Posts Tagged ‘custom bag’

cigar box purses are not my ‘bag’ . . .

Wednesday, May 19th, 2010

But, when the folks at Seattle Children’s Hospital enlisted my help to turn a cigar box into a purse for  their fundraiser, I decided to make an exception for this good cause.  My problem with most cigar box purses, is that they are cumbersome and lack functionality.  I wanted to see if I could change that.

I chose this box for the sturdy pine frame and ornate floral decals at the edges. Then I fashioned a padded front with my signature pleats.  The biggest hurdle was getting the gusseted lining and zipper pocket to fit inside. . .all while wearing my finger splint.  The finishing touch was using my trusty Dremel tool to set holes for handle rivets, purse feet, and magnetic closures.

Truth be told,  I actually enjoyed the challenge of working with tools I haven’t used since high school wood shop.  But don’t get too excited for any more cigar box purses from me . . . I think I’ll stick to my sewing machine!

incognito Soiree Baby bag

Monday, June 15th, 2009

incognito Soiree baby bag

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wipe-clean nylon lining, 7 inner pockets

This spring, it seems I have had about ten girlfriends and fifty customers beg me to make them a sophisticated diaper bag that doesn’t scream “I’m a Mommy”.  More often than not, my most popular baby bag has become a customization of my best-selling Soiree bag.

Here are photos of my most recent bag for Sonja.  This hip Mom-To-Be picked out her favorite Soiree from my site – and I customized the inside with durable wipe-clean nylon lining, and pockets galore. {Inner pockets include 2 zip pouches, 2 open pockets, 2 large diaper pockets (fit 8 newborn or 4 toddler diapers), and 1 elastic-top bottle pocket.} The strap is adjustable so she can wear the bag across her body, to keep her hands free, and when it gets dirty, she can toss it in the washing machine!

Would you like a baby bag that doesn’t actually look like one?

You can purchase one here:  Shop for a unique baby bag here on my website!


unisex messenger – baby bag for Katie and Brian

Saturday, May 2nd, 2009

unisex_messenger_bag1unisex_messenger_bag_back1baby_bag_messenger_lining1

Katie from Seattle asked me to create an incognito diaper bag: one that both she and her husband could carry,  that would be machine-washable, super durable, and be used long after Sebastien is out of diapers.  She requested to have a long adjustable strap,  flap closure with magnetic snap, and a foam-padded bottom.  I came up with 3 sketches and a stack of swatches in blues and greens to choose from.

Inside are 8 pockets:

  • 2 bottle/sippy cup pockets
  • 2 diaper pockets (large enough to fit eight newborn or 4 toddler diapers)
  • 2 sets of zipper pouches & 2 slip pockets: so Brian & Katie each have a home for their cell phones and keys

Across the outside back, there is a long narrow pocket – to fit the changing pad. And of course my signature ultrasuede-lined adjustable strap that can be worn short or long across the body.

“classic and richly colored bags” – Ideal bite

Friday, March 13th, 2009

The nice folks at Ideal Bite featured my handbags today:

“Bag selection looking slim these days? Start your day with a new tote from Crystalyn Kae. From messenger bags to totes to clutches, these sturdy, roomy purses have at least three pockets and you can customize ‘em with more to keep track of your reusable water bottle, keys, small animals, whatever (the Métier Work Tote’s perfect for your laptop). The classic and richly colored (orange, maple brown, bright green, etc.) bags are made of vegetable-tanned (sans nasty chems) and reclaimed leather, recycled and vintage textiles, and vegan materials like glazed fabrics that resemble aged leather. Just released: new medium-size hobo bags in vibrant hues like wine, cobalt blue, and red. Cereals-ly.”

Custom Tweed Foxtrot for Laura

Friday, October 17th, 2008


In the wee hours of the night before our flight to LA, I got a sweet email from Laura – letting me know that her custom foxtrot had arrived. I have been having so much fun working with new materials and the new tweed I’m using is exceptionally nice. Here’s a peek at Laura’s bag. I’m working on a batch of similar tweed hobos, and I’ll add them to my Etsy site when they’re ready.

Fabrics swatches on Flickr

Friday, October 3rd, 2008


1. brown_orange_flower_field, 2. amethyst_tweed, 3. strawberry_watermelon_dots, 4. Vintage and Rare Fabrics, 5. Vintage and Rare Fabrics, 6. hibiscus_barkcloth, 7. blue_green_yellow_cosmos, 8. gray_tweed, 9. orange_navy_pink_dahlia_sm, 10. yellow_palm_white, 11. pink_orange_fruit_barkcloth, 12. Vintage and Rare Fabrics

I wish I had room to invite you all over to my studio to look at my fabrics, but alas, it’s very very tiny. So I did the next best thing: I scanned all of my lovely fabrics available for custom work and posted them on Flickr. These fabrics are intended to be tucked into pleats of the clutch, and Soiree Plus, any of the plaids are sturdy and waterproof enough to be the outside of any bag too! I’ll do my best to keep these updated, but don’t be afraid to ask me about one, if it tickles your fancy. Also keep in mind that this time of year (Fall & Holiday season) it can take up to 4 weeks for me to make your custom order.

So if you need some instant gratificationShop by fabric on my website. Your bag will ship the next business day with FREE Priority Shipping to anywhere in the U.S.


Custom Tweed Monarch

Wednesday, October 1st, 2008



Dee Dee came to my Rooftop Trunk Show last month and loved the tweed totes and clutches,but she really was craving a new hobo. She placed a custom order for this two-tone Monarch with Black and White tweed across the front, with solid black on the back. I thought it was a marvelous idea!

Dee Dee owns several of my funky and unique designs, so I decided to surprise her with a fun floral fabric pocket on the inside, as well. I really love the combination together and I hope she does too! Let me know what you think!


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