Posts Tagged ‘design’
Wednesday, January 26th, 2011
I’ve been making the Metier tote since 2005 – and it has become one of my absolute best-sellers. It has recieved tons of press, including InStyle Magazine and even featured in a movie. But after 6 years making the same bag, I felt it was time to mix things up a little. As you may have noticed, I have a big love of florals and prints – and along the way I’ve collected fabrics with large motifs that would lend themselves to a large expanse of space, instead of being tucked inside a pleat.
So, today I’m introducing my newest collection of Metier totes – with all the amazing functionality of the original, plus more! Featuring longer straps and additional inner pockets – these little beauties (if i do say so myself) are extremely limited-edition. . .many are only two or three of a kind. So snag your favorite today. . .and if you’re still smitten by the original tote – don’t worry, they aren’t going anywhere!
I thought you might enjoy some photos Metier totes in progress. . . .and a sneak peek at one of my newest 'helpers'.
Please leave a comment below and let me know what you think!
Tags: bag, design, one of a kind, purse, seattle, studio, tote, workshop
Posted in design studio, Metier tote |
Sunday, August 22nd, 2010
This fall, I am doing things a little differently. . and I am so excited to tell you about it! Starting in September, I will introduce a small collection of new bags each month. Here’s a sneak preview of a collection of tweed bags I created for Presents of Mind in Portland, OR.
So start making your wish list for an array of new bags coming VERY soon to my website or a store near you! 
Tags: bag, bag of the month, custom sewing, design, designing new bags, handbag workshop, local seattle small business, new bag collection, rainbow of fabric bags, seattle, seattle independent designer, sewing studio, small monthly collections of bags, tweed handbags, where to buy crystalyn kae, wholesale purses
Posted in design studio, Medium hobo, Mini-Soiree |
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!
Tags: bag, charity, cigar box purse, custom bag, design, equipment, functionality, fundraiser, one of a kind, seattle children's hospital, tools
Posted in custom handbags, handbags |
Thursday, April 22nd, 2010
Just thought I’d tease you with a peek at what I’ve been up to in my studio. I am *this close* to completing a new collection of bags with lots of new materials. Early next week I’ll post photos on my facebook page, so you can post suggestions to name the new designs AND enter to win a free bag! Be the first to be in the know – Are you a fan yet?
Tags: bag, design, new, sewing, sneak preview, studio, thread, workshop
Posted in design studio, handbags, Mini-Soiree |
Sunday, April 11th, 2010
One of the best things about the Troubadour tote is it’s ability to be both a chic everyday bag, and also fit your laptop perfectly on workdays. Recently a customer asked if I could create a Troubadour with a removable long shoulder strap, for the days she rides her bike to work. With the help of additional hardware and a few grommets – I think this will be a perfect solution! I love creating custom handbags, so if you have an idea or special request for a bag – feel free to get in touch!
Tags: bag, bicycle bag, bike to work, custom, design, green handbag, handbag, one of a kind, special request bag, tote with adjustable strap
Posted in custom handbags, design studio, troubadour tote bag |
Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010
Chaenomeles speciosa, (Japanese quince) and Soiree Messenger bag in "Quince Blossom"
We have been blessed by a beautiful early spring here in Seattle, and I wanted to share a bit of it with you! I spotted this flowering Japanese quince in my neighbor’s yard and thought it would be the perfect time to introduce ”Quince Blossom” a limited-edition vintage fabric adorning my Green Soiree Messenger. To celebrate the early coming of spring (or to encourage spring to come to those of you still covered in snow) I am offering 15% off my Green and Brown Soiree bags until March 15.
Update: 3/20 the Quince Blossom fabric has sold out!
Tags: bag, bag with quince flowers, chaenomeles speciosa, design, fabric, flowering trees, flowers, garden, green, plants, spring
Posted in fabrics, gardening, seattle, Soiree Messenger |
Thursday, February 18th, 2010
Just a teaser photo of some new thread colors that I’m using to sew my new Spring bags coming soon! Any guesses?? What would YOU like to see me create?
I’d love to hear. Please post your comments in my blog below or send me an email.
Tags: bag, color, design, handbags, inspiration, rainbow, sewing, spools, studio, thread
Posted in design studio, handbags |
Saturday, January 16th, 2010
I have just added a few new bags in a vintage fabric that I like to call “Tiger Lily“. Featuring turquoise hibiscus, and tiger lilies on a butter yellow background. I discovered this fabric while on a road trip to San Francisco and bought all of it! It is the perfect kick-off to my Spring 2010 palette. Available now on my website!
Tags: design, fabric, flower, handbags, purse, studio, tiger lily
Posted in clutch wristlet, fabrics, Soiree Messenger |
Friday, January 8th, 2010
whoa. 2009 has flown by! I am relieved to start a new year with a fresh start. Once we got my studio set up, I don’t think I’ve come up for air since. This holiday season I felt like I was on a hamster wheel: processing orders, sewing bags, shipping them. Lather, rinse repeat. And now it’s the New Year, and I still haven’t finished my Christmas shopping. (i know, am a bad person.)
But the worst part is, I am so focused on my never-ending ‘to-do’ list, that I rarely slow down enough to appreciate the amazing little things that happen every day. Over the Christmas break I became inspired by Blogging your Passion, which encouraged us to state our ‘mission’ for our blogs. It was intimidating at first, but I kept coming back to my desire to value my everyday experiences – and be able to share them with my customers and friends.
So here are my 2 goals for 2010 to help me appreciate the beauty of everyday:
Photo a Day – every day I will take a photo of a moments that I find special
Creative Friday – this actually a resolution started ages ago, but had fallen to the wayside with house hunting and moving. Creative Friday is the day that I allow myself total creative freedom – usually it is a chance to try out new ideas and experiment with new materials for bags. I really miss making one of a kind handbag designs and Fridays will be dedicated to doing only that!
By doing each of these things, I will hopefully become a better blogger. I would really like my blog to become a ‘community’. . .and I would love to hear from you!
What are ways that YOU appreciate the everyday?
Tags: art, cutting leather handbag, design, lifestyle, new years resolution, photo, purse, studio, workshop
Posted in design studio, fabrics, one of a kind |
Wednesday, October 28th, 2009
Wow, I have been not so patiently awaiting the completion of my studio. We have been priming and painting for what seems like weeks and last night we finally laid the carpet tiles! It was VERY late when we finished, but I couldn’t resist unwrapping my sewing machine – just to make it official! Although I would love to start decorating and personalizing my space – it will have to wait until the New Year: I am so behind on sewing bags that I am just giddy to hear the hum of my machine again!
Tags: crafts, decor, design, home, moving, remodeling, sewing, studio, workshop
Posted in design studio |
Helloooo! I'm Crystalyn. My blog is a peek behind the scenes of how I make my
