Four new Members

Here we are at the weekend again and I have four new members of the team to introduce you to.

Wendy B. Messenger Bag in Fruit Salad by Miss Pretty Perfect

La Toya of Miss Pretty Perfect from North Carolina has some very elegant bags made with upholstery fabrics.

Miss Pretty Perfect handbags was launched in Winter 2007, by Designer La Toya Stevens. La Toya has had a passion for fashion every since she was a little girl. Her mother, Courtrina, taught her to sew at the tender age of 5. Although she never considered a career in Fashion Design, she was lead to it.

La Toya is a two-time graduate of a Fashion Design Program. In 1999, La Toya received a B.S. in Fashion Design and Merchandising from N.C. A&T State University. And in 2002, she received her A.A.S in Fashion Design from Parsons School of Design in New York City. Her reason for obtaining both degrees was because she felt one was not enough. She wanted to experience living in "The Big City" for once in her life. What better time than at that time? She packed her bags and moved to New York to study the actual Design aspect of Fashion Design. It was an interesting first two weeks in "The City" because it was only two weeks before 9/11 took place just blocks away from where classes were being held that morning. Strength was a determinant of why she stayed.

After graduating from Parsons that summer of 2002, La Toya worked as a sewer for a Private Label Handbag Designer in Union Square. La Toya stayed with the company for 5 years. Her handycraft was sold in department stores such as Henri Bendel, Bloomingdals and Fred Segal. La Toya learned handbag construction, patternmaking and problem solving. After relocating back to North Carolina, La Toya began her own line of handbags. The Miss Pretty Perfect brand was born in 2007. The Miss Pretty Perfect line of handbags are made of upholstery Fabric patchwork and leather combinations. Miss Pretty Perfect is a brand that will broaden with time. To come in the future will be a line of women's wear and girl's clothing.

The ideal Miss Pretty Perfect is a carefree, motivated, go-getter who is not easily led. Miss Pretty Perfect represents the independent women who work, strive, and believe in a positive lifestyle and surroundings. Miss Pretty Perfect feels good inside and thinks highly of herself. Attention and admiration keep us breathing. Even though we don't live in a perfect world, Miss Pretty Perfect creates one in her mind.

You can learn more at her blog.

Brown floral over the shoulder bag by Studio23 Art

Christine os Studio23 Art from Michigan uses 100% recycled materials on all of her bags and crowns ech one with a handmade lampwork bead.

I make bags and purses using 100% recycled/repurposed fabrics. I scavenge material from cargo pants, skirts, curtains, upholstery and whatever I can get my hands on. I don't use patterns so there are no two bags exactly alike. Each bag is inspired by the scrap at hand and I usually don't know exactly what I'm making till it's done, which is half the fun! My husband and I also make glass beads by hand using the process called lampworking. We create each bead one by one - melting glass over a torch, adding color and design, shaping each bead till it's just right. All beads are annealed in a kiln for strength and durability. From our finished beads we create unique jewelry, wine charms, keychains and more. To tie our two crafts together, I decorate each of my handbags with a handmade glass bead, giving it that extra special touch that makes it even more unique.

Catch more on her blog.

Biker Chick Embroidered bag by Creations by Nora Marie

Turning to the lighter side, how fun is this Biker Chick bag from Creations by Nora Marie? Nora lives in Indiana and would love for you to see her daughter's amazing wedding dress that she designed and hand beaded. Wow, what a lucky woman to have such a talented mom!

Ayala Levinger Art bags - OOAK Embroiderd purple and green clutch

From The Netherlands, romantic, feminine purses by Ayala Levinger.

My name is Ayala Levinger. I was born and raised in Israel. 26 years later my heart brought me to holland and I live here ever since I fell in love with the dutch man in my life. I am a mother to Denzel, a 3 years old boy, web developer is my profession or rather said occupation, fiber arts is my passion. My grandmother was sewing custom dresses for living and had 100 pairs of shoes, all colors, mostly very-high heels. My "obsession" is bags. I love bags and I love to make them. I hope wherever she is, grandmother Marcelle can see my bags.

You can visit Ayala at her blog for more info.