How I Make My Slim Natural Stone Bag Charm

If you’ve seen my bag charms before, you may have noticed there’s a new, slightly slimmer version hanging around.

Same general idea. Same charms. Same natural stone goodness. Just a little more streamlined.

My original natural stone bag charms have been one of my most popular designs, but I wanted to make a version that had the same look without being quite as wide. The result is this slimmer 60 × 25.5mm carabiner design, and for this one I’m using one of my favorite stones: tiger’s eye.

If you’d rather watch me make it instead of reading about it, a full video walk through is coming soon! As soon as I work out a couple techincal difficulties on my end (sorry guys).

And if opening jump rings and arranging tiny pieces sounds considerably less fun than just receiving a finished one in the mail, you can [shop the finished bag charm here]

What I Use

The supplies are almost exactly the same as my original bag charm. The biggest changes are the slimmer carabiner and the beads I chose for this version.

For the one in my Reel, I used:

• Tiger’s eye natural stone beads – [Shop the beads here]

• Gold spacer beads – [Find the spacers here]

• Narrow gold carabiner – [Shop the carabiner here]

• Jump rings – [Shop jump rings here]

• Gold charms and/or initial charms – [Shop charms here] [Shop initials here]

• Jewelry pliers – [These are similar to the ones I use]

As always, you absolutely do not need the exact supplies I use.

Different stones, different charms, silver instead of gold—half the fun is digging through what you already have and figuring out how to make it work.

Step 1: Start With the Slimmer Carabiner

The base for this version is a 60 × 25.5mm carabiner.

Compared with my original design, this one is narrower, which gives the finished charm a slightly more delicate and streamlined look while still leaving enough room for the natural stone beads and a couple of charms.

Basically: same personality, slightly skinnier outfit.

Because there’s a little less space to work with, I pay more attention to how many beads and metal pieces I’m adding so the finished design doesn’t feel overcrowded.

Step 2: Add the Tiger’s Eye

For this version, I used natural tiger’s eye beads.

Tiger’s eye has those beautiful variations of brown, caramel, gold and deeper almost-black tones, so every bead looks a little different.

That also means every finished charm will naturally vary—which is one of my favorite things about working with real stone.

I start adding the beads to the carabiner and check the placement as I go rather than deciding on an exact number beforehand.

Because apparently measuring ahead of time would be too easy.

Step 3: Add the Gold Spacers

Next come the gold spacer beads.

The spacers break up the natural stone and bring a little shine into the design without taking away from the tiger’s eye.

I usually alternate the stone and gold pieces until I like the balance.

There is still no secret mathematical formula here.

Mostly just:

add bead.

stare at it.

move bead.

stare again.

Repeat until satisfied.

Step 4: Choose Your Charms

This is the part that makes each bag charm feel completely different.

I usually like using one or two charms and/or initials for this version. Since there’s less width than the original version, a few well-placed pieces keep everything looking balanced instead of overly crowded.

You can add an initial, heart, bee, flower or whatever charms fit your style.

You can [see the current customization options on my finished bag charm listing here]

Could you still cover the entire thing in charms?

Absolutely.

Will I stop you?

Also absolutely not.

Step 5: Attach Everything

Once I’ve decided where everything is going, I use jump rings and jewelry pliers to attach the charms.

One of the biggest tips I can give you here is to twist jump rings open sideways instead of pulling the ends apart.

That helps the ring keep its shape and makes it much easier to close tightly again.

Once everything is attached, I check each connection to make sure it feels secure.

Bag charms get thrown onto purses, backpacks, keys and whatever else we decide needs a little unnecessary decoration that day.

They need to be cute, but they also need to survive.

Step 6: Check How Everything Hangs

Before I officially call it finished, I hold the carabiner upright.

This step matters more than you might think.

A charm arrangement can look perfect sitting flat on your work surface and completely different once gravity gets involved.

I check that the stone beads sit nicely, the charms hang where I want them and nothing feels too heavy on one side.

Then I rearrange something.

Then usually rearrange it back to where it started.

Crafting.

Original or Slim?

Now there are two different looks depending on what you prefer.

The original carabiner has a slightly wider, chunkier shape, while this newer 60 × 25.5mm version has a slimmer profile.

Neither is really better—they just give the finished piece a different look.

If you love a little more presence hanging from your bag, the original might be your style.

If you prefer something slightly narrower and more streamlined, the slim version may be the one for you.

Make It Your Own

The basic process is simple, but there are about a million ways to change it.

Swap tiger’s eye for another natural stone.

Use silver hardware.

Add your initial.

Pick charms that actually mean something to you.

Or pick them because they’re cute.

That is also meaning something.

If you make your own version after watching my tutorial, tag @baubletimetrinkets on Instagram. I genuinely love seeing what other people come up with.

I will post the video link as soon as I can!

And if you made it through this whole tutorial and decided your preferred DIY method is actually Do It Yourself by ordering it from me, I can help with that too.

[Shop my customizable natural stone bag charms here ]

Each one is handmade in Southern California and can be customized with your choice of stone, charms and initials.

Happy making—or happy shopping. Both count.

---

Supplies Used in This Tutorial

Want everything in one place?

• Tiger’s eye beads: [Shop the beads here]

• Gold spacer beads: [Find the spacers here]

• 60 × 25.5mm slim carabiner: [Shop the carabiner here]

• Jump rings: [Shop jump rings here]
  

• Jewelry pliers: [These are similar to the ones I use]
  

• Charms: [Shop charms here] [Shop initials here]

Some supply links may be affiliate links. If applicable, I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. It helps support Bauble Time Trinkets and, more importantly, probably funds my next completely reasonable bead purchase.