While I was whizzing around MADE 09 - the epic craft fair that pitched up in Brighton this weekend - I was briefly diverted from my admiration of exquisite crockery by U Old Bag, a one-woman label specialising in customised vintage luggage. Lisa Tilley takes old suitcases, wallets, purses, mirrors and other bits of bric-a-brac and turns them into instant works of portable art using embroidery and decoupage. The results really speak for themselves:
Each of Lisa's bags is unique and she takes commissions for new projects. To see more examples of her work, check out the gallery on her Facebook page where you'll also find contact information and pricing details.
I'm really into OTT matching at the moment.
I think what kicked it off was a recent meeting with a gentleman at a networking event who handed me a business card that had been printed with the very same fabric as his shirt, lending the entire transaction a seamless maneuver that James Bond would be proud of. If you like this idea, all you need do is scan in your favourite item of clothing - or a suit you're likely to wear at work 'dos', and scan in the fabric. Then send it in to Moo who'll make you as many business cards as you like with the exact same pattern! Magic.
Another fun matching idea I heard of recently was this Etsy seller, who'll whip up a makeup bag or purse in the fabric of your choice. So you could have one made to blend in perfectly with your favourite handbag. I love it! If this trend continues, perhaps soon we'll all be completely camouflaged into our surroundings!
I spotted Sacha's Leather Arts at Spitalfields market, where London-based designer Sacha Allen sets up stall every Sunday, selling her distinctive and vibrant designs that look even better quality in real life than they do in these pictures.
Her handbags, many of which are decorated with colourful, three-dimensional motifs, are available in various sizes and take their inspiration from sources as diverse as natural flora and comic books (full collection here). But I was particularly taken with Sacha's collection of heart-shaped bag charms, which she's currently making in zebra print, red fun-fur and metallic leather. Each is priced at just a fiver and will instantly transform the character of your bag.
Visit Sacha's store every Sunday at Spitalfield's Market [Via The Bag Lady]
I know I usually celebrate the oncoming weekend with a cocktail recipe, but I'm feeling like a break from the booze this weekend. Instead, here's a lovely pattern for a simple drawstring bag, decorated with a cocktail applique design that's dead simple to make.
I think these would make fantastic grown-up 'party loot' bags: the cocktail motif gives it a kitsch look and you can use whatever colours you want to mix your 'drink' - let's face it, real cocktails come in every shade of the spectrum, so let your imagination run riot! You might want to include some sequins and beads, too.
Full tutorial here.
While browsing for wedding fascinators over at the Twigs & Honey blog, this charming clutch bag jumped out and me and yelled 'make me!'
I'm not exactly an expert bagmaker, so I was pleased to see that for the modest sum of $25 this bag can be yours in the form of a kit that furnishes you with all you need to put the clutch together courtesy of U-handbag. You can buy the kit, which includes yummy Moda facbric, on their Etsy shop here.
Related: Bag-making for newbies at U-Handbag
Indie Fixx featured a great idea for making shopping bags from recycled materials this week: they've used old doilies, fresh from granny's table, and sewn them to a basic drawstring bag top made from vintage fabric.This gives you a really cute, folksy looking bag that would be perfect for grocery store visits in true, eco-friendly style. The tutorial is here, with detailed step-by-step instructions.
Feeling lazy? You can also buy these bags pre-made on Etsy for $15 a throw.
Related: How to make a fabric shopping bag | How to crochet with plastic bags
This Crafster made this adorable blue, furry, googly eyed monster purse only to have her sister fall in love with it and claim it for her own! Not only that, but the sister also re-gendered the poor monster.
The post contains basic instructions, but keep-reading and ask all the questions you want to make your own. That's the beauty of Crfaster!
Warning: Don't tote cookies in it. They may get munched.
Related: Slasher chic scarf from Monster Crochet | Doctor Who's 'Adipose' a monster hit on Ebay
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