Handpainted Silk Bag - Dong Song

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I am thrilled to be releasing this line of handbags. I have several silk paintings on order that I will be making into bags in the coming weeks, so stay tuned. I have a Chinese painting of a man by a waterfall and a couple of paintings with chinese women that are SO beautiful. I can hardly wait to show you!

I finished the exterior of this bag a couple of weeks ago. I even made a laotian silk lining to slip into her interior....but it just didn't seem to match her personality. So I waited. Well, yesterday, my beloved postman delivered some fabric that I got from Jacki over at Fabricobsession.com, a great fabric co-op. In my little box was a couple yards of an Amy Butler print that I adore. I got it thinking it would look marvelous if I hand beaded some of the paisley type designs and used it as an exterior of a bag....but last night, this fabric spoke to me and before I climbed into bed, I had finished the lining for this new handbag.

This is the first in my new line of Hand Painted Handbags. I actually used a silk painting in my Hanoi Map Bag, but I decided to make this a more elegant look.

I named this particular beauty "Dong Song" which translates into Vietnamese as "To sail up the river". (according to an online translator site, so forgive me if someone knows otherwise!) The painting which is on the front panel of the bag, was done by a Vietnamese artist. It is a scene of a small boat filled with seven women making their way to market.

I see so much symbolism here....
1. Women facing the world together....
2. Overcoming obstacles...
3. Taking time to enjoy girlfriends

What a great gift this would make for a girlfriend who has been struggling with an illness or overcoming a divorce. Just reminding her that "we are all in this boat together, honey!"

This may be WAY more than the artist had in mind when he/she painted it...but in Barb's world...(and that is where you find yourself right now, by the way!) I can make up any story I like and stick to it! ha!

The colors in this painting include shades of blue, ochre, tan, soft yellow, and green.

The Thai Silk that was used to construct the rest of the exterior of this bag is a golden tan color with a luscious sheen.

There is one exterior pocket on the rear of this bag.

The handles are light brown faux leather with antique bronze hardware. They are 13" long.

The interior is an Amy Butler 100% cotton print. It reflects the same colors of the painting plus a few colorful additions of peach and rust.

There are two interior pockets accented with brown piping.

This bag closes with a gold-toned magnetic snap closure.

This is a one of a kind bag. You will be the only person on the planet earth with this bag!

Size:
10" tall
6" wide
This bag is a wristlet due to the length of the handles.

Dong Song was born on May 22, making her a Gemini. Being a "good twin" Dong Song has a multi-faceted personality. She may appear self-assured and confident but at times she is still shy and self-conscious. She is comfortable in groups but thoroughly enjoys her own company. Maybe that is why I like her so much!

Here Comes The Bride

This beautiful bridal handbag was constructed of dupioni silk. The majority of her exterior is an antique ivory color with her front and rear pockets faced with a soft ivory (whiter)dupioni silk. I utilized an ornate embroidery on the front pocket. The embroidery is two-toned, blending both colors of silk used on her exterior.

I decided to make this bag two-toned because I have found that there are many shades of white and ivory. So, instead of having to match perfectly with your dress, she will blend beautifully.

There are two exterior pockets accented with antique ivory silk custom piping.

The straps on this bag are approximately 18" long.

There are two decorative "pearl" and antique gold-toned buttons on the front above the pocket with an east-west orientation.

Inside is the buttery antique ivory silk making up every component from pockets to piping.

There is a gold-toned magnetic snap closure on this bag.

The fabric on this bag is very rich with a soft sheen to it.

Size:
10" tall
6" wide
straps 18" long

On your wedding day here are a few of the items you may want to pack in your handbag:

lipstick
compact face powder
water-proof mascara
bobby pins
safety pins
breath mints
travel sized deodorant
comb
camera
tissues (in a beautiful tissue tote)

Knit One Purl Two

This bag can be used either as a sock knitting bag or a cute wristlet for your favorite knitter! There is a firm stabilizer sewn in to make this bag able to stand on its own.

The exterior fabric is a cotton print with a black background. The words say, " decrease, stitch, bind off, rep knit, purl, tog, increase, skip, row, yarn over, p2, cast on, yfwd, ssp," and other knitting instructions.

There are two exterior pockets that are both accented with a maroon piping and black ribbon with white woven sheep on it. The pockets are lined with a yarn print fabric that is on the interior.

The bag closes with a loop and metal button. The button has scrolls and hearts on it.

The handles are 16" long making it a wristlet.

There are two interior pockets accented with maroon piping. The fabric is a white cotton background with balls of yard and knitting needles on it.

size:
10" high
7" wide
straps: 16" long

Tamiko

May Day is Lei Day! Happy Lei Day to everyone! To celebrate, help me to welcome a new Geisha into my line. Let me introduce Geisha Tamiko.

Tamiko was embroidered on gorgeous shimmering "platinum" dupioni silk. The pocket she is embroidered on is layered upon a panel of silk fabric that I recycled from a vintage kimono. The Kanji characters on the fabric, according to the Japanese source I purchased the kimono from, represent "Wealth and Congratulations".

There are two external pockets which are accented with custom dupioni silk. They are lined with the Kanji silk fabric. As an embellishment, there is a ceramic fan dangling above the Geisha. It is for decoration only.

The straps on this bag are lined with fleece for structure and comfort. They are of the Kanji fabric also. They are 16" long making Tamiko a wristlet.

The interior of this bag is lined with more of the Kanji fabric. However there is a lush surprise inside. To line the pockets I used a red tone-on-tone silk fabric from yet another vintage kimono. It is a beautiful fabric. Almost too lovely to have hidden on the inside of a bag!

This bag easily goes from day to evening. The richness of the Platinum silk dresses Tamiko up exquisitely. But the casualness of the Kanji fabric makes her go just as well with a pair of jeans. I can imagine a gal carrying this bag while wearing dressy indigo denim jeans and red heels!

Tamiko was born on Thursday, May 1st making her a Taurus. She is thoughtful and sensitive to others feelings. Her friendship is valued by any who meet her.

Kona Coast Novely Map Bag

So finally I have added a Kona Coast Map to my line of Map Bags. The fabric is a fun novelty cotton/poly with famous Hawaiian locations and surf spots written on it. For example, "Big Island, Haleiwa, HaNauma Bay, Lahaina" etc. There are also little hula girls and surfer dudes with boards on the fabric. Too cute! This one is just for fun! You can't take yourself too seriously and carry a bag like this! Life is too short...

Niko

I spent a glorious day locked in my CLEAN sewing studio yesterday! I got a lot done and felt very inspired for some reason. I began making a new Geisha bag on some golden silk. I was going to make my standard wristlet but half way into the process I changed a few things and....10 hours later...(ugh) Geisha Niko was born! It is a roomier bag that slips over the shoulder (for all you shoulder bag gals). My inspiration for this bag was the design of a kimono. I have incorporated details that I feel represent the details on a kimono, from the "wrapped" front panels, the beautiful silk fabrics and more! Niko has a machine embroidery on her front side of a Geisha holding a fan. After machine embroidering, I hand beaded detailing on the fan and hair ornaments. There is a hidden front pocket behind the Geisha. It is accented with custom black silk piping and lined with a very expensive ($30/yd) obi fabric with black, red and gold colors woven into the design. For the sides, bottom and back of the bag I used black dupioni silk and made matching piping to outline the whole bag. The pocket on Niko's backside is of the same obi fabric and is made to represent the striking obi that would be on a beautiful kimono. The lining is actually the silk lining I took out of a kimono I purchased from Kanazawa, Japan. It is black with red wavy stripes and occasional bundles of flowers and leaves tossed upon it. The fabric is very textural as well. There is a 7" zipped pocket on the interior. The pocket is lined with black silk fabric from another kimono. It has a tone on tone print of fans which adds an unexpected touch. As a closure, I made a small flap of the obi fabric and lined it with the dupioni. A gold-toned magnetic snap is added for security. The handle is made from combining two black tassled silk cords and attaching them to gold-toned rings at the top of the side panels.

This bag is very elegant. I am trying to decide if I will keep it myself!

Niko was born on April 10 making her an Aries. She loves to shop but prefers boutiques over malls any day. She may be spotted having lunch at a sidewalk cafe and nibbling on finger sandwiches with a glass of iced tea (ocha)nearby.

Queen of my domain!

It has been a busy couple of weeks. Today I spent most of the day reorganizing my sewing studio. I have new fabrics on order and have to find someplace to put them! I have 5 yard of a luscious silk that should be arriving any day. Mom, this may be the fabric to make your bag out of!

I find that sometimes if the clutter gets TOO out of hand, I completely get "designer's block". But once I de-clutter my space, the ideas usually flow more freely. Anyone else like that???

Monday I finally purchased my domain. I now own www.SasakiBags.com! I was working on my site until 2am this morning and back up at 6:30 going at it again. I am using Yahoo to host my site mainly because of the simplicity of using their templates. Not being a computer whiz kid, I decided simple is good! Before I get the site running live, I have got to make some new bags and accessories. Then I have to take some photos. I am still a little weak in this department but have been reading lots of tips on web photos so wish me luck!

I tend to be a bit of a perfectionist (who is that laughing in the corner?) Yes, a bit! But I am bracing myself for the realization that the whole website journey will be a learning experience and a work in progress for quite some time. If I waited until I could set it up perfectly...what would the women of the world do for great handbags in the meantime???

I still have my Etsy store but have been neglecting it I fear. I have really been trying to focus on my wholesale accounts for the past two months so that they never run out of my bags. So because of this, I am doing a lot more sewing and less "interneting".

I am really itching to make a new Diva. I saw a hat the other day in a movie that gave me some inspiration for the details on my next bag. The movie was a bit lame but I guess it wasn't a total waste of time.

Well, it is back to the sweatshop for me. I will let you all know when my new site is up and running.
aloha

Deluxe Omiyage

The "Omiyage" bag has been extremely popular at the Kona Mountain Coffee Company. So last week I came up with a larger version of that bag. I also added grommets that the cotton webbing straps are suspended from and a large outer pocket. This one is big enough for taking home all sorts of gifts while visiting our Island. Once home, it will make a great shopping bag, or book tote. The deluxe Omiyage is even large enough to make a good sized beach bag! I am working on fresh designs all the while trying to keep up with current favorites. Stay tuned! Aloha!

Deluxe Shopper

Aloha!

Well, the wonderful gang at Kona Mountain Coffee Company keep me posted as to what their customers are requesting me to make. I created a large shopping bag with a solid bottom for the store to use as a shopping basket while the customers are browsing. It seems that people wanted to buy them! So Mark ordered a half dozen to have in the event anyone else inquires. I also made this version which makes it more of a "purse" since it has a flap on it. March has been a good month for me at the coffee shop. Everytime I go in there, they are sold out of atleast one of the four styles of bags I designed for them. I must get busy!

Lydia

Lydia was born on February 25. She is a Pisces. Lydia was crafted from taupe Thai silk accented with pheasant feathers and teal Thai silk piping. She proudly sports two decorative metal buttons plated in 24kt gold. Her lining is a rich teal Thai silk, making her beautiful on both the inside and out. Lydia enjoys the finer things in life. She is loyal and can keep a secret.

I actually hand picked the silk used to make Lydia while on a trip to Thailand three years ago. (my how time flies!) Both pieces used to make this bag came from the Jim Thompson Silk factory warehouse which in "Barb's World" is a little piece of heaven! It is a three story building in Bangkok with hundreds of rolls of the most gorgeous silk fabrics. My only regret is that I didn't buy more!

Bernice

Let's hear a big cheer for Bernice! She was born on February 23 making her a Pisces. She is a woman of few words but knows how to make her point heard! Perhaps she could be YOUR new best friend!

Bernice is the latest in my Diva line of Sasaki Bags. She is made from an icy blue Thai silk. She has one exterior pocket on her backside, accented with custom black dupioni silk piping. On the front of Bernice, I have layered black and white polka dot guinea feathers for a striking entrance! Above the feathers is a panel of blue silk accented with two antiqued gold tone buttons and a row of black silk piping.

Manufactured faux leather handles add to this bags high-end appearance.

My momma always said it is important how pretty a girl is on the inside so not to disappoint momma, she can proudly show off her interior. I added a touch of whimsy by lining Bernice with black and white polka dot cotton fabric. There are two interior pockets which are accented with the blue thai silk piping.

Bernice has a magnetic snap closure. She is a wristlet. These 13" handles will not fit over your shoulder. She is 10" tall and 6" wide.

Featured on Asian Buzz

I just wanted to send a big thank you out to Lilie at Asian Buzz for featuring my asian inspired bags on her site. Here is the link: http://asianbuzz.blogspot.com/2008/02/sasaki-creations.html

Stop by her site and check it out. She has a great blog.

Baby Goth

This wristlet sports a little hardware to enhance the whole "goth" look. It is made from black poplin which is such a crisp fabric to work with! The front and back panels show off the pink and black baby goth fabric with skull and cross-bones and a delicate white swirl in the background. There are two exterior pockets. The one on the front has been accented with 3 extra large grommets with skulls peeping through the opening!

The closure on this bag is an ornate pewter look button that slips into a black fabric loop. The handles are 16" long which does indeed make this a wristlet. It will not fit over an average sized woman's shoulder. The interior is more of the pink skull and crossbones fabric. There are two interior pockets lined with a heavy duck cloth.

This bag is sure to show your sassy side. Black nail polish not included!

Fortune Cookie Bag

This is a new one in my line of novelty asian inspired bags. The exterior is a bright cotton print with a red background and fortune cookies scattered about. Examples of the fortunes are: "If the shoe fits, buy two pair", "Accept compliments and give praise", "The best is yet to be", "you learn best by teaching", "Practice makes perfect", "Failure is the mother of success", and "Go shopping with a bargain hunter".

The closure on this bag is a round silver-toned button with a raised black center. I reminds me of a gong! A fabric loop slips over the button.

There are two exterior pockets lined with black chopstick fabric and accented with a double piping.

The interior is lined with the black chopstick print fabric and has two pockets. These pockets are accented with red piping.

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

Use this fun bag with your favorite black jeans! It is sure to get you noticed!

What is your favorite tropical foo-foo drink? Chances are it has something to do with rum and little paper umbrellas!

This island inspired novelty bag is perfect for ladies night! The fabric is a cotton print with recipes of drinks including: "Castaway", "Hurricane", "Planter's Punch", and "Kapu-Kai". You will also see Tikis, pineapples, and coconuts on this bag.

The two exterior pockets are lined with a cotton fabric with a beige background and little cocktails on it. The pockets are accented with a denim colored blue piping.

The closure on this bag is a button made out of coconut wood that slips into a self-fabric loop. The handles are 16" long making this a wristlet.

The interior is a light colored print featuring palm trees and tropical drinks. There are two interior pockets.

Big Island Bag

Planning a trip to Hawaii? Been here and need a reminder of paradise? This is the bag!

The blue fabric is all about Hawaii! It highlights "The Big Island", "Sunset Beach", "North Shore" "Pipe Line", "Lahaina" "Maui Sunset", "Lanikai" and "Haleiwa". Sprinkled about you will also find, hula girls, surfboards, pineapples, plumeria, palm trees and aloha!

There are two exterior pockets which are accented in red piping. They are lined with blue aloha hibiscus print fabric. The closure on this bag is a metal silver-toned button with a red center that slips into a self-fabric loop.

The handles are 16" long, which means that this bag is meant to hang from your wrist or forearm. It will not fit over an average woman's shoulder.

The interior is lined with a blue aloha print fabric. There are two interior pockets.

This bag says "I love Hawaii". Tell the world!

Itsy Bitsy Bikini Bag

Okay girls, you can't hide indoors all year! This bag will start you thinking about getting into shape for bikini season! It will be here before you know it!

This bag was made here in Kona, Hawaii where it is bikini season all year long. This fun fabric has a black background with rows of brightly colored bikinis. There are two exterior pockets that are accented with red piping.

The closure is a black fabric loop that slips over a distressed silver-toned metal button with a red center.

The handles are 16" long, making this a wristlet. They are solid black.

The interior is a bold red aloha print fabric with white hibiscus. There are two interior pockets which are also piped in red.

This bag is sure to chase away the winter blahs. I dare you to not feel sassy with toting this one!

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!

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