from the cards below. The picker and tray in our tools and accessories range are reusable across every project.
- Graphic beach bag of your choice (your own)Your base, see note below1
- Estella Flatbacks SS16, Pacific OpalThe whole design1440
- E6000 Plus Glue KitAdhesive with syringe and tips1
- Wax Crystal Picker PenPlacing crystals1
- Magic Sorting TrayHolding the crystals1
Shop this project
Everything you need for this build. Quantities are a guide, so adjust to your design.
£1.95 Excl. VAT
£5.12 Excl. VAT
£9.53 Excl. VAT
Not sure how many crystals you need? Use our Crystal Calculator to estimate by surface area.
How to bedazzle a beach bag
Step 1: Gather your supplies and prepare the bag
Wipe any dust off the bag with a damp cloth and leave it to dry. Tip your crystals into the sorting tray ready to pick up.
Step 2: Prepare the glue
Fill the glue syringe with enough E6000 for your project. The neatest way is to put the end of the syringe inside the nozzle of the glue tube and pull the plunger while gently squeezing the tube, transferring the glue with minimal mess and air.
Step 3: Guard against air bubbles
If a small air bubble forms in the syringe, hold it upright so the bubble floats to the top, then gently push the plunger until only glue remains. Fit the needle tip to finish, we used the size 18 (pale pink) tip for this project.
Step 4: Mark out your design
Lay the bag flat and plan your design. We followed the outline of the wording "Miami Beach", but you can use any lettering or motif and follow the same steps, though quantities will vary.
Step 5: Apply the glue
Pipe a thin layer of glue along the edge of the lettering to outline your design, then leave it for five to ten minutes to get tacky. Take care not to use too much, or it may run, and work in small sections on a large surface to avoid smudging the wet glue.
Step 6: Place the crystals
Use the wax picker to place the Pacific Opal crystals onto the glue, keeping them close together with as few gaps as possible for the best, most solid effect.
Step 7: Leave to dry
Tidy the edges with a little isopropyl alcohol if needed, then leave the bag to dry overnight while it is still lying flat. Once it is fully cured you can hang and use it.
Frequently asked questions
How do you bedazzle a beach bag?
Clean the bag and lay it flat, sketch or follow your design, then pipe a thin layer of glue along the outline and place flatback crystals on with a wax picker. Work in small sections on a large surface, keep the crystals close together, and let it dry flat before hanging or using it.
How do you crystal lettering or text on a bag?
Pipe glue along the edge of the letters to outline the font first, then fill each letter, keeping the crystals tight with as few gaps as possible. Outlining the shapes first keeps the wording crisp and easy to read once it is fully crystallised.
How do you stop the glue running on a bag?
Lay the bag on a flat surface and work in small sections, applying only a thin layer of glue and letting it sit for five to ten minutes until tacky before placing crystals. Too much glue, or working on a hanging or curved surface, is what makes it run.
How do you transfer E6000 glue without mess or air bubbles?
Put the end of the syringe inside the nozzle of the glue tube and pull the plunger while gently squeezing the tube, which transfers glue with little mess or air. If a bubble forms, hold the syringe upright so it rises to the top and push it out before fitting the needle tip.
How do you care for a bedazzled bag?
Spot clean only, wiping gently around the crystals with a damp cloth, and avoid machine washing, soaking or scrubbing, which loosens the glue over time. Store it without heavy items pressing on the design so the crystals stay put.
How many crystals do I need and can I change the colour?
It depends on your design and how much you cover. This lettering design used around 1440 SS16 crystals in one colour. Use our Crystal Calculator to estimate by area. We used budget-friendly Estella in Pacific Opal; you can also use premium Swarovski, Czech-made Preciosa or our own Austrian-made Serinity.
Make it your own
Swap the wording, add a motif, or choose a colour to match your swimwear. For more accessory sparkle, see our crystal clutch bag and beach charm bracelet projects, or explore the full Craft Studio.
