renegade craft fair 2008: highlights, pt. 4

okay, here is the last (but definitely not the least) of the vast array of handmade art seen this past weekend at the renegade craft fair in chicago…

cool sculptural jewelry by the nervous system

intriguing anatomical tableware from the folded pigs

sweet and subversive accessories by skirt (love those quilts!)

 gorgeous ceramics and papier mache sculpture from up in the air somewhere

groovy moustache racks and other assorted fun by suddenly it’s real

original art and hand embellished jewelry and bags from recycled rings

fun silkscreened goodies from blue thimble

fun postmarked stamp jewelry by foxglove

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rebecca cornish handbags: miniview

i enjoy looking at vintage goodness especially when it is upcycled into something different so i am pleased to show you the lovely handmade purses and bags by local artist becca cornish, aka etsy seller rebeccabags. becca uses all kinds of different fabrics, and lots of vintage fabric to create her collection, which has thoughtful details like embroidery and contrasty linings. i also appreciate the fact that her change purses are roomy enough to substitute as a bag if circumstances call for something cute and little. ever curious to know just a little bit more about the brains behind the operation, i asked three quick questions…

q: where do you create your collection?
a: i create my collection in a smoke free, pet free home, in a dining room/workroom nestled in the fabulous logan square neighborhood in chicago. (ed.note: with a fabulous fabric wall!)

q: how did you get into designing handbags?
a: i have always enjoyed sewing and crafting. i started making bags about six years ago. i was embroidering a skirt pocket and realized what a cool bag it would make. i created my first tote and the rest is history. friends and family wanted bags for themselves which led to their friends and family and so on. it has now evolved from hobby to business and love. even my four year old gets into it by “helping” mommy sew. although not very helpful, it’s really cute.

q: what is your inspiration?
a: i am a textile junkie. i can’t go anywhere without looking for fabric options. i have to touch and visualize what i can do with it. i have even smelled fabric… you heard me. my inspiration for my creations comes from the world around me — flora and fauna, my kid, food, fabric patterns, colors, word associations, the need for certain containers, and of course special requests. there isn’t a day that goes by without me sketching something out. the world is a beautiful place, might as well have accessories to match.

see becca’s current collection at her etsy shop. you can also see more samplings on her website. contact her in either place to collaborate on custom work too - her specialty!

thank you becca!

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cool laptop bag by nanda home

how great would it be to have one of these when traveling with your computer is needed? it’s the stylish persida lapsac from nanda home. it’s made of sturdy cotton canvas, has a padded pouch to accommodate a laptop and is roomy enough so that you don’t have to carry a purse too.

purchase it at delight.com.

via design crush

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summer salt design

i like these sweet little one of a kind birdie arches from california crafter nicole peterson for her summer salt design company. they measure about 5″h x 7″w and include embellishments like vintage millinery flowers and glass beads. i think they’d be cute in a child’s room.

hold on - nicole makes cute reuseable shopping bags and purses too!

i like nicole’s eye for fabrics, finishing and color combinations. these are bound to bring the spring on just a little bit earlier!

check out nicole’s blog here and purchase these and other cute items over at her shop.

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pita pocket wallet

who here among us likes pita? those who have raised their hands will love this little wallet/coin purse from israeli photographer and graphic designer anat safran. she’s made it out of cotton so it won’t get moldy if you leave it in your coat pocket or purse for a few days. and you can fill it with your favorite things, like an mp3 player or falafel (okay maybe not falafel).

why do i always see these things when i am hungry?

see more on anat’s website.

via designspotter

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recycled pop top handbags

when jimmy buffett blew out his flip flop and stepped on a pop top, i bet it never dawned on him to make a purse out of it.

look at these lacy modern handbags made of recycled aluminum soda can tabs. lined with nylon, they are painstakingly pieced together with crochet techniques by cia do lacre and as panteras do lacre, two brazilian craft cooperatives, which are located in economically depressed areas near brasilia. they are distributed by san francisco’s escama studio.

they remind me of those bendy pop top necklaces and bracelets i made a million years ago, back when the tabs came off the cans completely. except these are much more sophisticated.

the cooperatives help each female artist on staff build business knowledge, self esteem and craftmaking skills. each bag is signed by the artist.

see their website for more info and a nifty tutorial. belts and jewelry coming soon!

you can also purchase the bags at zanadia.

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stylish portable purse caddy

have you heard that october is breast cancer awareness month? (yes.) did you know that you can buy this stylish purse holder, and 20% of each sale will go to the canadian breast cancer foundation? (no.)

this swell little contraption is a purse hook. i already knew about the cheapie plastic ones the table dealers offer women in las vegas, but had no clue that there was an upgraded version. this is a handy thing to have when you don’t want to put your purse on the floor or on the table. i think we’ve all been there.

it comes in a little velvet pouch, has a non-slip rubber backing and can hold up to 20 pounds. bonus: a cute pink ponytailed girl, to remind you that you’ve done a good deed.

available for cad $25 at gone shopping.

hey, if it’s good enough for thomas keller to offer his patrons at per se, it’s good enough for me.

via at home with kim vallee

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woven tape measure bag

i like this woven tape measure bag from the chinese company goods of desire, even if i can’t find it on their website.

purchase it at the mca chicago shop.

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