BIY FAQs

You’ll be able to reserve your BIY experience online through the website when booking is available. Session details, group options, and event availability will be shared through the site and social media.

Booking ahead will be recommended, especially for groups, parties, and themed nights. Walk-in availability may be offered later depending on the schedule and space availability.

BIY Purse Lounge is a luxury purse customization experience. Guests receive a purse, personalize it with creative design options, add stylish details, enjoy the lounge atmosphere, and leave with a bag they made themselves.

It is not basic DIY. It is Bag It Yourself — a fashion, creativity, and self-expression experience.

Sessions will include purse selection, design time, paints or customization materials, charm/accessory options, drying time and photo-worthy moments.

Anyone may participate! We are currently working on adding bags/accessories for guys in the near future.

You don't need to be artistic! Choose from our peel-and-stick stencils, place it on your bag, and paint. That's it.

BIY experiences are designed around purses provided through the lounge. This helps us control quality, drying time, materials, and the final guest experience.

Not a tote. Not a canvas pouch. Not a craft-store blank. Every guest receives a premium structured bag — smooth white leather-style finish, real gold hardware, satin lining, interior pockets, and a detachable crossbody strap. It's the same silhouette you'd find behind glass at a boutique, delivered blank so the design is all you.

The paint isn't craft paint. We use a professional leather paint system — the same brand trusted by professional sneaker and handbag artists — prepped, painted, and sealed with a finisher so your design flexes with the bag and lasts through real, everyday wear. You're not making a souvenir. You're walking out with a functional luxury bag that exists nowhere else in the world because YOU made it!

Bag style is subject to availability.

Guests may customize with paint colors, accents, charms, design details, names, initials, stencils ETC..

There are no mistakes at BIY! Every stroke becomes part of your one-of-a-kind design, and our team is right there to help you turn any "oops" into something you love. Made a mark you don't want? White paint works as your eraser — just paint over it and keep going. That said, because each purse is hand-painted and custom-made by you, we are unable to provide a replacement bag if you're unhappy with your design. We promise — with our help, you're going to walk out proud of what you created.

We completely understand that customizing your own bag is a personal experience. However, because every purse is hand-painted by you and cannot be resold, all sales are final and we do not offer refunds or exchanges. Our staff is here throughout your entire session to guide you, answer questions, and help you love your finished piece.

We plan to use flexible, purse-friendly materials and finishing steps made for wearable accessories. Guests will also receive simple care instructions to help protect their finished bag.

Yes, the experience is designed for same-day take-home in most cases. Bags may still need gentle handling after the session, so we’ll provide care guidance before you leave.

Your BIY bag is crafted from premium vegan (PU) leather — the same material used across modern luxury and designer-inspired bags — and with proper care, you can expect years of regular wear. Your painted design is sealed with a professional acrylic finisher made specifically for leather goods, so it flexes with the bag instead of cracking or peeling. To keep it flawless: wipe clean with a soft, slightly damp cloth — no alcohol, harsh cleaners, or soaking. Keep it out of prolonged direct sunlight and away from heat sources, and store it stuffed and upright when not in use. Treat it like the luxury piece it is, and it'll treat you the same

Yes. BIY is perfect for birthdays, girls’ nights, date nights, team-building, bridal moments, brand events, and private celebrations. For group requests, email biy@biypurselounge.com.

Yes. Twice a month. BIY plans to offer kid-friendly purse experiences, including mini purse options for younger guests. Kids sessions may have age guidance, simplified designs, and parent/guardian requirements.

Pop-ups, mobile experiences, and special collaborations may be available in the future. Email us with your event date, location, estimated guest count, and vision.

We recommend wearing comfortable clothing that you don't mind getting a little paint on. While we provide aprons and take precautions to keep the experience mess-free, BIY Purse Lounge is not responsible for paint or other crafting materials that may come into contact with clothing or personal belongings.

BIY is designed to feel like a lounge experience. Drink or refreshment details may vary by session, private event, and final location policies.

BIY Purse Lounge is based in Aurora Illinois. Location and session details will be shared through the website, email updates, and social media.

Email biy@biypurselounge.com or follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook for updates.