New members

I've got a backlog of new members from over the holidays. Please give them all a warm welcome.

Loving this orange bag with great detail stitching by Judi from Apollo Hill Crafts. Judi joins us from Wisconsin where she sews in a 100 year old house on a working dairy farm. Judi is a quilter as well as bag maker.

This wild clutch from Marisha of My Patterned Mind is certainly a show stopper. She specializes in frame clutches and purses. Marisha joins us from Texas. You can visit her blog and get to know more about her.

Brooke of Sew Brookie out of Virginia is just getting started on Etsy.  This red Kimono wallet is striking. She's already made 6 sales and I am sure many more will follow.

For the more conservative fashion lover, this Agatha Pintuck bag from Puddinhead and Potluck's shop shows off a command of precision stitching by bag maker Sonya from out of Texas.

Melissa from Made by Lissa has a whole series of these grab and go bags in all kinds of prints. Melissa joins us from Pennsylvania.

I love the many textures and complimentary shapes in this winter wool tote by Debi from Do-Rah Designs. Debi comes to us from California. You can be a fan on facebook or check out her blog for more.

Kim of Ap2Creative joins us from the UK. Her style is very modern but reserved as shown in this elegant. She is awaiting her first sale on etsy. You can visit her on facebook as well.

This eco-friendly bag is made from discarded plastic bags given a new life by Tali from Talies Bags out of Israel.

Unleash your inner rock goddess with these  attitude driven bags by Leigh-Ann of Lan Cole out of New jersey. Leigh-Ann also makes a line of wedding bags and accessories at her other shop,  Leigh-ann Kline's Weddings.

You know the  resolution you made to read more this year? This purse is cleverly re-purposed from a vintage Reader's Digest Condensed book by Liz from Liz Bags out of Canada. Ok, maybe it doesn't actually count as reading, but it is unique and is sure to start a few conversations.

Weaving in a new member

Please welcome Andy Lyle of Andy's Treasures. Andy creates handwoven bags and other items on a metal toy potholder loom. She also weaves on full size looms. Andy's family are all longtime crafters. Andy joins us from Richmond, Kentucky.

New folks join the bag crew

The constant style of denim is the focus of these gorgeous upcycled bags from Anita at Made in Tahoe. From her home on the lakeshore, she rescues old jeans and mixes them with new fabrics to make useable art like this Soft Sage Green recycled pocket bag.


Buzz over to Square Bags and visit Kathy in California for this Beez Pleez bag and other whimisical treats. Find out more on her blog.

Summer might be on it's way out, but you can hold onto those cool waters and breezy, seaside afternoons with this Sea Blue Summertime Handbag from Jan of the JMC collection. Jan is new to etsy and joins us from Pennsylvania. Many of Jan's bags feature upcycled fabrics and trims.



Welcome to Alane of MISSALANE-eous out of North Carolina. Alane's well stocked shop is fairly new to etsy, being the result of her company shutting down. Their misfortune has become her joy and her skill is evident as seen in this Large black belt bag.

New Member

The Jackie Bag by LolaFalk

Say hello to new Team member Lauren from LolaFalk Handbags. Lauren joins us from Texas. You can read more about her at her blog or check her personal website out. She's also on facebook and myspace and twitter.

The Lolafalk brand was born out of a love of bright colors, shiny fabrics and the initial need to develop a line of handbags that satisfied its originator’s insatiable desire for all things subtly eclectic and understatedly quirky. All Lolafalk handbags and accessories are cut and sewn by hand, and every last detail is accounted for – from the carefully crafted design of each item, to each item’s description, to the overall attitude and style of the brand.

Characterized by eclectic pattern combinations, a gravitation towards design elements that are slightly off the beaten path, a constant seeking of the irregular, the unordinary, that head-scratchingly, eyebrow raisingly, shrug-your shouldersing-ly sensation – when designing each original item that is part of the Lolafalk line, if there is ever any doubt or question as to whether a design element or fabric combination will work, then as far as the Lolafalk brand is concerned – it most certainly will.

Lolafalk is a one-woman shop currently based in Dallas, TX. While every style of bag in my line is based off of a distinct pattern, I never replicate fabric combinations, as the mere thought of making 2 of the exact same item is not creatively feasible for me. For you, this means that any Lolafalk bag you purchase truly is one of a kind.

Welcome new Members

Upcycled Men's Tie Purse by B. Bags

Lora of B. Bags in Texas uses all upcycled materials in her bags such as this nice one from a men's tye shown above. She tries to use ALL rescued items in each purse and combs flea markets and thrift stores for any useable item. Visit her on facebook or check out her Picasa album.

Cordouroy Big Bag by Bugotot

I'm going to vote for our new team member Bugotot for funnest shop name we've had in a while. Betty from Ohio named her shop after her three boys' nicknames "bug", "owie" and "tiny tot". She is a stay-at-mom mom with the full time job of raising those boys. Her new etsy shop provides a way to add some income to her family and let her creative juices flow.

Welcome aboard Betty!

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.

Members Marching on

Wow! Can you believe this team isn't even a year old and we've already got over 200 members - and it's not all girls either. William from Third Willow and Binx from Studio One are proof that men make some awesome bags, too!

This summer the team has taken on two challenges. We're making quilts for Project Linus and selling Freedom bags made by quite a few members in our team shop to fund the filling and shipment of heroboxes to our adopted marine and her unit serving in Iraq. We're planning our next challenge as well and discussing bamaking techniques and ways to better run your business in our private NING group.

If you want to join, it's easy! We welcome bag makers of any skill level as long as you have an online shop. To join us, just scroll down to "Want to Join Carried Away?" and follow the instructions.

Before I introduce today's new team mates, did you enter our Red, White and Boom! Giveaway? Kim from OverallBeauty.com donated some BB Couture Nail polish and TM's Krystal from Solsisters and April from April's Originals put up more prizes. Just help us spread the word about our team shop to enter.

And now.. let's all say Ni hao to Jane from Singapore. Jane's shop, Projects by Jane, is new to etsy, but her skill has been time proven in the Red Dot Design Museum's Market for Artists and Designers in Singapore. Jane's intricate hand stitching on this bag is a delight to behold. Visit Jane's flickr stream for more photos.

Red Embroidered Shoulder Bag by Projects by Jane

Okay, we all know I am a sucker for orange and this is just one of the lovely custom bags from Celeta of ABK Customs out of Texas, who creates an array of made-to-order styles of drapery, bedding, pillows and bags. See more on her facebook page.


I owe our next new member, Meg of Meg's Expressions, a huge apology. Her request to join the team got buried in my inbox in February! But she's here now with her cute recycled handbags - all made from repurposed clothing.

Medium Jo-Bean Purse made from recycled clothes by Meg Expressions

Using recycled clothing not only reduced the cost of making a purse, but the designs remained vibrant and colorful. I am careful with choosing clothing that is machine washable, and I use thicker fabrics such as jeans and corduroy for the base of the purses. Also, it is fun to pick t-shirts that have catchy logos, or children’s clothing with cartoon characters such as The Little Mermaid or Strawberry Shortcake. I have found that many of my clients—generally women in their 20s and 30s—enjoy these characters since they bring back memories of their childhood.

Simple elegance and outlandish style, two new team members

Weather you feel sassy enough to carry this great showstopping mod floral clutch from new team member Vernon Ave or a little more into the reserved elegance that is this modern punk and brown clutch from Esther Chung, the members of Carried Away make bags to fit ANY mood or event. Let's say hello to our two newest members!

Julia Belle Clutch by Vernon Avenue

First up Toni from Vernon Avenue makes her home in Louisville, Kentucky. Of her shop , Toni says:

Vernon Avenue is a creative venture after many dreams, aspirations and out of pure necessity. I specialize in handcrafted handbags made from new, vintage and recycled materials. I also specialize in finding unique and fabulous vintage handbags, as well. All handmade bags are unique, original and in limited edition. The vintage handbags are cleaned carefully and in great condition, unless noted or pictured.

You can see more of her work at her blog or flickr stream.

Black Leaves button clutch by Esther Chung

Then, switching to a more reserved style, Esther Chung from Sydney, Australia. Esther work features soft pastels or juicy brights with lovely coordinating accents in a very elegant and chic style. Esther is very new to etsy and you could be her first customer! See more of her work in her flickr stream.

Two new Members

Say hi! To Wendy from Alabama and her shop Satin Doll Handbags. Of herself, Wendy says:

My name is Wendy and I live on the beautiful gulf coast of Alabama. I have two grown and successful children and one fabulous husband, whom I call Luvie. Sewing is not my full time job, but it is certainly my passion (after Luvie). Nights and weekends you will find me in the sewing emporium (as he calls it) where I have logged a million miles on my machines. When I’m in the “zone” Luvie does the cooking and the laundry. Otherwise, we would be neither well fed nor well dressed. I racked my brain trying to think of a unique way to name my bags. Numbers seemed too impersonal and female names too common. Then one day, while driving through the state, I commented to Luvie that Alabama towns and cities have such quaint and descriptive names. BINGO! There really is an Eclectic, Alabama.

Eclectic - Hot Pink denim bag by Satin Doll Handbags

And warm greetings from over the ocean to our newest international member, Binx from Himachal, India! Binx's shop, Studio One Designs, features very modern leather bags. Of himself ( that's right we have TWO male bagmakers on the team now), Binx says:


StudioOneDesigns is owned and operated by myself, Binx out of Chambagat, India. I am high up in the lower Himalayas close to a small town and away from all the hustle-bustle of urban centers. Life is still simple over here….or should I say used to be, you knew everyone by name, and knew who got your milk every morning….and even the name of the cow. But things are changing now and the individual names are changing with those of global brand names.

My tryst with leather started when I first took hobby leather work classes during school and learnt a little about leather... later I took professional courses in designing and leather from the country's premier design school. I have been working with leather for almost two decades now. I like to keep my designs simple but multifunctional in use. I like to push the extremes at times. This way I am able to keep my work exciting, yet functional at the same time. An example would be my Delilah bag, the bag is made for daily use, but all put together it has so many different hand techniques used to create different lines, textures and finishes.

I construct all my bags from patterns I make from scratch. Working with leather is my first love, there is so much you can do and make with leather. I have also worked with handmade Silk and Cotton in the past, and have been thinking of adding some of those materials to my line. Expect to see Fabric Bags and Accessories in my store in the future.

Fanny in Olive Green Suede Leather by Studio One Designs

3 new team members

I just love this Bi-sexual Evening Clutch by new Team Member Sarah of The Electric Armadillo. The batiks are smashing as well as her hand sewing skills evident in the cathedral windows detail. The Peruvian coin embellishments makes it a real show-stopper. Sarah lives and creates in Florida currently, but her sewing career began at the ripe old age of five on a busy family farm in Pennsylvania. Life revolved around the seasons, and the activities of the horse and buggy Mennonite community life.

Bi-sexual Evening Clutch by The Electric Armadillo

Sarah is also the driving force behind a new idea on Etsy: The First Friday Art Walk.


Public Service Announcement:

Introducing next First Friday Art Walk on Etsy!!!! August 7th

Every month, on the first Friday, grab yourself some pizza and soda, beer and pretzels, or wine and cheese and go out on Etsy's First Friday Art Walk. Search by tag firstfridayartwalk under all items, and check the store sale policy, and if it has a First Friday section. Spread the word! Tell your family and friends via word of mouth, twitter, blogs, forums, boards, chat rooms, bullentins, facebook! Subscribe to the RSS feed of stores you definitely want to visit again! Enjoy!

Sarah's other etsy shop is full of handmade quilts.

VASARI Classic Clutch, Royal Blue and Gold by Vasari Handbags

New to Etsy is Sheri and her mother-in-law Janet of Vasari Handbags out of Boston. Apparently, they've been like two peas in a pod since Sheri married Janet's son. Both have a love for fashion and design and HANDBAGS so it was only natural that they go into business together.

The lush clutch shown above is just one example of their styles. You can visit them on facebook as well.

Dress Form Vintage Fabric, 'Chelsea Bag' by Chelsea Morning Creations

This cute little tote is made from vintage reclaimed fabric by Chelsea Morning Dreams out in the Pacific Northwest. The velvet ribbon is such a nice finishing touch. You can visit Chelsea's blog.

5 new members

Time for more team members! Today, we have a new international member, Baahar from Austria. Baahar is brand new to Etsy. She is also a post-grad computer scientist! WoW!

Colorful Gardens Basic Large Bag by Baahar

Next up, from Tampa Florida the well established shop of Stacy Edell of Quilting Diva. A self confessed fabricaholic and mother of 5 year old Travis, Stacy has a huge selection of quilts, bags and other items in her shop.

Sunflowers oversized market tote by Quilting Diva

Now, meet Deb from Michigan with her shop Handbag Rockstar. Deb has left the life of traveling executive to follow her passion to handbag making. She now creates bags especially with longer straps for big, beautiful women like herself who do not want to sacrifice style for fit.

Slash from the Twilight Collection by Handbag Rockstar

Say hello to beth from Southern Sweet T's. She is from Kentucky and her bag style reflects her roots in the south, with practical styles and a bit of country flair.

Bethie Super Tote by Southern Sweet T's

Rounding off tonight's new members, Tracy of Tracy Designs is also joining us. She's from Florida and says she makes all her creations to be used and fill a need in your life. Her shop features an array of handmade goods beyond purses and bags.

Midnight Kisses Quilted Hobo Slouch bag by Tracy Designs

June Joiners

We've got a whole bunch of talent to introduce you to today, but one really stands stands out. I'm just pleased as punch to welcome Carried Away's first MALE team mate. Meet Bill from Third Willow. His bags exude vintage style and a classic sense of design. Bill is embracing social media to push his shop and met my sister on Twitter. When she heard it was a man making these lush bags, well she called me in a dither to tell me we could have a BOY mascot for the team :) And when I saw his bags.... well! Nice to meet you Bill and I'm sure all of us are eager to hear about bags making from a male perspective!



Next up, let's say hello to Dalene from Deanie's Duffles in Texas. Her cute bags would be perfect for the everyday busy mom. Besides her etsy shop, Dalene has her own website and a brand new blog.


Look at this elegant blue and white clutch from Chi Designs out of Brisbane, Austrailia. Her new shop is still awaiting it's first sale, but with such nice looking bags it shouldn't be long. You can also visit Chi's blog.


Summer days and sunny haze abound in this cute market tote from Sarah's Boutique. Sarah joins us from Rhode Island and her shop is also fairly new. You can read her adventures at her blog.


Would you look at this striking round clutch from Heather at Flutterby Stitches. She's the always-going mom of a 2 year old and a social worker who amazingly still finds tome to sew.



Also very new to etsy is Sue from Alonia Creations from New Jersey. She is also a working mom who crafts in her spare time. What "spare time" is what I want to know?



Sometimes you just gotta go lush and extravagant! The crushed wine clutch purse from Katherine of BellaDonna Boutique in Canada brings up visions of 1940's era vixens and movie stars.

On the other hand, a little humor can sock it to a gloomy day like nothing else, as exhibited in this sock monkey handbag from Sandy of Midnight Creations. She's participating in the YART sale until June 14 ( as our many of our team members). You can catch up with her other specials by following her on Twitter. Sandy's shop is very well establish with a feedback rating of over 1400! The shop was recently featured in the Etsy Storque Quit your day job series.

I am so drawn to the riot of color and texture on this clutch by Miriam of Gold Crest Bags. She is an obvious fellow lover of glorious color and enjoys working in leather as well as fabric.


These snappy little liliac cosmetic pouches from newlywed Sarah of Bellarageous out of Arizona. She's a stay at home mom and can't wait to get her sewing studio set up in their new home. You can follow her progress at her blog.


Finishing up on a high note with this musical tote from Paula of Dragon Designs. Love the crisp, lively feel. Pauls also has an Artfire shop and a flickr stream.

Wow! Can you belive the talent out there. Now I think I need a nap!