Scarf Inspiration

Our 9th challenge: to make a purse utilizing at least one scarf.

I always manage to find inspiration on Flickr.
Here, a small bag made from a vintage scarf, by Complete Fragments.
She even added small gold-toned feet to the base.

vintage scarf bag
Originally uploaded by 33Clovers

Gorgeous bag by 33Clovers
(her Etsy shop)

Photo Gallery, and a new challenge

Well, I've been holding off on finalizing the photo challenge bag because I really wanted to finish mine.
But I just haven't had the time, and I really don't want to lose my readers here, so let's move on, shall we?
Only four people submitted bags for this challenge, which is really a shame, because there could have been some grand gift opportunities.

The entry from Aimee is particularly interesting.
I hope you go to her blog and read about it.


Anyway, see the gallery.

The next challenge will be to construct a bag using one or more scarves.
Let's try to get back on track and aim to have these completed by March 1, 2009.

All Buttoned Up has a tutorial for this 10-minute bag that may get your juices flowing, though I hope you take it one step farther (embellish it or something)


I posted a video previously about how to tie a scarf and make it into a bag, but that's not what I'm asking for now.
The video was fun, but this challenge needs to be more creative than a few knots.

Simplicity has a current pattern (#4263) that uses a scarf for its fabric.(views A and B)

Souvenir scarf made into a bag tutorial.

You could always use a scarf as embellishment.
Inspiration here at Pernes Bags.

I like to use scarves as apron ties, but they make fun purse handles too.

Some vintage patterns (like this one I posted previously) use scarves for fabric.


Just stretch out of your comfort zone...that's all I ask.

Photo bag

I don't have information about this photo, other than it is the April 2005 edition of a magazine, The Textile Forum, English edition (at least that's what I think it is).
The cover features work by the Berlin designer, Pia Fischer.
Notes say, "German top (3 neckties), German skirt (made of zippers), and an election bag", photo: Eckhard Jonalik, Berlin

From what I gather, Ms. Fischer is wildly creative with recycled textiles.

I wonder what an "election bag" is?
I just thought I'd show it here since it features a photograph.
Yes, that's still the current challenge.

Have you seen this bag?

A lady in Atlanta emailed me, asking if I had seen a purse like this before, and if I knew how it was made.
It's new to me--have any of you seen bags like this?
How is the yarn attached?
Who manufacturers them?

My first guess was that material that you sew all over then it 'melts' in water, but I think that would be too flimsy to be a bag, and I don't see stitching lines either.
Fusible interfacing would still require stitching.
I'm stumped.

Gift Idea

Here's a fun gift idea--the Alex Color a Purse.

I saw it at World Market, but you can also buy it on Amazon.

Scraptastic!

Photo memory purse, by Scraptastic.

Reversible Art Apron

Reversible Art Apron
Originally uploaded by calamity kim

Calamity Kim is always an inspiration.
This is an apron, but the idea would work beautifully on a bag as well.

The front is a photo of boots, applicable for the recipient.
Collage with fabric cut-outs, buttons, charms...
the possibilities are endless.

Fun recycling idea

One of the things I find most inspiring, is when unusual materials are used in sewing or in art.
This is especially true when materials are trash-to-treasure.


This bag, by Kitty-San, incorporates fabric selvages (or selvedges--both spellings are correct).
Selvages, including those color strips most fabrics include, or the pieces with the company and design name.
So fun!
Her blog is Amores de Toquio (the posts are written in Portuguese).

Earthwise shopping bags

While we're all finishing up our photo bags (you ARE working on your challenge bag...right?), I thought I'd mention Earthwise bags.
There are several good manufacturers of cloth shopping totes, this being one.

Earthwise bags are made from non-woven polypropylene, and honestly I don't know if that's a good or bad thing.
I mean, it's a petrochemical product, no?
But the site says it's "a fabric that is lightweight yet durable – not to mention reusable, resistant to corrosion, hypoallergenic, non-toxic, washable, and water-repellent."
There are so many sides to the story--is it more environmentally sensitive to manufacture this fabric or to produce a canvas? Or paper sacks? Or some other material???

It certainly is an improvement over plastic bags.
I do think the notion of reusing an item versus using a plastic bag once is a no brainer.
I'm just not sure what the 'best' content of the tote should be.

Anyway, the fun thing about Earthwise is you can request personalized options.
"They (the totes) can also be fully customized by businesses, with a variety of colors to choose from and the option to display personal initials, a graphic, or even a company logo."

But even the standard choices are great.
Like eight Simpsons-themed bags (two of each design) for $19.99
The dimensions are 13.25"H x 12.25"W x 8.25" deep


Or I like these retro surfer bags, four 16.75"H x 14"W x 7.75" deep, for $11.99

Sometimes life just gets in the way...

Normally, if I don't get around to finishing a project challenge, I post a gallery anyway and just move on.
This time, however, I really want to finish my photo purse.
I have just been really distracted though, and I'm a long long way from being done.

So, I'm going to delay the due date yet again.
I apologize.
Hopefully I'll get more entries this way too though, as so far only two of you have sent me your completed challenges.
Sigh...I really don't know what I need to do to drum up more participation.

Anyway, I'm afraid to even say November, because I'm thinking I may need more time than than.

How about if I figure out an end date at a later time.
Maybe you guys can think of purses as presents you might want to make for friends or family that incorporate photographs.
I mean, the holidays are fast approaching...

Excuse my delay in posting.
I have been so busy--painting a room, getting things in order, reading a lot, working at night.

I really wanted to mention the idea of using slide protectors in your art, or, in this case considering making a purse with them.
These vintage items are readily available on ebay or similar places.

These examples are from the book Collage Lost and Found: Creative unique projects with vintage ephemera, by Giuseppina Cirincione.
I spotted this book while browsing at Barnes & Noble one day, and absolutely HAD to have it.
I have not been disappointed.

Here, she used metal slide mounts as the cover of a photo album.
I adore this idea.
Especially with the metal mounts, I can envision this in purse form.

Here, she made a book with paper mounts
I like how she stamped words across the paper, and made charms from old Bingo cards.

Missed opportunity

Aaarrgghhh. I wish I had found out about this earlier.
Craftstylish is a craft site similar to Craftster, or Craftzine.

They just had a Tote-ally Crafty Bag Challenge.
It's too late for any of us to enter, but it's fun to see what people came up with.
Gallery here (scroll to bottom of page for photo links).

I like this soda can tab tote (it won one of the grand prizes)

Family Heirlooms

Janet, one of the participants/readers of this blog, has been kind enough to send me some ideas for this challenge (a gesture I wholeheartedly appreciate).
She sent a link to this bag, and I was like, hey! That's Trish! How did I not find these myself before?!
Trish and I have gotten to know each other over emails before and after So You Think You Can Dance.

Anyway, come to find out my blog buddy has a whole lot of inspirational examples for the photo challenge.

Her Mother Mary Purse was created as an homage to her mom.
Please read the touching post here.

This purse includes a photo of her grandmother, mother, and aunt. She gave this bag as a gift to her sister.Read her post here.

And this amazing purse, made with a photo of her mom and dad on the boardwalk in NYC during WWII. Another gift for another sister.
Please read more here.

Extension

Amy of Tie One On has extended her apron challenge, which means the end date will coincide with the Purse Project.
Because several of you participate in both, I'm going to change this project due date to October 1 in order to stagger the two challenges.
They are sewing up gingham aprons over at TOO.
As Amy says, go get your ging on!

And that gives you one extra month to put together your photo purse, so no excuses!

Clear inspiration

I recently purchased this tote on ebay

The seller said she found it at an estate sale.
I wonder who made it?
It is described as "Vintage dress pattern adorns this Clear Plastic Purse. Silver grommets hold the purse together. Two silver chain handles, covered with clear rubber tubes."
This idea could fit perfectly with the current theme--you could sandwich photographs under clear plastic or vinyl.

This journal quilt, Mexico Memories, by Jane LaFazio, started my interest in sewing with vinyl.
(click on image to enlarge, or click on link to go to Jane's website)
You could consider making something like this in purse form, combining sentimental photos with trinkets.

You might even use a sheer fabric, or print your photos onto sheets of organza made for the printer.

More ideas for using photographs

There are ways to incorporate photographs into your purse that don't involve transfer to fabric.

For example, Red Camper sells bags made with vintage slides.

(link found via fototiller)

I can envision bags made with old negatives also.
Hmmmm....

Also, have you seen the magnets made from half marbles, with paper or fabric underneath?
Well, perhaps you could craft some with photos, and use them to embellish your bag.
Tutorial at Not Martha.
Or make them into charms by adding polymer clay. Tutorial

Or you could embellish your purse with photos placed inside bottle caps.
Tutorial using Modge Podge.
Amazing ideas using resin.

You can purchase shrink plastic for printers, and make charms from photos to embellish your purse.
Don't forget to hole punch before baking!
Ideas here.
Or you could print out the photos, then make the plastic itself (without baking) into a purse.
Use it as you would plastic canvas.

Perhaps you could laminate paper photographs, and sew these together as you would vinyl?
Tutorial for a laminated paper purse from HGTV.

Tutorial for cigar box purse, using decal paper, from HGTV.

More Collage Inspiration

I am so intrigued by collage.
You can applique, embellish with charms or beads, embroider...
Your purse would be a personal statement, and a work of art.

I love this fabric collage Self Portrait, by Beate Knappe


More goodness (click on images to go to the artist's Flickr pages):

Collage Embroidery ~ Best Friend
Originally uploaded by hens teeth

This one is dyed, silk screened, and painted

Originally uploaded by lisamariekingo

am i blue
Originally uploaded by identityseven

Fabric Collage

One of my personal favorite styles of expression is collage.
The current challenge of incorporating a photograph into your purse design is a perfect opportunity to consider collage.
I always am inspired by the creations of Bari J
Look at these amazing bags that were published in a recent issue of Belle Armoire


Equally inspiring is Calamity Kim.
Her tutorial on making a gnome house purse could easily incorporate photo transfers


And how cute is this journal page by Gooma8x that honors her dog, Cinda Lou Who?!
(click on images to go the her Flickr page)
The photo is transferred to fabric, and also incorporates collage with applique and machine stitiching.
Something like this would look great made into a bag.

Cinda Lou Who...feb26
Originally uploaded by gooma8x

She also made this "Tell me a Story", a photo of her pregnant daughter

Tell Me a Story
Originally uploaded by gooma8x

"Loose Ends", that captures trimmings under a layer of netting

Originally uploaded by gooma8x

and "Let's Celebrate", a photo transfer of herself and birds

Let's Celebrate 64 (#10)
Originally uploaded by gooma8x

Make a Messenger Bag Out of Trash Bags!

Off theme right now, but such a great tutorial, and a fun way to recycle.
Thanks to the commenter on Blogging Project Runway for sharing the link.

More ideas on using a photograph in your purse design

One place to look for inspiration for this challenge is in quilts.
Photos are often used on mourning and memory quilts.
You have to be careful that the project not look too, well....crafty
(if you know what I mean).
Perhaps I'm imposing my own tastes here, but it's a fine line where a project works, and where you want to hide it in the back of your closet.
Make something you'll love to carry around and show off.

Carol K has come up with a great example of how to use quilting techniques on a tote (I think this bag is lovely)

treasure textiles bag
Originally uploaded by Carole K

(click on images to enlarge)

Pink Bird Girl has done something similar on a small quilt, but the panel could easily be transformed into a purse

Caught in a maze
Originally uploaded by pinkbirdgirl

Ditto this multi-media piece by Sara Laughs
Note the techniques she combined: photo transfer, text transfer, embroidery, stamping with hand-carved stamps, fabric painting, found objects

What's a poor obediant Italian orphan girl to do?
Originally uploaded by saralaughs

Think of how you can turn the techniques you use making ATC's, scrapbook pages, etc, into something that could work on a purse.
Remember, you can always use paper and just place it under vinyl if you don't want to use fabric

I like how subtle this one is.

Velo a Paris, 2006
Originally uploaded by Tara Badcock

The background is a transfer of a map of Paris. It could just as easily be a photograph of a person or place of significance to you.
Yes, your photo may be a place, an animal, people, or all of these.
I just want it to have sentimental significance to you.

If you have the proper tools or know-how, you can transform a photograph into stitches (usually cross-stitch) or beads.
Kim C StL machine embroidered this photograph using special software

Or you can look at values and create an applique, like this amazing representation of Wyatt, by Ms. Sad
(click on image to read more about how she created this)

Wyatt's Gone to the Birds
Originally uploaded by ms.sad

Take it to the next step

The current challenge, to incorporate one or more photographs into your purse design...it's a, well, challenging one.
It's even difficult for me to find inspirational projects to get you going.
But you can look to projects that COULD use photos, and maybe that will get your juices flowing.

I really really want to get you to consider options other than using one big photograph for the front of your bag, or little pics across the front.
Go further.
Stretch yourself.
Let us all learn.

At least for me personally, photographs mean everything.
They speak volumes of time and moments and people who mean the world to me.
They are the essence of all that is sentimental.
How perfect then, to turn a photograph into a vehicle of meaning.
And into a work of art.

For example, what if this felt applique were made with a photo?

Red Wool Felt Purse with Ume Otaku Applique
Originally uploaded by innocentgirl

That could really be cute.
And special.
You could embellish it with embroidery or beading if you like.

Or what if you garnered inspiration from the amazing needlework of Stephanie of Nova Blossoms, and substituted fabric photos for faces
like on this shoulder bag

Or how fun is this recycled tin purse, with a bent spoon handle?!
The photos can be changed on a whim--they are magnets!

purse-magnetic
Originally uploaded by indygirl-cp

Of course it's easy to be inspired by Anne Taintor
Like this messenger bag.


Maybe it's time to learn cyanotype

cyanotype purse
Originally uploaded by andromeda*art

For those of you who are collage artists, perhaps you can be inspired by Prada's Fairy Bag.
You know, combine photos and paint and paper and make a bag out of your design.
In essence, make art, then copy it onto fabric.
You could have a bag that would be more valuable to you than the $2300 price tag on the Prada.

Inexpensive way to transfer photos

Thanks to Janet for giving me a heads up on this tutorial by Instructables for using freezer paper and your inkjet printer to transfer images onto fabric

Photo Inspiration

Real Photography used an Amy Butler pattern and some fun fabric to highlight a photo of her baby

Bogart of the Underworld
Originally uploaded by Paula Wirth

The lovely Paula Wirth collaged a bag.
Imagine this made with personal photographs!

Oscar purse Christmas05
Originally uploaded by gnarlyis3

Bag by gnaryis3 made from recycled man's jacket pockets. Read more here.

She has another bag with a private memento (the photo is on the interior)


Lazy Girl Designs has a tutorial for using photo sheets for your printer.

Rackycoo wove magazine images together into this amazing design, but I think you could use your own photos in a similar fashion.


What about making a purse version of a personal shrine?
You could incorporate family photos and memorabilia in little pockets or something.

Or you could make a spiritual statement using items of religious significance, charms, herbs, etc.
Ideas anyway...to get your brain moving.

Sis'ka Studios has a tutorial using Photoshop to make your image altered.
Then take that image and use it for your bag, as the fabric, or as an applique, or ????

Once remembered makes custom bags that might inspire you