Workshops

Looking for a unique group activity in Austin, Dallas, Houston, or across Texas?

Waterloo Bags offers custom purse-making workshops where you and your guests design and build one-of-a-kind handbags. Perfect for corporate team-building, bachelorette parties, bridal showers, birthdays, and creative nights out. Our workshops combine style, fun, and hands-on creativity.

Every participant walks away with a custom purse they’ll actually use, making it more than just an event, but a lasting memory.

Purse-making

Public Workshops

At a Waterloo Bags public workshop, you can browse all of our colors, pick your hardware, choose from a variety of purse charms, and complete your look with a stylish scarf.

You’ll enjoy all the benefits of a private workshop, but with the fun of being surrounded by a welcoming community of new and familiar faces. You might even make a new friend along the way.

Once you select all the parts of your purse, you’ll take a seat at our community table with your tray of components and build your purse alongside other guests. We encourage you to ask the person next to you for their opinion. You never know what creative suggestion might inspire you.

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  • Special Occasions

    Waterloo Bags is perfect for any special occasion, whether you’re reuniting with old friends, gathering your sorority sisters, or celebrating with family.

  • Bachelorettes

    Getting ready for a night out with the Bride to Be? Join a Waterloo Bags workshop or plan a private event of your own. We can come to your location or provide a private space at our permanent location.

  • Corporate Events

    Want to give your team an activity where they can collaborate, cheer each other on, and take home something memorable? Waterloo Bags offers the perfect experience for team bonding and creative connection.

  • Birthday Parties

    Bring your friends, family, and cake, and take home a purse styled to each person’s unique taste. Celebrate your next birthday with us and enjoy an experience you will always remember.


Please contact us to book your next private event and one of our teammates will get back to you promptly. We’ll gather all the details to ensure everything is just right.

Testimonials

"Attending a workshop this weekend, had a blast. Purchased a purse and accessories. Love my new purse. Thank you Mary"

Heather Pacheco

"We had the best time with Waterloo bags! My daughter was able to build her own purse step by step. There were so many color options and the huge selection of accessories were our favorite part. Mary was an excellent host who made the entire experience so enjoyable!"

Katie Perez

"I had the best time ever at the Waterloo Bags “Build Your Own Purse” workshop — and Mary is absolutely fantastic! The whole experience is like a “Build-A-Bear” for purses — you pick your base, your straps, hardware, and fun embellishments, and then you get to assemble your own custom bag right there. From start to finish it was hands-on, joyful, and full of creative energy."

Kathrin Luetkhoff

"I was surprised at all the options I could choose from at the workshop. I really enjoyed picking out my favorite colors, assembling it and then choosing some accessories to match my new purse. So much fun!"

Chanda Lor

"Beautiful purses!! It is such a fun and easy way to create custom bag that is changeable with the seasons!!"

Claire Bingham

Frequently Asked Questions

A Waterloo Bags Public Workshop is a hands-on purse-making experience where you pick all the colors you want in your purse, including your favorite hardware. design and build your own custom handbag. Each guest chooses their purse base, straps, handles, hardware color, and accessories like charms and scarves. The result? A one-of-a-kind bag that reflects your personal style and creativity.

Our workshops are perfect for:

  • Corporate team-building activities
  • Bachelorette parties and bridal showers
  • Birthday celebrations
  • Girls’ nights out
  • Sororiety Gathering or celebration
  • Or anyone looking for a fun, creative experience in Austin or beyond

No design experience is needed—just bring your creativity and we’ll guide you step by step.

A typical workshop lasts between 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on group size and how quickly guests make their design selections. All workshops are capped at a maximum of 2 hours.

A workshop is priced per person—essentially per purse created. Each base purse is $98, which includes the purse base, two straps, a handle, a panel, and your choice of a leather crossbody strap or a matching chain strap.

  • A purse base in their chosen style
  • Straps and handles available in 11 color options
  • The panel of the purse in 11 color options
  • Choice of hardware in four color options
  • A crossbody strap in 11 color options or a chain that matches the selected hardware
  • A dedicated table for your group to gather, collaborate, and celebrate
  • All tools, materials, and step-by-step guidance provided

The only additional cost comes from accessories. After you finish building your purse, you’ll be able to choose from a variety of scarves and purse charms, which are available for purchase separately.

Yes! We specialize in private workshops for companies, bridal groups, and social gatherings. We can host your event at a partner venue in Austin, our retail store coming soon, or travel to your space in Dallas, Houston, or other Texas cities for larger corporate events.


Visit our calendar to book the time slot that works best for you. Our calendar shows all available openings for Waterloo Bags Public Workshops. For private workshops, please contact us directly so we can help plan your event. Spots fill quickly, especially for groups and special occasions, so we recommend booking early.

No, you are welcome to walk into our retail store, once it's ready. Any walk-ins will be welcome to build a bag at our purse bar with one of our team members to guide you.

Yes! You can return to future workshops or visit our retail store in its soon-to-be permanent location to swap out straps, handles, or accessories, keeping your bag fresh and on-trend.