Spring is in the Bag (almost)

Warm weather, blooming flowers, birds chirping and Easter only a few days away . . . .

 

Here are a trio of lovely spring tote bags to brighten you day. These bags all feature roomy interiors with six pockets; some smaller for your cell phone, others larger to secure your water bottle or pocketbook.

 

These bags can be put to use for a variety of tasks. Use one as a book bag, another as a diaper bag to hold just the things you need for your little one while visiting a friend for coffee. Load one up with flip-flops, a good book & a blanket and head to the beach (just remember the sun screen). I have one for craft projects that holds everything I need (crochet hooks, scissors, balls of yarn, buttons) which I can toss in the car at a moment’s notice if I am heading out to my nephew's cello lesson or to Oma’s house for coffee.

All the totes are handmade and feature many vintage or upcycled fabrics from . . .oh. let's see . . .a grad dress, a full length skirt that I shortened, Italian dupioni silk swatch samples, cushion covers that I tried to make that ended up being too small. Each has its' own character and no two bags are the same. The unique buttons are from either my mom's or my Oma's collections. . . pssst! Mom, see what happens when you innocently ask "Can you use these fabrics or buttons for anything?"

totes by silverbluedesigns.

Today on Etsy - March 12, 2013

Today's fabulous find on Etsy is this hand designed and embroidered hand bag by atelierrococo in Santiago, Chile.

The silk fabric bag is embroidered with both colourful threading, beads and silk ribbon.

This is a whimsical bag to add to your everyday wardrobe and would be sure to garner you many compliments. Or, use it to jazz up a simple evening outfit or for attending a summer garden party or wedding.

The bag is individually made and one of a kind. Which means you will not bump into someone with the same bag as you, or inadvertently put your keys into someone else's look-alike Michael Kors or Coach hand bag at the next summer bbq party.
(been there . . . done that)

Today on Etsy - September 14, 2012

What a great idea ! Perfect for when you want to carry your laptop in a backpack or bigger bag, or if you want the protection but not the hassle of a huge laptop bag.

 

I think there are two ways to go about making one of these. The first (and I think what's been done here by multidimentionality) is to actually knit the pouch to fit the laptop. This allows you to choose colour and pattern.

 

The second (and what I ended up doing for mine) was to take an old sweater and sew one together. I found (bought) a nice medium grey one at the local thrift store, washed it and cut off the sleeves. Then I opened up the sides and shoulders and took off the neck. Essentially, this left me with two big squares. On the wrong side of on of the squares, I placed the laptop in the center, folded the bottom part up and over the laptop so that the sides met and the laptop was just covered. Then I measured how wide I wanted the pouch to be. Still working on the wrong side on the square,  I attached a hot pink satin lining. Next, I pinned the sides in place and machine stitched the sides to make the perfect sized laptop pouch. Turned the pouch right side out. The top part of the square I folded under a bit and then down to make the flap. Attached a button to the outside of the pouch and pushed it through the flap so that it closed.

 

It doesn't look exactly like the one in the picture, but I still get lots of compliments on it and it was a great way to use an old sweater.

Today on Etsy - September 08, 2012

Today's Etsy find is the fine leather craftsmanship of EightSeasons and their beautiful floral leather bags.

Each bag is made by hand and takes 2-3 weeks to complete.

There is also one offered in red, if you are looking for something or dramatic and in a cheerful fall colour.

Gorgeousness !

All a Twitter

Today I'm having a look through some images I've saved. I'm in the process of cleaning up my computer to get ready to transfer everything over to a NEW computer.

Here is a really cute idea I found it on Pinterest. No recognition was given to the original post, twenty links later.

I like this idea for several reasons. The bag in itself is a great gift. But use the bag as a way to give another gift inside and you know that scores big bonus points with me. The bag can be used as a book bag, to carry a pair of slippers (am I the only one who still does that? Has a pair of slippers in the car for when visiting? Then again, I also have a pair of flip flops in the car for impromptu pedicures).

I'm inspired to make some of these bags to put baked goods in; of course wrapping the baking first in cellophane so that it won't stain the cloth bag. This idea would also work well in a Christmas theme to give away treats at the office, to the neighbor, the postman, the piano teacher..... oh, think of all the possibilities.

I will see if I get around to making some this weekend. If I do, I'll be sure to post photos of the process so that you can make your own.

More Shoes - take 3

have I mentioned I adore shoes? Well, I do. Here are the pair I am lusting after today:



A girl could easily fall in love with this pair. And really? . . .wouldn't blame her.

Pocketbook Posies

dalilah collection (lined in peacock teal)

It’s happened to best of us. We get all dressed up . . .hair, make-up, beautiful dress and shoes. We’re ready all ready to go. Just grab our purse . . oh wait . . .this purse is way wrong for this dress.

I’ve seen it. It’s tragic. A gal all dolled up trying to push her purse behind her in a vain attempt not to draw attention to the mini duffle bag slung on her shoulder.

I love clutches. I have about 20 of them. At first it took some getting used to holding the things up between my ribcage and underarm, but practice makes perfect. I am happy to report I can now balance an underarm clutch and a champagne glass while still having one hand free to chat (yes, I tend to talk with my hands). I lead a rough life . . . .

melanie collection (lined in green)

So in the spirit of garden parties and wedding season, here is a wonderful selection of pocketbook posies by FIAZCO. Based out of Asheville, North Carolina, the designer creates limited addition handbags from high quality fabrics and fine silks. Each clutch is lined in 100% Dupioni silk with a seamless bottom to provide extra strength. Each purchase arrives beautifully gift boxed and you can request a personal note or label to be included.



natalie collection (lined in moss green)




From the designer’s website: “I've been designing and sewing since Barbie and Ken first started dating(my two best clients back in the day) I have a serious passion for fashion, and love creating.”

Like many home based businesses, FIAZCO specializes in customer service, and will work with brides and bridal parties to design custom clutches that with coordinate perfectly for the special day. And they make wonderfull bridesmaid keepsakes.

And so to the relief of hubbies and gents, very rarely will you have to say “Here honey, hold my purse”.

tickled pink . . .

In honour of October being Breast Cancer Awareness month, here are a few things pink that have caught my eye. All these items are available for purchase on Etsy; and some feature partial proceeds being donated to Canadian Breast Cancer Society.
Shown left is a brooch of beautiful frothy pink blooms titled LETITIA. They are made to order by RiRiFisch. This brooch is very soft and romantic, and can be worn as shown on the shoulder, or at the waist of a sweater dress or on the brim of a hat.
To the right is a vibrant and sassy pleated hot pink clutch by letsglamup. The textured pleats add glamour while the color adds a bit of zing to your wardrobe. Perfect on a drab day.
It's no secret that I love shoes. These vintage Calvin Klein pale pink pumps available from TwirlVintageCo are gorgeous and reconfirm why classic Calvin Klein is well, in a word . . .classic. If you do purchase these (or any item with ribbons such as these), I suggest lightly searing the ends with a flame to prevent fraying.
I also have an affinity for pretty beads. This set of seemingly random hand made beads titled 31Pink Experiments by paulinabeads do in fact look gorgeous when strung as a group. Space them out with some pale pink Austrian or Swarovski crystals for a super elegant look.
And with all your pink garb in honour of Breast Cancer Awareness, what better was to show your support than by hosting a Breast Cancer Awareness Party. A party where women (and men) come together and through donations and pink-themed beverages, nibbles and decor, raise money to help fight this terrible disease. These pompoms by (who else) PartyPom are a great decorating idea for such a party. Like big balls of cotton candy hanging from the ceiling, they are sure to bring delight and are also available in other colours and a variety of sizes. Afterwards, they would be perfect for a little girl's room to to reuse for a gender reveal or baby shower.
To women everywhere fighting the battle against breast cancer each and every day . . .keep fighting. We support you.

Hippo Hooray for Bayan Hippo Bags

I have recently purchased two handbags from Bayan Hippo. The bags are beautifully made with attention to details such as large grommets and detachable straps or handles. I especially like the key fob that hangs inside the bag. No more digging for my keys (or losing them, which I'm prone to doing).

The bags I purchased are made with colorful cotton canvas, and the online shop offers a wide selection of colors. I chose the bright orange for my first bag (nicknamed the Glory Bag) and opted for a printed lining with pink apples. Very cute. I needed something orange for my trip to Amsterdam during Koninginnedag (Queen Beatrix of the Netherland's birthday, when everyone wears orange and drinks far too much Heineken) This was the perfect bag. Six interior pockets meant lots of places to put things. I was able to fit all my stuff (guide book, passport, wallet, iPod, make-up emergency kit, collapsible umbrella and an Olympus DSLR E620 with an additional telescopic lens) and not feel like I was carrying a suitcase under my arm. And being cotton canvas, the bag was easy to wash after my trip. Other fabric choices in the online shop are crushed velvet and corduroy.

I was so impressed with my first bag that I bought a second one. This time I chose a burgundy colored Poetry Bag with unbleached cotton lining. I was attracted to the ruching detail on both front and back, and the large aforementioned grommets. The color goes great with many of the things I wear and had resulted in many compliments.

A nice surprise with both my bags was that they each arrived in their own protective outer bag; a sort of shoe bag for . . .well . . handbags (which makes it a handbag for my handbag??) While these other bags are made simply and with lighter fabrics, they are a much appreciated gesture. Last night I was going to the opera and not wanting to wear my stilettos in the rain, I found one of the outer bags to come in very handy for carrying my extra footwear.

The bags are designed by Vildan and 'handmade in a smoke, pet and moist-free home with lots of fun and love'. The creator is a proud mother of twin girls. Like many fellow Etsians, she welcomes custom orders and requests.

I think if I were to purchase another bag from this designer, I would go for a more girlie and aptly named Frilly Bag and choose the soft pink crushed velvet. Or maybe another Poetry Bag, but this time in pale green.