Saturday - Partial Purse Collection

It is my belief that a woman cannot have too many accessories. Today I'm focused on purses. Some other day we'll look at all the jewelry (mostly costume) and scarves. I don't have a large shoe collection because I lost so many in Katrina, it's hard to enjoy buying them now. Also I now require comfortable shoes which aren't as exciting to acquire. My purses are purchased inexpensively at discount stores, thrift shops and occasionally a vintage store. Some are made by me and others have been made or purchased as gifts for me. I have no good storage solution, so I've started hanging them on the walls where they make there own art statements. Here are a few.

To see the purses clearly, just click on the photo. The first photo has a purse that I made by scanning an M.R.E. (Meals Ready to Eat) for military and distributed here after Katrina. I printed the MRE on special fabric that can be used in a computer printer and made it part of the bag. The inside has pockets made of photo images on cloth of the MRE contents. The second bag was made with lots of detail by my sister, Kathy, and is decorated with fabric yo yos. The third bag is a silk purse I bought for $1.00 at a thrift store. Last but not least is a lovely silk embroidered bag that I received as a gift.

The next column has a blue alligator stamped bag probably from WalMart and a shrimp colored crochet bag from W.M. Behind it is a red leather bag from a thrift store. Next is another amazing bag (notice the detail) made by Kathy. Fleur de Lis fabric and a fancy button help to make it look really snazzy. It has fancy handles and a zipper! The next little bag is a silk thrift store find. And last is a purple "alligator" bag with a chain handle from a jewelry show. (I don't know why some of the colors are not accurate.)

In the third column is a bag I made that features sushi cartoon fabric. The edge that goes around the bag looks like a peeled shrimp. Inside are pockets that are fabric photos of real shushi. The handle is bamboo, of course. Next, a black silk bag with beading found for $1.oo. Next to it a little brown bag, also $1.00. It has lots of compartments. The camera bag is hanging nesxt to it. Behind the camera bag is a small gold, quilted bag for glitzy nights, also a $1.00 find. Below it is a wool purse that I knitted then felted (by shrinking in hot water to create a tight weave). It's lined and trimmed with felted flowers. Last is a tan bag with a pink lower case "L". You remember those bags from a few years back. It's nice and roomy and comfy on the shoulder when it's full.

That's just a part of the collection. I hope it inspires you to make a purse or cruise a thrift shop!