Next Show - Tug Fest

Hello, for those of you familiar with the Quad City area,  you’ll know that every year there is a festival called Tug Fest, that has a Tug of War over the Mississippi River between Port Byron, IL and Le Claire, IA.  Well, I grew up in Port Byron and this festival was pretty much the highlight of the summer when I was very young. Now, it’s mostly fun to check out the fireworks on Friday night, and a good way to catch up with old friends in town.

But this year, it’s so much more than that! My sister Chris and I will be selling our crafts and creations at the craft fair in Port Byron that Saturday, the 9th of August!  Chris will be selling her beautiful Tin Art and hand made nest decorations (you have to see them, they are very fun and unique)! And I will sell me wallets and handbags!

If you are in the QC area Aug 9th, come on over to Port Byron on the river front and check us out! Some pics below of our creations.

Silk Flowers and Silk Bags

Week 3 of flower design class brought on a new element…silk!  We created a silk flower arrangement, with a big of an Asian theme to it, using silk orchids, dried bamboo, raindeer moss, and a rock. The main element here is texture: the texture from the wood bamoo, the softness of the silk flower, the rough moss textures, and the shiny rock all add to the composition.

This arrangement perfectly resembles one of my most favorite pieces - my Asian print silk bag!  I’ve used a silk fabric with various Asian inspired patterns on it, and a tortoise handle to add a different texture to the soft fabric.

Flowers trends = bag inspiration

In Week 2 of my flower design class with my sister, we created a design that used the elements of motion, shape and color.  The tulips are arranged in a circular style around the bowl, to accentuate the shape of the bowl. The wire used in the arrangement was added for support for the tulips, but also to enhance the element of a circular motion.  The contrasting colors of the tulips, the bold neon green of the flower foam, and the bright purple wire all add to the POP of color.

This arrangement reminds me of the vibrant fabric used in a bag pictured below.  I loved this fabric the moment I saw if, because of the fun shapes of the flowers and the bright colors.

Flowers of Inspiration

My sister Liz and I are taking a European floral arrangement class this month.  The European style in flower arranging is very simple, minimal, but also geometric, focusing on verticle and horizontal lines, or circular movement, etc.

In class, our teach mentioned how floral design trends are a step behind trends in fashion, interiors, furniture, etc. I started thinking about the bags I make, and how I can relate them to the floral designs.  So I’m going to post my assignment each week, and a purse I’ve made that reminds me of the design!

Week 1: Verticle line arrangement using contrasting colors, and a fake bird and lotus plant for embellishment.  This reminds me of a fabric my sister found with birds and fruit on it.  The bird and fruit in the fabric make for a fun, whimsical bag, and the bold black handle with the lighter fabric shades adds nice contrast.

Handmade Success

My first show with the Handmade Market was a Success!

Thanks to those of you who came or stopped by my table to browse and shop! My friend Monica and I shared a table and it worked out great…only we may need to bring more light next time.  I’ll update you if we sign up for another one this spring!

New Merch!

Check out the newly posted merchandise (see links to the right). All pieces will be on sale at the Handmade Market next Saturday, Feb 9th.

Purses range in price from $15-$25. Some more expensive depending on materials used.

Wallets, depending on size, range from $8-$12.

Checkbook Covers are $10!

Hope to see you on the 9th!

Two Weeks and Counting…

Two weeks left until my first big craft show in the city! 

Please come visit me and my friend Monica at our booth at the Handmade Market, February 9th!  Handmade Market is a craft show full of DIY designers who make unique pieces from jewelry and handbags (me) to cards (monica) and candles. Come check it out! Details below:

What: Handmade Market
Where: The Empty Bottle (pre-bar time, sorry drinkers)
Addy: 1035 N. Western Ave, Chicago, IL
When: February 9, 2008
Time: 12pm - 4:30 pm

handmade moneybags

Welcome to moneybagsdesigns.com!  Moneybags began as a hobby when I got a sewing machine for Christmas in 2003.  I was experimenting with sewing and decided to make little purses for all my friends for New Years.  Since then, I’ve been building my skill, ideas and supplies to sew handbags, clutches, wallets, etc.  In 2007 I had the opportunity to start selling my pieces to family, friends and coworkers, and this year I plan to branch out to handmade markets and craft shows. I’ll continue to post photos of my latest and greatest pieces, as well as where you can find them in the Chicago area at the local markets and shows.

 Thanks for checking in!

~Maureen