Introduction
In today's creator spotlight, the talented @littlebrushcustoms turned a structured leather Coach Shoulder Bag into a wearable masterpiece inspired by Studio Ghibli’s iconic Howl’s Moving Castle.
Crystal @Littlebrushcustoms
Hi, I’m Crystal, a self-taught artist from South Florida with a love for anime, video games, and all things cozy and creative. I started customizing after becoming a mom, when I wanted to create something special for my firstborn, and that one project eventually led me to start customizing bags. I love that bags are useful, and making them more personal with someone’s favorite character or idea just makes them the full package. Seeing someone get excited over something I created just for them is one of my favorite parts of what I do. When I’m not painting, I’m usually homeschooling or spending time with my husband and our two girls, finding cute places to grab coffee, watching anime late at night, or making my workspace a little more cozier. :)
InstagramCreator Questions
How did you hear about Angelus?
After deciding I wanted to create a one of a kind jacket for my daughter Lazuli, I Googled how to get started and what paints to use. Angelus kept coming up as one of the highest rated brands, so I watched tutorials on how to use their products and gave them a try. I’ve stuck with Angelus ever since!
What do you use our products for?
I use Angelus products to bring people’s visions to life, mostly through custom purses and accessories. Whether it’s a favorite character, special scene, or an idea they’ve been imagining, I love turning everyday pieces into something special and unique.
What are your top 5 Angelus products?
- Neon Paints (especially the pinks!) -Flat 4-Coat -Detail Paint Brushes -Flat White Paint -Leather Preparer & Deglazer.
If you could give one piece of advice to aspiring artists, what would it be?
Everyone has their own journey, so don’t get caught up comparing yourself or being competitive with other artists. The internet is huge, there’s room for all of us to create, grow, and succeed. Focus on your own progress, support other artists, and keep creating what makes you happy. ╰(*´︶`*)╯♡
How to Paint on a Leather Purse:
A Step-By-Step Guide
1Prep & Deglaze
Prep: Use Angelus Leather Preparer & Deglazer on a clean microfiber cloth, gently breaking down the factory topcoat until the leather felt slightly matte and tacky.
Pro Tip: Lightly sanded areas near the flap seam with sandpaper, then wiped it down again with Deglazer to ensure maximum paint adhesion.
2Foundation & Base Coat
Sketch/ Outline: Lightly trace or sketch your design onto the prepped surface using a pencil or detail brush.
Base Coat: Apply 1–2 thin base coats of Angelus Leather Paint (use White for dark surfaces to make vibrant colors pop).
3Detailed Painting & Character Line Work
Layering: Apply your design in thin, even coats. Allow each coat to dry completely (5–10 minutes) before applying the next. Multiple thin coats are significantly more durable than 1 or 2 thick coats.
4Sheen Control & Seal
Protection: Apply Angelus 4 Coat Urethane Finish.
Application: She applied two coats within 10–15 minutes of each other (while the first coat was still tacky) to ensure maximum durability.
Cure Time: Allowed to air cure fully for 48 hours.
Unlock More Inspiration
Dive deeper into our Creator Spotlight series and discover new tutorials from top artists in the community. Whether you're looking to master advanced techniques or spark fresh ideas, these step-by-step guides will take your custom game to the next level.
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