Altered book crafts have been a popular addition to the arts & crafts world for several years now.
You can find amazing carved sculptures from books, books that have been completely covered with mixed media artworks and even books used to make fiber art or art quilts.
I’ve got to admit, this is the first purse I’ve seen that’s been made out of a book!
For a project like that, I’d personally recommend "The Ultimate" glue.  It’s a really good quality white glue, and it’s what I used when I’m making covered notebooks.  As long as you handle it properly, I’ve never had …read more

Stampington & Co is getting ready to publish another issue of their special publication Haute Handbags. The deadline is May 15, 2009, so get out your supplies and get going!   Here’s all the important submission information.

How do you carry it? That’s the question Somerset Studio would like to help answer through our new and exciting special publication titled Haute Handbags. Whether we use purses, clutches, totes, portfolios, sacks, bags, or attachés, there are many styles made with an astounding array of materials emerging from all corners of the creative world – all vying to be carried and used with style. …read more

I’ve got a hectic weekend ahead of me (have to update my first aid & CPR) so this is going to be short post
I just found the Yahoo group, “Bags to Brag About“.   It’s an online community specifically for hand-bag makers to share inspiration, tips and how-tos.   The group description is:
“Handbags are a woman’s accessory to her
individual style.
She chooses what makes her feel good,
stylish and a look she wants to call her own.
The bags you find here are original and one of a kind.
Here in this group you will find talented artist from all over the …read more

Think about how much work you could get done if it only took three minutes to make a funky messenger bag?

Ah, wishful thinking

I’m sure there are quite a few handbag/purse designers out there…  Now who wants to get their work accepted into a new book by Lark Books??

Lark Books is producing another “500″ book, this time it’s “500 Handbags”.  It’s being juried by Jay McCarroll, the winner of the first season of Project Runway!
The catch is you only have until July 16th to enter – so get busy!  You can find all the details here.

If you need a pattern to base your fantastic new creation for Bags2Riches on – how about checking out eQuilter’s pattern store?  They have some cure patterns and some great pre-made handles.
Fabric.com also has a ton of different purse & handbag patterns – including some by Amy Butler!

I love making my own handbags – it’s such a fun way to express my individual style!  I know there are a lot of you who make purses as well… and there’s something very nifty happening

Bags2Riches is a competition for the most original handbag.  The prizes are fantastic, including a two night stay at a swanky hotel!
Best of all, proceeds from the competition go to support a good cause – go check it out

I love reading about what other people are working on in their studios   I just found out about this great blog from a handbag maker & wanted to share it with you all.
It’s called U-Handbag and as well as showing their own bags, they also profile other designers.  There are tutorials & yummy supplies too – lots of fun!