Design Hunter's Journal

Nothing improves my outlook like a new purse or handbag. I feel refreshed and ready to go places. Take a look at the inspiring artisan bags I recently found on Etsy and the Sundance Catalog. These handmade purses are perfect for spring and summer occasions and just right for gifting.

This Japanese-style smartphone purse arrived in the mail today, and I just had to share!

Made from kimono fabric by the Etsy shop Sew Kimono, this bag is a small work of art. I love the artfully placed fan image on the velcro tab that closes the purse. And it has POCKETS! The painted wood beads really complement the patterned Japanese fabric and take the whole purse to another level. Will this bag be too beautiful to actually use? That happens sometimes… I need more events on my calendar that are worthy of a purse like this!

There are more patterns available at Sew Kimono that are just as beautiful as this one, and I want to give them all as gifts to my friends, to share the kimono love.

Italy, here I come!

My husband and I will be cruising the Mediterranean in October, departing from Civitavecchia, the port that is closest to Rome. I plan to bring this handbag and look like a stylish, sophisticated woman for our Roman adventure:

I’ve never carried anything as blingy as this bag, with its hammered brass rivet accents. This was a splurge purchase from the only Sundance store in Illinois, conveniently located near me in Deer Park, IL! Handmade by Campomaggi of Italy, the Sunset Stripes Mini Bag is still available on the Sundance Catalog website.

I admire the artisan jewelry and apparel of the Sundance Catalog, started in 1969 by Robert Redford. Since the Deer Park store is the only Sundance location in Illinois, I just have to patronize it, right?? Boy have I ever.

Here is another Sundance bag in my collection:

McFadin Crossbody Bag

I know what you are thinking: Stop already!! I am clearly developing a purse habit, and it is harmful to the pocketbook. Wanting to support local stores that sell artisan goods could become a habit. But in my defense, I have been looking for the perfect Southwestern bag for a long time now. This one is handmade by Stacy & Laurie McFadin of Texas. See it at the Sundance Catalog online: Hettie Wool Crossbody by McFadin

Here is a little something from my Etsy wish list. I love how the woven rug fabric is paried with a tooled leather Aztec panel on the top, and the photo itself is pretty arresting:

Tooled Leather Cowgirl Purse

I suppose that carrying a cowgirl purse wouldn’t look quite right here in the Chicago suburbs, but it’s a beauty nonetheless! There are lots of similar Southwestern bags to feast your eyes on, available at HauteSouthernHyde on Etsy.

-Louise Hunter Burton