When it comes to summer fashion, bold stripes are a must-have. They add a fresh, vibrant touch to any piece, and I’m loving how easily they can be added to so many accessories. This hand-painted striped look has become a fun trend, and it’s incredibly simple to recreate.

I found the perfect purse for a summer makeover. I ordered it online, hoping it would be the ideal shopper for the season. While the shape and details were just right, I wasn’t a fan of the pleather color. However, I kept debating whether to return it, and before I knew it, the return window had passed. Instead of regretting the purchase, I decided to give it a fresh look.

What You’ll Need:

• Purse
• Painter’s tape
• Paintbrushes
• Paint (I used acrylic)
• Pen

I chose acrylic paint over fabric paint for a few reasons: it’s more opaque, and the flat surface of this purse didn’t require the flexibility that fabric paint offers. If you’re working with a softer material, like a tote, use fabric paint in layers to prevent cracking.

Steps to Create Your Own Striped Purse Makeover:

1. Prepare the Purse:
   Start by removing any straps or hardware that you can. Tape off the edges of the purse using painter’s tape, making sure the tape is pressed firmly into the seams for clean lines.
2. Plan Your Design:
   Before you start painting, use a pen to mark out the width of your stripes on the tape. I alternated between two different widths to create a dynamic pattern.
3. Start Painting:
   Begin painting from the center of the purse, using smooth, steady strokes. Focus on getting the lines right first, and then you can go back with a second coat to perfect the look.
4. Apply a Second Coat:
   Here’s how the purse looks after one coat of paint—you can see some patchiness. To fix this, brush the edges of the lines toward the center to prevent any paint buildup.
5. Remove the Tape:
   Once you’ve applied the second coat and it’s dry enough, carefully remove the painter’s tape. It’s best to remove it while the paint is still slightly wet to prevent the edges from peeling off. Once everything is dry, reattach the straps and hardware.

And that’s it! My purse looks completely different, and I’m so happy with how it turned out. In fact, when I finished, Michael (who’s never been the most vocal about my accessories) actually complimented it—an accomplishment that rarely happens! Definitely a win in my book.

This simple DIY gives new life to any basic purse, and it’s the perfect summer accessory. Plus, you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing you created something entirely unique.