Thursday, August 28, 2008

Little Quilted and Beaded Purses


Several summers ago I took classes at Chautauqua Institute in New York. You could weave, quilt, bead, calligraphy, photography, etc. Most of the arts, or take political or money investing classes. Something for everyone. One of the classes I took was making a quilted and beaded purse from a woman named Marilyn Mendelson. The woman had patience.

So to make a long story short, I found my purse over the weekend and another kit I had bought and decided to work on that. My goal before summer is over is to finish any projects that I have not completed. I am sick and tired of the extra bags of half finished things sitting in my studio. I know I started them because I really was inspired by something. I ended up making several purses and enlarged the initial idea and made a purse I can walk with.


The purse to walk with was rather fun. I can put my ID in it, my automatic car opener thingy, and even my cell phone and have my hands free. I don't have pockets in my pants. Who wears a jacket in the summer? So where do you put everything? I was putting everything in my camera case but that meant I had to carry my camera even if I wasn't shooting. Now I am hands free.


The smaller quilted purses are perfect when you just need your ID and a credit card and maybe a bit of cash. I get really tired of lugging a purse around to the flea market or art fairs. This is the answer for sure. I have four more under construction and am thinking of giving these as Christmas gifts to some art friends and to my Daughter in Laws with gift cards in them. I am determined to do more handmade things this year.

7 comments:

Dragonlady said...

Your purses are just adorable, I love them....and I too do not like to lug a big purse around, sometimes, I will take a smaller bag with me and transfer whatever I need to a smaller one, but i like the long beaded straps on yours, that way, like you said, you can put it on over your neck so you have your hands free...
I am sure any of your friends or loved ones would love to receive them as gifts...
Brenda

Andrea Nicole Plotts said...

I love these purses also they are really pretty! I especially like the one with the bird and the one with the vintage image! They are great! I gave you a blogging award today on my blog. Go there to pick it up! happy weekend 2 you!

Mary Lynn said...

Your purses are marvelous! I may have to try these myself even though I don't sew much any more.

Michi Michaelson, Orange County, CA said...

I LOVE your purses, Elizabeth!!! They are really BEAUTIFUL!!!! I know what you mean about having half-made things lying around the house!!! I have a drawerful of cards like that!!!! LOL!!!

Anonymous said...

Love your little purses! the vibrant colors are so cheerful and especially the beaded trims...excellent idea for gift giving...how generous you are with your time and talents! thanks for sharing.
Dianne

Debbi Baker said...

Gorgeous little purses Elizabeth - I love them! (all!)

Christy said...

Love you purses and especially the last one. Just wonderful!