Showing posts with label Purse. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Purse. Show all posts

Thursday, October 7, 2010

In the Spotlight: LizzieCaye


It only seemed appropriate to spotlight Elizabeth Patel, for October, who is wonderful in more ways than one.  Not only  has she been such a wonderful addition to our team, and helping grow this site--but even more so, her handmade Lizzie Caye designer bags are amazing.
The "Classic Lizzie" in blues and pinks
Without her the blog as it is today would not be possible.  I often wonder, as I look at her pretty creations  how does she do it?  Where does it all happens?  Originally from North Dakota, now transplanted in Dallas, Texas, Liz is happy creating what she loves--and this love shows in her craftsmanship and quality original designs. 
This recycled purse was a quick seller.
Ruffles add flair to her sophisticated designs. This one comes in many colors like pink.
Careful detailing means everything.
Here is where the magic happens.  Her sewing machine is often covered with remnants of a work-in-progress.
Creations kept in eco-friendly totes aka cardboard boxes! A bag holds recycled scrap paper for packaging materials.
 Liz explains, "A normal day with me involves a ton of running up and down the stairs. Let me regress for a moment to explain how I got my very own giant studio in my home.  About 2 1/2 years ago my father-in-law passed away.  My mother-in-law does not drive, or make any form of decision without her husband.  It became obvious that she would need to live with us.  She didn't live incredibly far from where we did, but long enough that it would have been harder to take care of her from a distance, even if the distance was only 15 miles. We looked for existing homes, and couldn't find anything that wouldn't have needed a major overhaul.  So we decided to build in a planned community (meaning we had a set of home plans we could choose from).  We picked this community because the specifically had a plan that had a bedroom with its own en suite bathroom.  While we were making all these plans we decided to add the 1/2 story option of a game room upstairs, so that my hubby wouldn't ever have to look at my mess again....."

This wire mannequin proves to be a good note board for Liz. 
Thanks to the addition of her mother-in-law, Liz was able to have her very own space and a built in computer niche in which she explains, " I can create as I desire."  She says, "I have a nifty entry to the attic where I store all my boxes for shipping and LOADS of other stuff.  This really has helped me keep my room a bit neater.  Beyond that I use a ton of paper grocery bags to sort out my fabric and felt. "
Sometimes the best organizational system, is a simple one.  

So, amidst the cardboard boxes and paper bags of fabric and felt,  add some of  Liz  keen eye for design and out comes unique and eclectic designs like this Knock 'em Dead Purse!!
Liz prides herself on using upcycled and reclaimed fabrics in her LizzieCaye Etsy shop .
For more information on Liz, please visit her personal website HERE.

Thursday, May 13, 2010

GinkgoFabrics


Shop Name: Ginkgo Fabrics

Owner:  Susan

Location:  Camano Island, WA

Shop Link:  http://www.etsy.com/shop/GinkgoFabrics


Would you ever guess this was made from a placemat?


Susan has been creating handmade treasures for over 30 years.  She explains, "My handbags are one-of-a-kind and range from recycled wool to choice fabrics. Each handbag has unique details, from hand sewn beads to vintage buttons and eye-catching lining. You may also find some handknit or crocheted items created from pristine materials."

Made from clean plastic grocery bags!


Handknit creation meets upcycled adornments!

Custom orders are welcome! Susan encourges you to contact her directly at ginkgofabrics@fidalgo.net


Make sure to check out this great Etsy shop NOW!

Saturday, February 6, 2010

RetroGrandma


NAME: Grandma

SHOP: Retrograndma

LOCATION: Sunny Saskatchewan, CANADA


RetroGrandma has been handcrafting for over 30 years. This store is filled with whimsical book and record purses made from TOTALLY VINTAGE and recycled goods. Retrograndma loves to recycle books and records into purses, clocks, containers, earring holders and hollow book safes. She describes her crafting as "relaxation therapy".
Rolling Stones Vinyl Record Purse Handbag

RetroGrandma has been subject of many blogs, and articles. It's no wonder, you have got to visit this site.

Hickory Dickory Dock Record Wall or Desk Clock


Vinyl Record Earring Holder The Spinners

Visit RetroGrandma on Etsy right HERE.

Check out her blog HERE.

Also: This just in, a sister shop with cool vintage goodies HERE.


NansRedesigns



Shop Name : Nan's Redesigns

Owner: Nan

Location: Massachusetts

Shop Link: http://www.nansredesigns.etsy.com/
Amy Butler and Organic Cotton Pleated Coco Tote

Nan is an artist and interior designer, who has been sewing since her mother taught her early on. Her purses and fashions are made from recycled fabrics. She says, "Every purse, sling bag, and tote is expertly made by me using an eclectic mix of new, vintage, and repurposed textiles. I now offer organic fabrics. Made with complete bliss and hope for a peaceful whole earth. "

She says, "The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that every year 4 million tons of textile waste rots in landfills, producing methane gas which contributes to global warming! The green movement is about recycling products, redesigning them for use, and renewing the earth; add to that a love of fabric and a passion for sewing, and the combination gave birth to Nan's Redesigns."
Floral Coco Tote

Red Corduroy Appliqued Sasha Sling Bag

Hats and High Heels Maxine Slouchy Purse

Be sure to check out her shop HERE.