Beads of Hippy Happiness

I was talking with a friend of mine the other day about how apparently, the entire world is insane, and that occasionally the only real cure is a meal of delicious hippy pancakes. Then you forget how angry you are, and just feel happy that there's such a thing as organic unsalted butter.

And I have no transition to move you to look at this bag I recently made, as it really has nothing to do with pancakes; they just seemed important at the moment. What you could do is take this bag with you to the store and use it to carry some maple syrup home. Other features include the really great vintage tablecloth I found to make into this bag, a magnetic snap to keep things inside, a small inside pocket for things you want to find, and especially the vintage assortment of wooden beads on the strap.

Also, this bag is for sale!

The Anti-Diaper Bag

Not that I have a problem per say with Pooh Bear, but his aesthetic just doesn't do it for me now that I am 29. And I know not every adult will agree with this, but for those who do, I give you the Anti-Diaper Bag.

This particular Anti-Diaper Bag I made for a custom order (you can place your own by contacting me here) and features a large front pocket with accompanying cell pocket, water-resistant recycled plastic interior, and assorted interior pockets for loose organization (fantastic!). Oh yes, and an entirely radical plastic bangle bracelet strap accent.

Green is the New Green

Sorry for that. Actually I feel angry inside every time I hear someone using that phrase, something is the new whatever. Like, 50 is the new 30? It doesn't even make sense. What was the old thirty? I mean, it was thirty, obviously, but what's thirty? Ar. See? Also, I'm 29, but I guess it doesn't matter because now thirty is nothing. So when my birthday rolls around, I'll just sigh and gaze towards the future that is new, and fifty.

Anyway. This friend is big and green with reflective buckles, and, apparently, afloat in a blue sky. The color from this one came mostly from Barnes and Noble Bookstore bags, also a few of those green-tinted produce bags. In memory of those items, you could use this to carry books around, like to school, for example, OR for carrying groceries home on your bicycle. Buy it here.

More Computer Gear

I recently designed this laptop sleeve for a custom order. Like the Nerd Gear Laptop Bag, it provides a safe home for your computer. Only without all those cumbersome straps and whatnot. The perfect little envelope home of recycled plastic joy for storing or carrying your laptop.

This project is the first I've done with plastic for quite a bit, as it's been summer and my boys are home, but I'm planning to get a real batch out as soon as I wrap up a couple of those awesome home improvement projects.

Also: like sculls? www.sculladay.com

Recycled Vintage

A couple purses featuring vintage fabrics: the tall blue tote and the squatty little lily pad purse are both crafted from vintage remnants I found. Recycling plastic bags is great, but I also love using vintage textiles. It's exciting to make something new from a material that has literally been waiting around for years. Awesome!

The tall blue tote is made from a heavy, burlap-ish fabric. I uncovered heaps of the fabric buried in the shelves of a thrift store. I accented the handles with vintage navy blue leather salvaged from an old coat, and piped all the edges for a clean shape.

The lily green bag features cuteness, a gathered flap and braceleted strap, and is lined with recycled plastic to help it hold its shape. Vintage textiles plus recycled plastic equals awesome fusion.

Robotical

Another recycled plastic messenger makes its way into the world, bearing news of robots. Red and grey, with white patch of robotness on the flap, this bag features all the same heavyweight polypro straps as the others, as well as a pair of handy belt loop clips to keep the bag in place. You know, in case you want to ride your bike. Buy this bag.

I Tote Think So

A couple new tote styles for summer.   Even though at the moment Minneapolis appears to be experiencing gale-force winds and some ferociously grey cloud cover, the sun has to, at some point, reappear.  That's when you're going to want to leave your house and descend upon the beach.  Yay!  Enter the beach tote.  Generously sized for your towels, water-wings, and sea shell collection, the vintage-inspired design includes numerous pockets and a recycled-plastic-reinforced bottom panel for stability.  Made almost exclusively (everything but the straps) from found, vintage, or recycled materials, this oversized bag doubles as diaperbag, laundry tote, grocery sack, overnight bag, doggie carrier.   

On the smaller side is the new recycled plastic tote purse.  Made from plastic shopping bags, this new mini size features double handles constructed of heavy-duty webbing, a small interior pouch pocket for little items, and a zipper closure.