Posts Tagged ‘one of a kind’
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 |
Tuesday, June 15th, 2010
The gray skies parted and the sun was glowing brightly overhead as I made my way to Portland, OR last weekend for my trunk show at Moxie. I spent the first day visiting Presents of Mind, Pie Footwear, and Tilde – to give them their first look at my new Matinee and Foxtrot hobos in colorful tweed. There must have been something about that Portland sunshine, because each store purchased a mix of purses in my brightest color combinations.
new bags coming soon, to a Portland store near you!
Portland has some pretty great grub!
In between stops, we managed to try a sampling of several of Portland’s culinary delights. My favorite meal was Saturday morning breakfast at Screen Door, which was totally worth the wait. Then I walked across the street to Moxie to set up my display of purses onto hooks and dress forms.
I spent the afternoon greeting customers, sipping on mimosas, and chatting with Dee and Sally – the hostesses with the mostest(es). After the show, Dee purchased several of my one of a kind Troubadour Tote bags and Bohemia hobos – so if you missed out on my trunk show – you can still get one for yourself at Moxie.
a beautiful day for a trunk show at Moxie
Tags: bag, event, food, one of a kind, Oregon, portland, purses, sunshine, travel, trunk show
Posted in events, fashion |
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 |
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 |
Sunday, April 11th, 2010
My best selling bag of all time is most certainly the Soiree Drawstring Messenger. It closes securely with a drawstring & magnetic snap – but I recently was commissioned by customer Kerry in Federal Way, WA to customize a Soiree with a zipper closure for her. With this kind of modification, the bag will lose 4 inches of depth – but if you’re the type to do cartwheels while wearing your Soiree, this could 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 design, custom, handbag, one of a kind, soiree drawstring bag, zipper closure
Posted in custom handbags, design studio, handbags, one of a kind, Soiree Messenger |
Tuesday, March 16th, 2010
Hooray! I have just finished a new batch of cheery spring-like clutches in orange, champagne, cobalt blue, lime green and hot pink! Get ‘em while while they last – many of these little beauties are totally one of a kind!
Tags: bag orange, bright purses, champagne, one of a kind, recycled leather bags, spring, vegan bags
Posted in clutch wristlet, handbags |
Tuesday, July 14th, 2009
Queen Anne Undies and Outies
Sometimes I really miss having my own store in Seattle, but the lovely Queen Anne Dispatch just placed another humungous order for bags, which is the next best thing. Check out their new summer display: it looks like a mini Crystalyn Kae store! They have re-stocked all of the core items: Foxtrot medium hobos, Soiree Drawstring, and Clutches – and also picked out 10 of the new bohemia hobos. This is the only store on the West Coast that you can see my entire collection in person – plus a few one of a kind leather & vintage fabric Metiers that you won’t find anywhere else! Stop by and say “hi”!
Tags: boutique, handbag, leather bags, one of a kind, purse, Queen Anne, seattle, shop, shopping, store
Posted in clutch wristlet, Metier tote, one of a kind, seattle, Soiree Messenger, stores |
Monday, June 15th, 2009
incognito Soiree baby bag
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!
Tags: custom bag, diaper bag purse, machine washable, messenger bag, new mom, one of a kind, purse that can be a baby bag
Posted in baby bags, custom handbags, design studio, Soiree Messenger |
Saturday, May 2nd, 2009
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.
Tags: baby, custom bag, diaper, men, messenger, one of a kind
Posted in baby bags, custom handbags, design studio |
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.”
Tags: classic bags, custom bag, handbag, handbags, ideal bite, one of a kind, press, purse, reclaimed leather, richly-colored bags, unique tote bag, vegetable tanned leather
Posted in Metier tote |
Helloooo! I'm Crystalyn. My blog is a peek behind the scenes of how I make my
