Sasaki Bags: January 2009

Monday, January 26, 2009

A new week

Boy last week was a killer. I had other obligations to fulfill and had to keep some ungodly hours, but once again I survived and woke up early this morning (4 a.m.) to start sewing! The Kona Mountain Coffee retail store nearly ran out of bags so I am working feverishly to fill their shelves again.

I did some major stress eating last week too and feel like I need to do a cleanse to jump start my week. Why do I seem to feed my body such bad food when I am under pressure? It is a new week and once again an opportunity to "start over". You got to love "do overs". So I plan to take care of myself this week. spend time on myself....hmmmm a pedi and a massage sound oh so decadent! And of course lots of sewing.

Better get back to the sweat shop.
A hui hou (until we meet again)

Monday, January 12, 2009

Anela

Anela was born on January 12, making her a Capricorn. She is a beautiful girl who has a strong bond with her family and the friends she holds dear. She loves working with her hands and doing things for others.

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

A New Design

Yesterday I was gone, running around most of the day doing errands and meeting with some customers. So today I had to crack the whip again and get back to my sweat shop...er...uh...Studio! I have never made a messenger style bag before so have been looking at them when I am out and about. I made this one pretty basic just to get the hang of it. It is 9" x 11" x 4". I made it out of a Hula Daddy bag and attached a generous strap so that it hangs a little longer than my other shoulder bag. I put one cellphone pocket and a pen slot in this bag but would like to play with adding other pockets to future bags. I have seen some that have zippers in the flap and like that idea.

So, as promised, new designs are in the works. I have so much going on actually! My Etsy sales have kept up the pace into the new year and I have also sold both of my Bolton-Sasaki handpainted bags. So I guess I better get off the computer and get back to the sewing machine.

Aloha
Barb

Monday, January 5, 2009

Welcome Luana!

Help me welcome a little sister for Hiapo! This gal was born on January 5th and stands in nobodies shadow! She is my second in a series of collaborated art/bags that I am working on with Hawaii artist Stephanie Bolton. I used a rich deep blue dupioni silk fabric for the body of this bag and lined her with a cotton batik that looks as though it is a remnant of the pareo that the lovely girl is wearing in the painting! It is done in red tones with a little coppery brown thrown in.

I used bamboo D shaped handles which add to the tropical feel of this bag. In the Hawaiian language, Luana means "to be at leisure, enjoy pleasant surroundings and be content". As I finished this handbag I looked at the gorgeous painting and thought that "Luana" describes the scene beautifully!

As with all my Diva bags, I have written this little bio for her:
Luana was born on January 5th, making her a Capricorn. Remaining true to her sign, Luana is a deep thinker with a calm demeanor and a never ending curiosity. She is surprisingly witty and a joy to be around.

About me:

Sasaki Bags are made in Hawaii by me, Barb Sasaki. I have been an entrepeneur at heart as long as I can remember. As kids growing up in North Idaho, my sister and I were always figuring out some way to make extra money. At times we collected discarded glass bottles to redeem for cash. We would take our loot and go to the nearest bowling alley. Our money would usually pay for one game of bowling, which we split, and one pair of shoes so we would just keep trading off the shoes for who ever was "on deck". Being the youngest, meant the bowling shoes were usually 2 sizes too big!

I have made Hawaii my home since July of 1994. In 2006, I was injured at work. I had a pretty hard time accepting that I was physically unable to do the work I had done before. I guess I had always correlated my self-worth with my income so when that dwindled, so did my self esteem. While recovering from surgery on the second shoulder, I decided to take my future back into my own hands and find a way to make some money and a little self -worth at the same time. I had come to realize through the extended time away from the workforce, that women sometimes need to buy themselves something just to make them feel good. The 'ole "retail therapy"!

Being a woman whose weight is always up and down, purchasing clothing was merely depressing but buying jewelry or a handbag could cheer me up. I got to thinking that I surely wasn't alone. Other women must enjoy affordable "treats" too!

At first I began making the wristlet which has become my signature bag because I could not carry a shoulder bag following the surgeries. Then I discovered that they held pretty much everything I ever needed to carry. I found joy in creating bags that made me smile. That is why you will see so many novelty bags in my line. When I make a bag that cracks me up, that is a good day! (*see my watermelon bag!)

I also love making the elegant evening bag. (*see Sienna) Adding silk and feathers to a simple design and watching it come to life. That is how my Diva collection was born. Some bags just ask to be given a name and a proper birthday. I don't name "my girls" until they are completely finished. Some of them I labor long and hard on. Some come a little easier...but they are all a part of me.

I hope you enjoy Sasaki Bags. I am always seeking inspiration in everyday life. If you have a hobby or profession you would like to show off to the world...let me know about it and perhaps I can translate it into a one of a kind bag...just for you.

Aloha,
Barb Sasaki

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