Saturday, January 26, 2008

Glass Blower's/ Lampwork Beader's Bag



I have received requests to make novelty handbags that reflect peoples professions and hobbies. This is one of those bags! It is my artist's interpretation of a lampwork bead maker or glass blower's bag.

The exterior is black poplin accented by a bright multi-colored polka dot fabric on both the front and rear panels. The two exterior pockets are further accented by colored beads that have been hand sewn into place. The pockets are lined with the polka dot fabric.

The closure for this bag is a shiny silver-toned button with a black bead in the center that slips through a black poplin loop.

The handles are 16" long, making this a wristlet. It will not fit over an average woman's shoulder.

The interior of this bag is flaming! It is a cotton print with "tongues" of orange flames on a black background.

There are two interior pockets which are accented by black piping.

This bag is a lot of fun. Nothing too serious about this one! Let your handbag make a statement about who you are!

Thursday, January 17, 2008

Ginger's Feathers...

Ginger....but no MaryAnn




Aloha!
My latest Gal to hit the scene is "Ginger" Yes, she too could be a "muu-vee star".

Ginger was born on January 17th making her a Capricorn. She is fashioned with luxurious ginger colored Thai silk for her exterior and adorned with Ring-neck Pheasant feathers on her front. There are three one inch pleats and two matte black buttons to finish off her front view.

Ginger's backside has one pocket accented with custom silk piping.

Her black faux leather handles are 13 inches long which makes Ginger a wristlet. Her straps will not fit over an average woman's shoulder.

The interior of this gorgeous bag is lined with a Laotian silk cloth. It is black with copper colored pinstripes. There are two interior pockets which are accented with custom ginger colored silk piping.

Ginger is, for the most part, a quiet woman. She enjoys a good book while sitting in the park. But I've heard that she does know how to let her hair down. Then look out! We all have our wild sides, now don't we girls?

Size:
10" tall
6" wide

Sunday, January 13, 2008

Bridget





Why is it that I always seem to be sewing on "football Sundays"? Some of my best creations have come forth on Sundays! And this one is no exception. Please help me to welcome Bridget into this world! She is part of my spring and summer line with the bright colors I promised you.

Bridget was fashioned from a mango colored dupioni silk. This silk is actually a two-toned fabric made from weaving both hot pink and flaming orange silk threads together. The result is amazing. I chose to put only one exterior pocket on this one to allow more room for embellishing the front. But since we girls like to look good both coming and going, I custom made a thick silk piping to accent her "rear" pocket. I lined it with the same fun polka dot fabric that adorns her interior.

On the front there are two pleats about an inch or so wide and two 24kt gold plated metal buttons. These buttons have a buttery gold tone to them and an interesting design on them.

The 16 inch handles are padded, for comfort and structure. They are made to wear on the forearm or wrist and will not fit over most women's shoulders.

The lining is a cotton fabric. It has a jet black background with various sized polka dots in lime green, orange, fushia, purple, blue, light pink, yellow and lavender. The two interior pockets are lined with the same fabric and accented with custom silk piping to match the exterior.

Bridget was born on January 13, making her a Capricorn. She is a warm-hearted idealist who can be found scouting out flea marts and craft bazaars on her weekends. She loves sushi and micro brews. I know she would look great on YOUR arm!

Wednesday, January 9, 2008

Shoulder Strap Questions...

Aloha
I get a lot of questions asking me if I make this style of bag with a shoulder strap. The answer is that I have but I wasn't happy with how it changed the whole look of the bag. I attached the shoulder strap to the side panels and it changed the way the bag appears when it is closed up. I could just make the existing straps longer...but with the smaller size of this bag, it changes the proportions....and ladies....we all know it is all about proportions, right?

I am hoping to come out with a new design of handbag in the future and I could incorporate similar fabrics that I am using now and add a shoulder strap. However currently, I am selling out of all that I can make of this design so am just struggling to keep up with the demand. I know, I know....poor me! ha! Be careful what you wish for, right?

I absolutely love getting feedback from customers and ideas from future customers however, so please feel free to tell me what it is that is a must have in a handbag for YOU! So far I am hearing, "outside pocket for cell phone", "some sort of closure for security", "a key ring holder", "shoulder strap", "zippered compartments", "more hardware",...any additions??? I am working to keep a balance between my luxury Diva bags and my fun novelty bags to keep my prices affordable for the average woman. But if you would like to see more of something, please just leave me a comment.

Some of my custom bags have evolved simply by talking to the customer and finding out what their hobbies are, favorite colors, favorite places. And before you know it an idea has sprung forth that sets the creative process in motion.

Thanks to all of you out there walking around with your Sasaki Bags. I have big plans for the coming year. Happy New Year to you all!