http://Solsisters.ArtFire.com en-us Sat, 22 Aug 2009 09:14:26 MST Sat, 22 Aug 2009 09:14:26 MST http://www.artfire.com/rss/studio/ ArtFire RSS Generator matt@artfire.com (Matthew J Giustino, ArtFire.com) Sat, 22 Aug 2009 09:14:26 MST http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=ViewListing&product_id=377194 <a href="http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=ViewListing&product_id=377194"> <img align="left" border="none" hspace="5" style="padding-right: 25px;" src="http://static.artfire.com/admin/product_images/thumbs/3505_product_369386612_thumb_crop.jpg"> </a> Scraps of Freedom Americana Market Tote by Carried Away Team Team Leader Krystal of Solsisters is a great companion for all American pastimes like beach combing, picnic going, play dates at the park or a day out shopping at your local farmer's market. Roomy at a generous 16" wide by 14" high, it features a large inside zip pocket, a divided regular pocket for your cell phones or digital cameras and a key hook to keep your keys from migrating all the way to the bottom of the bag. The bag sits comfortably under your shoulder and expands to hold a LOT of stuff. The bottom is double interfaced, but not stiff, to make it easy to roll the bag up and pack it for weekend getaways. In America's early tradition of waste-not, want-not and pioneer quilting from whatever fabric was on hand, the surface of the bag has been crazy patched over in mostly red and blue scraps. America's ever blooming optimisim is recognized through a hint of sunny yellow in the Hibicus flowers on fabric brought back from Hawaii by Solsister's mom. This reference to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii is also is a quiet tribute to America's fighting men and women from World War II. The "star" feature of the bag is of course, the bold white-on-white raw edge folded origami stars, made by Solsister's 11 year old daughter. The stars symbolize our fighting spirit. No matter how ragged we get, we still keep going. The stars will fray a bit with washing but don't worry, they are very firmly appliqued in place. The bag is finished off with American flag tabs connecting dark navy batik shoulder straps with gunmetal D-rings. Lined in a light blue fabric with streamers of white dots. It went out with me last night to the open air Star Spangled Spectacular concert by the Las Vegas Philharmonic and was commented on by some of Las Vegas' local notables. You're sure to draw similar compliments when you own this bag. All proceeds from the sale of this bag (less shipping & Etsy fees) will be donated to http://www.HeroBox.org. This bag was inspired by a bag challenge issued by the Carried Away Bag Team. You can visit us online at http://www.carriedawayteam.blogspot.com You can learn to do flip and sew patchwork by following Solsister's tutorial at: http://www.solsistershandbags.com/2009/01/tutorial-flip-and-sew-patchwork-and.html Visit Solsisters etsy shop at: http://www.solsisters.etsy.com Follow her on Twitter at: http://www.twitter.com/solsisters Within the US, this bag will ship USPS Priority Mail. All other destinations are via International First Class Mail. http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=ViewListing&product_id=377194 Sat, 22 Aug 2009 09:07:56 MST http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=ViewListing&product_id=377189 <a href="http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=ViewListing&product_id=377189"> <img align="left" border="none" hspace="5" style="padding-right: 25px;" src="http://static.artfire.com/admin/product_images/thumbs/3505_product_134008736_thumb_crop.jpg"> </a> Remember those School House Rock cartoons on TV every Saturday morning in the 70s and 80s? I learned all about our how our government is supposed to work and some American history from those catchy tunes. What I also absorbed was the feeling of pride and belief in the dreams America was founded on. Now that I am an adult, I realize government is not so simple and maybe those ideals had more to them then what was in the songs, but I still believe in the core ideal of freedom to live your own life and make what you can of yourself. "The Great American Melting Pot" is my tribute to the song of the same name that really explained to my then 8-year old mind how America was the land of second chances for so many. It also taught how Americans are made of many backgrounds and that, in the early days, our country welcomed them all. Ive tried to teach my daughter that same idea of tolerance for everyone she encounters. Flashback from Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZWJ4udW41Ns This flowerpot-style bag is Americana through and through. Red patchwork base with a stripe of white topped off with origami blue frayed edge stars made by my daughter. The bag is lined in blue with a zipper pocket and a red pocket. Long handles of deep indigo with a white floral pattern make this a comfortable shoulder bag or tote. Measures 14" across the top, 7" the bottom. Base is about 2" wide. Closes with a magnetic snap. This bag is brought to you by Solsisters and her daughter. http://www.solsisters.etsy.com. It is also listed in our team shop at http://www.cabteam.etsy.com. PROCEEDS from the sale of this bag and all the other in the shop will be used to fund our ongoing efforts to send a herobox (http://www.herobox.org) each month to our adopted Marine and her unit in Iraq. Our soldiers really appreciate boxes from home and we hope youll help us keep sending them. You can see the last two boxes we sent on the team blog at http://www.carriedawayteam.blogspot.com http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=ViewListing&product_id=377189 Sat, 22 Aug 2009 09:02:15 MST http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=ViewListing&product_id=377184 <a href="http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=ViewListing&product_id=377184"> <img align="left" border="none" hspace="5" style="padding-right: 25px;" src="http://static.artfire.com/admin/product_images/thumbs/3505_product_1853687203_thumb_crop.jpg"> </a> Martha is a small commuter or camera bag. She measures 8" wide by 8.5" high by 1.5" across the base. The top of the bag is zippered and there is a double pocket on the front. A rescued Court House Steps quilt block in navy, maroon and cream makes a lined zip pocket on the front and where the pouch is attached to the bag, it forms another pocket big enough for a slim paperback book or small moleskin notebook, making this little wonder a pocket lover's dream. Great for dog walking, commuting, camera stuff or a day of shopping, Martha hangs from an adjustable strap so you can wear it cross body or over your shoulder. http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=ViewListing&product_id=377184 Wed, 20 May 2009 12:08:17 MST http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=ViewListing&product_id=230143 <a href="http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=ViewListing&product_id=230143"> <img align="left" border="none" hspace="5" style="padding-right: 25px;" src="http://static.artfire.com/admin/product_images/thumbs/3505_product_1260227180_thumb_crop.jpg"> </a> The "runway worthy" clutch is a stunner for anyone who champions the cause of literacy or just likes to be accompanied by wise words. Soliloquy is made from a one of a kind handpainted pink/orange and navy fabric by my wonderful friend Mollie from Monkey Shine Design. http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5545587 She only made a very small piece and this is the ONLY bag I can make from it. The background is this vibrant orange tinged with brink pink with many variations & swirls of color over the cloth. In my house this special color, seen most frequently in mother nature's spectacular sunsets, is called "plorange." The lettering is in a deep, dark blue, almost black. The cloth features hand painted literary quotes in an elegant curling calligraphy. The piping is a hand dyed blue/purple cotton. The bag lining is also hand dyed deep navy with a tinge of purple. Crowning the bag is a handmade lampwork borosilicate glass bead. The outer clear glass encases a complex swirl of color in purple with orange and peach highlights. It almost glows luminous in sunlight. The bead was made by Elesha in her studio up in Oregon. http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5245919 Framing the focal bead are matte cherry red and orange glass beads from local lampwork artist Trev at Geosoul Arts. http://www.geosoul.com/ Finishing off are little roundelles of pink and red glass. Soliloquy closes with a brass tone magnetic snap under the flap. The bag measures 9.5" wide by 5" high. It has some shape to it and will nicely hold phone, keys, cards, lipstick and cash. http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=ViewListing&product_id=230143 Wed, 20 May 2009 12:05:06 MST http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=ViewListing&product_id=230134 <a href="http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=ViewListing&product_id=230134"> <img align="left" border="none" hspace="5" style="padding-right: 25px;" src="http://static.artfire.com/admin/product_images/thumbs/3505_product_10009136_thumb_crop.jpg"> </a> This breezy summer tote was made from a an orphan Storm at Sea quilt block I made some years ago. Its cool colors remind you of beach holidays and summer afternoons. Roomy with an outside pocket and a big zippered inside pocket, it even has a key hook so you dont spend time hunting for lost keys. Long, comfortable shoulder straps and a fun two color lining finish off this seaside treasure. Typhoon measures 12" x 12" and the handles are about 14" from the top of the bag to the apex for easy over the shoulder wear. http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=ViewListing&product_id=230134 Sun, 29 Mar 2009 15:29:33 MST http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=ViewListing&product_id=159884 <a href="http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=ViewListing&product_id=159884"> <img align="left" border="none" hspace="5" style="padding-right: 25px;" src="http://static.artfire.com/admin/product_images/thumbs/3505_product_1535246428_thumb_crop.jpg"> </a> Raina is perfect for a night out when you only need the essentials. Take her to a concert, movie or dinner date and enjoy the envious glances. Bold daises are surrounding by a black and white abstract print. The flap is adorned with a glowing orange swirl lamp work bead that my friend Debbie from Santiam Designs sent me. Little tendrils of smaller beads stick out to add some punch to this flowery girl. Orange Soda pop handle compliments the bead work. THIS is delicate and should be CAREFULLY handwashed. There is velcro hidden under the flap and pocket inside plenty large for your cell phone. The base of slightly expandable. Raina measures just over 7" wide by 6.75" tall. Handle is long enough to wear across the body. The focal bead is just about the size of a quarter. http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=ViewListing&product_id=159884 Tue, 17 Mar 2009 12:22:05 MST http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=ViewListing&product_id=139554 <a href="http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=ViewListing&product_id=139554"> <img align="left" border="none" hspace="5" style="padding-right: 25px;" src="http://static.artfire.com/admin/product_images/thumbs/3505_product_788909383_thumb_crop.jpg"> </a> My Chandry cat blue lively blue striped Hip Pocket Bag is great for those grab-and-go days when you don't need to carry the world with you. The flap is decorated with a small print of my friend Gina Quarantro's sassy cat painting (used with permission.) http://artcenteronline.com/gina-quaranto/ There is a small pocket on the back of the yoke that could be used for a camera or phone. purse measures about 7" wide x 9.5" high. http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=ViewListing&product_id=139554 Tue, 17 Mar 2009 12:18:39 MST http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=ViewListing&product_id=139549 <a href="http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=ViewListing&product_id=139549"> <img align="left" border="none" hspace="5" style="padding-right: 25px;" src="http://static.artfire.com/admin/product_images/thumbs/3505_product_784066207_thumb_crop.jpg"> </a> This small green handbag features an all over handpainted "happy" fabric from Mollie over at Monkey Shine Designs. (http://www.monkeyshinedesign.etsy.com) The paints are slightly metallic in sunlight. It has cheerful yellow handles and is lined in deep maroon with six yellow pockets. Closes with an antique brass magnetic snap. The bag has a felt interfacing so will hold it shape well and stand up on its own. 9" wide x 5.5" tall x 2.5" deep http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=ViewListing&product_id=139549 Tue, 17 Mar 2009 12:03:55 MST http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=ViewListing&product_id=139533 <a href="http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=ViewListing&product_id=139533"> <img align="left" border="none" hspace="5" style="padding-right: 25px;" src="http://static.artfire.com/admin/product_images/thumbs/3505_product_1724446347_thumb_crop.jpg"> </a> We've all had those days.. when everything is going 10 billion miles an hour and you've just come unglued around the edges because the center cannot hold. This incredibly bright striped handbag has energy to spare and the print reminds me of that frantic pace. The flap is decorated with many colorful buttons, including one green one that lost it and broke in half under the stress. I left it in anyway because it reminds us that one crack bit isn't an instant sentence to the trash bin and maybe we ought to give ourselves a little break once in a while. The bag is lined in a mottled blue and has an inside zipper pocket with a bright green zipper. Gunmetal finish magnetic snap under the flap. Bag measures about 10.5" wide by 9" tall. Handle is about 19" from top of bag to shoulder. http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=ViewListing&product_id=139533 Fri, 27 Feb 2009 10:58:30 MST http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=ViewListing&product_id=111884 <a href="http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=ViewListing&product_id=111884"> <img align="left" border="none" hspace="5" style="padding-right: 25px;" src="http://static.artfire.com/admin/product_images/thumbs/3505_product_1342906616_thumb_crop.jpg"> </a> Tintaglia is a drop dead, show stopping orange and purple large handbag adorned with original skull art by local Las Vegas artist Gina Quaranto. http://artcenteronline.com/gina-quaranto/ The bag is made with stiff interfacing to give it a lot of body. This fabric was a lightweight sheer that I had intended to make a tunic top out of. It is rich with details and even some metallic accents. The Front features a hires print of Gina's skull painting framed with black bias tape and a black trim. The handles are purple and ornage, sized to be worn comfortably under the shoulder. Across the entire width of the back is a deep pocket, great for papers and notebooks. Inside are 4 more pockets. Two small ones and a deep double stacked one. The bag closes with a antique finish brass magnetic snap. Measures 12" wide, 3.5" deep and about 10" high. Handles are 12" from top of bag to shoulder. Tintaglia is the name of the dragon in Robin Hobb's LiveShip Traders Trilogy http://www.robinhobb.com/books-main.html. An throughly wonderful read. The bag is washable BY HAND in cold. Hang to dry. http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=ViewListing&product_id=111884 Fri, 27 Feb 2009 10:24:46 MST http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=ViewListing&product_id=111841 <a href="http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=ViewListing&product_id=111841"> <img align="left" border="none" hspace="5" style="padding-right: 25px;" src="http://static.artfire.com/admin/product_images/thumbs/3505_product_1225890315_thumb_crop.jpg"> </a> This unique wild eyed extra pocket blue and orange hip pouch is made from two pieces of my friend Mollie's hand painted fabrics. The outside pocket is a wild handpainted eyeball and the main body of the bag is one of Mollie's swab cloths. The bag has a covered cord handle that will fray along the length with washing. It is worn across the body and is great for those who do not carry lots of stuff. Lined in a peachy hatch print. Zipper top. Measures 7.5" across, 9" high. Outside pocket has raw edge top and measures just over 5" wide x 6.5" high. Mollie of Monkeyshine Design http://www.monkeyshinedesign.etsy.com The girl's name Taisie ta(i)-sie is of Irish origin. In legend, Taisie was a princess of Rathlin Island said to have been the most beautiful woman in the world with her dazzling blue eyes and long curling tresses. http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=ViewListing&product_id=111841 Thu, 05 Feb 2009 00:27:56 MST http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=ViewListing&product_id=83412 <a href="http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=ViewListing&product_id=83412"> <img align="left" border="none" hspace="5" style="padding-right: 25px;" src="http://static.artfire.com/admin/product_images/thumbs/3505_product_276256094_thumb_crop.jpg"> </a> Keep an eye on the world around you with this observant tote. A teacher or student would LOVE this bag! Mollie (http://www.monkeyshinedesign.etsy.com) sent me this incredible piece of one of a kind hand painted eyeball fabric. It told me it wanted to be the star of the show, so I made an abstract square collage on both sides of this hefty navy blue tote. The edges are left raw and are meant to fray with use. A varigated blue suede yarn is couched around the sides to frame the many eyes. The inside has both a large zip pocket and a double stacked divided pocket. Lots of room to stash stuff. Measuring in at 11" wide by 12.5" high by 2.5" deep, it has a plastic canvas insert in the base to give it a stiff bottom. Handles are a comfortable 20" from bag top to shoulder. The blue is a pants weight bottom fabric. I think it might be twill. http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=ViewListing&product_id=83412