I was recently contacted by a lady overseas who wanted a bag made for her sister in eastern Canada, as a birthday gift. After much discussion I set to work making a bag which has, I think, fit the bill in terms of being incredibly practical and functional, but it also has a quirky, fun interior which will bring a smile to the face of anyone who sees it. Unless of course they hate the Wizard of Oz….

Fun and functional custom messenger bag

Messenger bag, August 2010

Obviously, most of my bag orders are from women, but I have just completed by first order for a young man. He is very artistic and likes to carry his supplies with him, so I designed a unique messenger bag that allows him to carry 24 pencils, his large sketch book and sundry gizmos and gadgets. He chose a somewhat eclectic selection of fabrics and I did the rest. The bag features an adjustable strap, large pencil pocket with a flap with magnetic clip closures, a zippered pocket, interior divided pockets, large rear pocket, waist strap and a panel for concealing the strap.
I used a variety of fabrics in this bag, including a snakeskin vinyl, outdoor fabric, cotton, fleece, polypropylene strap as well as various metal hardware and a parachute clip closure.

Art satchel

Flex frame sunglasses pouch

Rear of bag with waist strap out

A lady approached me at the Market I participated in at the end of November and mentioned that she liked the idea of  something similar to an advent calendar for her children for Hanukkah. After various emails back and forth, lots of planning on paper and “take a deep breath and cut”, here is what I designed and made for her. She is really happy with the outcome and pleased that her children will have a fun tradition that is special for their family.

Hanukkah calendar

Hanukkah calendar with candles in the menorah

The lower section is a pocket for a gift for each day of Hanukkah. Each day the child will take one of the candles and place it in the menorah as appropriate.

These are the finished pieces for a custom order. I made some changes since my last post, adding some additional embellishment to the tutu and to a little vest to complete the set. It must be a winner, as my daughter wants one too, but, of course, she wants to pick her own colours!

Felt birthday crown

Custom birthday set

Tomorrow marks one year since my friends, Ann and Karen, opened their scrapbooking studio. They are holding an Open House event from 3pm-6pm, followed by a crop. If you are interested in finding out more, please check out their website, EllaBella Designs. If you are in the Nanaimo area, please stop by and be inspired!