October’s Featured Embellished Bag -

 

This months featured bag comes from Jamie Diaz of Warning Label Creations.  This being the month of Halloween I thought it would be fun to feature a “scary” themed bag.  Now, I agree, Alexander Skarsgard is not really “scary” looking.  He’s actually very good looking.  But I thought his character and the nature of the True Blood show fit in perfectly. 
I asked Jamie about her bag and what inspired her and this is what she had to say…
“I don't really have a process - I just see things and go, "Oooooh!" and then hoard them until I find something to match. I see potential in everything. Especially fabric. Who knows how much fabric I have anymore! I pretty much bought my house to have a place to put my crafting stash.

My inspirations are pretty varied. A lot of my bag designs are influenced by the subcultures that I like, heavy metal music being the biggest influence, followed by books and history (I'm an Anthropology major!). For this particular True Blood bag, I wanted something that was rich and exotic like Eric is in the TV show (although I personally prefer the books), so I went with a royal purple skull brocade, and lots of lace and ribbon and trim. Also, you just cant go wrong with Alexander Skarsgard, he's hot! They definitely got the right guy to play Eric!”
I have to say I agree with you Jamie about that last part.  I’m a big True Blood fan too.  And the bag is great.
If you’d like to be featured in next months post please contact me and let me know.  I’d love to check out your shop and your embellished bags.  You can email me at katydshandbags@gmail.com or send me a direct message on Facebook http://facebook.com/katydshandmade and don’t forget to include a link to your shop.  The only requirements are you have to be a member of Carried Away and make embellished bags.
P.S. No you didn’t read that wrong.  I did say next months feature.  My original hope was to do a weekly feature but with running my own shop, blog and day job I’m afraid I will have to limit my posts here to one a month.  I hope everyone can understand.  I do like doing posts here and love meeting and talking to other artisans.  Keep up the great work.

Embellished Bag of the Week–Victorian Rose Bouquet Wristlet by hottiehandbags

This weeks featured Embellished bag comes from hottiehandbags.  When I looked at Susan shop she had several embellished bags to choose from.  I especially liked her Victorian Rose Bouquet Wristlet.  I loved the handmade rosebuds and thought they looked so elegant and this bag would be a nice touch of subtle color to a little black dress.  I asked Susan about her bag making process and this is what she had to say…

I design each of my Hottie Handbags as a piece of fabric art; akin to painting a picture. My designs are dictated by my mood at the time. I often choose the embellishment first and work the design of my handbag as secondary. Such is the case with my Alice’s Crossover Body Hip Bag and my Colorful Market Bag and Picnic Tote. Both utilize vintage bill of ladings transferred onto linen fabric.

All of my bags are multi-functional and designed for personal use and/or gift giving. The Colorful Market Bag and Picnic Tote is a great tote for a bottle of wine and a loaf of French bread for a trip to the country – or as a themed wedding gift. The Alice’s Crossover Body Hip Bag is a great security pouch for under a jacket, or you can show it off with your jeans and white tee shirt running errands about town.

I like to create with vintage embellishments – brooches, beads, baubles, buttons, ribbons, charms, etc. The richness of recycled upholstery and drapery fabrics, along with faux fur, faux suede, and faux leather are a great juxtaposition. This is especially evident in my Victorian Rose Bouquet Wristlet and my Linen Retro Tote Bag. I created pink polka dot rose buds, added vintage trim as the stems and wool felt for the leaves. The Linen Retro Tote Bag uses a bare bones handmade linen tote. I then embellished the tote with a large brown prop quality silk rose and an eclectic freehand wave of gorgeous linen weave fabric.

It’s all about having a great selection of embellishments to choose from when my creative mind gets going. An inventory of unique embellishments takes awhile to build, but it is well worth it when my creative dreams at night, can come to fruition in the morning just by reaching into my embellishment treasure chest!

Respectfully Submitted by:
Susan Krempa, cabteam Member
Hottie Handbags – “Handmade Purses with an Attitude”

Thanks Susan for letting us in on your creative process.  I look forward to seeing what other great embellished bags you come up with.

Embellished Bag of the Week - Zippered Pouch by sewartsy

Hi, my name is Katherine and I am so excited to be a new contributor to the Carried Away Etsy Bag Maker Team Blog.  Just a little about me and then on to the good stuff. 

I have been sewing for as long as I can remember.  I started in high school and instantly fell in love.  I didn’t really take up sewing though until I had my children and began sewing for them.  One thing led to another and before long I was making handbags.  I loved it so much and all my friends wanted one so now I  have a shop on Etsy, Katy D’s Handmade. 

So, when I was looking around Etsy for a bag to feature here I wanted to find something unique for my first post.  I have to tell you it wasn’t easy.  There are so many great bags and great bag makers that it was really hard to decide.  But I narrowed down my selections and decided on this Zippered Pouch by sewartsy.  I really liked Amy’s creative use of the zipper and beautiful fabric peeking through the solid (plainer) fabric.  I asked Amy about her little “zipper” bag and what inspired her…

“So I love fabric, obviously, but I'm also enamored with little embellishments and making my bags into artsy creations with buttons and crystals and appliques and the like. When I started playing around with this design it was because I was thinking those little zipper teeth are so adorable - not just functional. I'd seen those great little pouches that look like the teeth of an animal or a monster, and came up with the idea of creating an artistic "unveiling" of a beautiful or interesting print - kind of like drawing back a curtain! The inside is a regular, fully functioning zippered pouch, but the outside will make you smile!”

And it does make me smile Amy.  It’s almost as if a secret is being revealed.  Amy has other great bags in her shop too so be sure to check them all out. 

Thank you so much for reading my first post here on Carried Away.  I hope to post a new featured bag every Tuesday.  Please leave a comment and let me know what you think and if you would like to be featured here please contact me and let me know.  The link to my shop is above, just send me a convo.  You can also find me on Facebook and Twitter.  I would love to talk to you about your bags.

Embellished Bag of the Week-Water Color Hipster Bag

In the past week as I went strolling through several of our new members shop I came across this unique bag which I consider the technique used for the fabric to be the actual embellishment.
The bag comes from the shop of TuChiHandbags and the technique used is watercolor and alternative abstract photography. Cheri states that her process begins by finding a traditional floral photo that will lend itself to change. She then uses alternative techniques to create her floral abstracts. If you truely want an artistic view this and all her other creations at TuChiHandbags.etsy.com.

Embellished Bag of the Week-Eclectic Black Denim

This weeks embellished bag just happens to co-inside with are second challenge. It comes from the shop of SatinDollHandbags and is made with a re-cycled denim. The embellishment is a 3 point embroidered flower. Along with the embroidery the front and back are also embellished with silver eyelets. The back boost 2 generous pockets as well as more generous pockets on the inside including a zipper one. A heavy duty zipper has been used for the purse closure. I think this stunning bag and goes for casual daytime as well as an evening out.

Embellished Bag of the Week-English Garden Wristlet

This weeks embellished bag is just another great example as to how the simplest idea for embellishment can enhance a small bag and make it outstanding. The bag is called English Garden Wristlet and comes from the shop of Kim's Crafty Apple. The wristlet is embellished on both sides with antique looking buttons which enhances the up-cycled cloth napkin used as the fabric. Kim describes this wristlet as the perfect bag for a night on the town or jaunt to the store and I have to agree. To find this bag and other great selections go to KimsCraftyApple.etsy.com

If you have an embellished bag or know of members who have one ad would like to be featured please let me know.

Embellished Bag of the Week-Pink Rose Handbag

I don't know about anyone else, but I'm still waiting for spring. The calendar says it is, but the the temperatures here are still wintery, so as I do my searching every week I try and think of spring when choosing the embellished bag of the week. This vintage style bag remind me of my rose bushes which are patiently waiting to be uncovered. It is a one of kind creation by the ShabbyCrafter. She has embellished the rose print material with a vintage doily accent, then added ruffled and beaded ribbons, a contrasting fabric bow and the final touch is a felt rose. Just picture yourself carrying this little bag at all the spring luncheons you will be attending. You will be the talk of the day. To view more details of this bag and all her other creations visit her shop at the ShappyCrafter.etsy.com

Embellished Bag of the Week-Berry Wallet

Many times when we think of an embellished bag with of buttons, ribbons, lace or applique.
But one of my favorite embellishements is machine embroidery. I will admit I love it because I also do it.
This weeks embellished bag is this beautiful wallet embroidered with berries. This is an original design custom design. Patty is says she is inspired by the things of nature around her. She creates this design first by drawing out her pattern, then scanning to a computer and finally digitizing. This may sound simple but it takes a lot of talent and time. Her wallets all have 14 pockets which can hold you credit cards. She has includes a zipper pouch for you coins and a 3 pockets for cash or receipts. Shealso includes a vinyl pockety for you IDs. You can view this wallet along with her other designs at LBaccessories.etsy.com

Embellished Bag of the Week OOAK Butterfly Clutch

When we think of spring we imagine green grass, colorful flowers even spring cleaning (yuck), but we sometimes for that it is also time for prom and weddings. Well this weeks search for and embellished bag has found me thinking of just such events. Sewartsy has created this one of a kind unique OOAK Butterfly applique clutch. She cut and then appliqued the butterfly on a dark gray twill. She also heat bonded swarvski crystals on the wings of the butterfly. This unique clutch will had the perfect touch to a perfect evening. Visit her shop at sewartsy.etsy.com to this clutch and any more of her one of a kind creations

Embellished Bag of the Week Butterfly Clutch

We all know that spring is just around the corner and this little butterfly clutch from the shop of goldcrestbags helps to remind us that just as the butterfly emerges from it's cocoon so will spring emerge from the harsh winter we all seem to be having. Simply created with a cotton butterfly fabric the butterfly, trimmed with vegan leather, attached to the wristlet band gives the final touch to this one of a kind bag. Visit her shop at goldcrestbags.etsy.com and see this and all her wonder creations.

Embellished Bag of the Week -Gracie Bag

Sometimes simple is the best. This is case for this weeks embellished bag. It hales from the shop of DeaniesDuffles Called the Gracie bag it has a dual usage. With two side pockets and 4 deep interior pockets it serves as a tote or a diaper bag. A box on both sides serves as the simple embellishment. A "Where's my Binky?" pouch attaches nicely to the outside. Measuring 13.5" wide by 12" tall and 5" deep and using a fabric design called Carnival Bloom pink and brown by Michael Miller this will make the start for any fashion minded little darling.

Embellished Bag of the Week Treasure Troves

For this week's Embellished Bag I have chosen one from the shop of CottageCarries. She has titled her bag Treasure Troves and I can see why. Beside being a perfect size to carry all you treasures, the embellishments are also a treasure. She has used pleats, frills, gorgeous fabric flowers and even buttons. Put all this together along with the neutral color and you have a grand treasury as an accessory to you wardrobe. Stop in her shop at CottageCarries.etsy.com to view this and more of you lovely items

Embellished Bag of the Week

This weeks stroll through the shops landed me at bagsandbuds with this adorable Scrap over the Shoulder Bag. What I like about the bag is she made if from scraps from her stash pile. Finishing by embellishing the bag with a Kanzashi Flower centered with a wood carved button. Measuring 7" wide by 10"high this is a perfect size for carrying all your essentials for that shopping trip or night out. Stop by her shop at and see this and many more embellished bags.

Embellished Bag of the Week: Anne Boleyn

While I was cruising through shops this week (in my imaginary corvette) I completely came to a halt when I saw this unique bag by HottieHandbags. She transferred a picture of Ann Boleyn (second wife of Henry the VIII) on fabric and framed it with cream pearls and lace. The dress is embellished with beige bead and silver seed beads. A rust flower with pearl carochon cend is placed to the side and faceted opal sequins are placed randomly around the face. Bringing in the new she has used a recycled upholstery fabric for the bag. You can find this unique bag as well as her other creations at HottieHandbags.etsy.com

Embellished Bag of Week : Pink Patchwork

Who wouldn't be a fashionista with this pretty pink patchwork bag from the shop of anne4bags. Made with 3 different gorgeous pink cotton print fabrics and fully lined it is embellished in 3 ways. The first is with a white braid across the top, secondly with coordinating ribbon separating the design fabric and for a finishing touch 3 large pink buttons. You can view this and other very unique bags at anne4bags.etsy.com

Embellished Bag of Week : Green eyelet Handbag

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We are all waiting for spring to come and this fun little handbag will help us to get in the mood.
It comes from the shop of Bellargeous. The outside is a beautiful cotton eyelet. The lining is is a cute coordinating paisley that is also used in the flirty flower. The bag is also completely reversible which only adds it's uniqueness. Hurry to her shop because I believe this bag will not last long. You can find her at Bellageous.esty.com

Embellished Bag of the Week: Romantic Wristlet

This weeks embellished bag comes fro the shop of AyalaLevinger. She calls it OOAK Romantic vintage woman's wristlet. I chose this because of the styles of embellishment.
First she hand dyed a piece of canvas and then copy a vintage picture on it while also fringing the edges. Her final touch is a bouquet of flowers sew to the corner. As an added touch she added several decorative stitches surrounding the edges. You can find this item as well as many other embellished bags at AyalaLevinger.etsy.com

This Weeks Embellished Bag

Starting this week I will be featuring an embellished bag from various team members. Besides getting some creative ideas, we will be able to see what our fellow team mates are doing.

For the first week I have chosen this beautiful chocolate and pink bag from bellebag. The fabric is damask and she embellished the purse with a chocolate fuzzy trim. Purse measures 13"x9"x4"deep. Two wooden handles for easy caring makes this purse a great accessory for an evening out. To see more of her designs you can go to bellebag.etsy.com