Tuesday, February 19, 2013

I'm a Little ARTrageous!


 It's all about me! 
And I am feeling a little ARTrageous!
ARTrageous Bag: Front view flap
Being that I am really more of an artist than a quilter, ARTrageous is more about me.
And as I get older, I load on more and more jewelry and love more ARTrageous prints (especially animal skins) and outfits.  And of course, just being an artist means I must be a little....well....weird!

So I adapted the Amy Bradley's patten image to be more about me.  And since I love to make bags and purses, I decided to do one more bag for the blog.
It is going to be so good when I get it done....but...
time is spinning on and my project is not quite finished....so I am rushing...and rushing...and of course, when you rush that is when things start to happen! 

It was going so well until...
the thread on my machine broke....

Side view
and I could not rethread it.....and I tried....and tried...and tried again...I even took the needle out and tried to thread it in better light and then tried to put it back on the machine....but, well, no...then I decided it was the old needle and tried a new...one more time...and it threaded easily. 

Okay, back on track, sewing smoothly, evenly, and without a hitch.....
but oh, no, the bobbin ran out! 

As the evening wore on, it became dark and a hunger husband arrived.... I needed to take a little break to prepare supper.  But not before quickly finishing up the purse lining and then I can sit down and finish up. 
Back view: pockets, pockets, pockets.
But no!  the lining was backwards so I put the water on to boil for supper and starting ripping out lining stitches....but when I was inches from finishing ripping out I realized ....I was wrong ....and had done it right!



Magazine pocket under front flap.

So that's it for me! 
A special thanks to Amy Bradley for her inspirational pattern.
and a special thanks to Madame Samm for her motivational blog hops. 
and another special thanks goes to Marlene for being our cheerful leader! 
As usual, it has been fun!

Several of you have asked about what pattern I used for this purse so I am adding this to the post.  
The design is mine.  I made it up as I went along.  Every time I see a purse, I look at it and add it to my memory of good ideas to do and I love pockets and divisions in purses and am always looking for ways to make them easily.  Seldom will I actually buy a pattern.   I just wing it.  So I make mistakes and have to correct and redo but it is all fun to me.  At some point I might try to write up patterns but this is one of a kind at this posting.  I appreciate all of the sweet comments I have gotten and inquiries about the pattern.  You have made my day!! 
Detail of pattern design 

Buzzing and Bumbling
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100 comments:

  1. grandmarocktonFebruary 19, 2013 at 11:09 PM

    This has been SOOOOOOOOO Much fun!

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  2. JanetFebruary 19, 2013 at 11:17 PM

    Love your bag and your Artrageous self!

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  3. SueFebruary 19, 2013 at 11:30 PM

    Great bag, great idea!

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  4. ScrapatchesFebruary 19, 2013 at 11:46 PM

    This is Art-fabulous! And a great tote bag! Thanks for sharing ... :) Pat

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  5. RobinFebruary 19, 2013 at 11:46 PM

    I really really love your bag! I thought for a minute that you were writing about ME! That is exactly the kind of stuff I do on a regular basis! And if you are like me, you wont have learned one single lesson from the mishaps!!!!! Your bag turned out great and that is the important thing!

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    Replies
    1. DarlaFebruary 20, 2013 at 5:29 AM

      Well.....if it is just like you then you know there is a ton of stuff I did not tell about that were obstacles in my course! I just told of my obstacles of the evening! Somedays I just have to keep my eye on the goal! Thank you.

      Delete
  6. The Thimblemouse of Country CrossroadsFebruary 20, 2013 at 12:08 AM

    Love your bag - what a great idea!

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  7. Judy BFebruary 20, 2013 at 12:30 AM

    Love your bag! The "clear" glasses and the fantastic jewelry. Is that your kitty on your shoulder? Thank you for sharing you!

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  8. NatiFebruary 20, 2013 at 1:14 AM

    Love her and the bad! Tanks for sharing

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  9. HeideFebruary 20, 2013 at 1:16 AM

    What a neat bag! So many cool pockets to stash stuff. Animal prints are so much fun to work with. Where did you find those glasses?

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    1. DarlaFebruary 20, 2013 at 5:46 AM

      The glasses were from Hobby Lobby. My sister, Linda, from Buzzing and Bumbling found them while we were together shopping and since I wear glasses I got them. I just got lucky they "fit" the look. I could have just continued adding pockets but was concerned of stitching all those layers together. As it is there are four divisions of pockets in the back making 7 layers. It was just too much fun!

      Delete
  10. MartinaFebruary 20, 2013 at 1:47 AM

    Oh I absolutely love what you did with her. The glasses are just perfect. Very cute bag! Great!

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  11. DiFebruary 20, 2013 at 2:18 AM

    Those glasses are very special! I think you were clever to come up with the idea of making her into a bag, and it's a great success!

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  12. Lorene HolbrookFebruary 20, 2013 at 2:29 AM

    Great job! Love your bag.

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  13. GillFebruary 20, 2013 at 3:01 AM

    Fabulous! I love your bag - yours is the first I've seen with 'see-through' glasses!! her face is so expressive!
    Thank you for sharing

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  14. Britt-IngerFebruary 20, 2013 at 3:20 AM

    Your bag is wonderful with an awesome lady on it. Thanks for sharing your creativity and your story with the work to get the bag finished.

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  15. ChiskaFebruary 20, 2013 at 3:52 AM

    I love it!

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  16. charlotteFebruary 20, 2013 at 4:05 AM

    Cool bag and I love your gal. Love the cat on the shoulder.

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    1. DarlaFebruary 20, 2013 at 5:48 AM

      Thanks, Charlotte. That is Einstein, my cat. He is a bit old now, and a bit snippy, with an attitude of entitlement. I had to include him.

      Delete
  17. Little PenpenFebruary 20, 2013 at 5:30 AM

    Nice!! And she is so young looking and pretty! What a sassy gal!

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    1. DarlaFebruary 20, 2013 at 5:50 AM

      Well....I used to be young. In my original drawing I added a bit of jowls but in the final moments I got a facelift! Or what are they called now...a life lift! But inside....I don't have jowls and I am still young.

      Delete
  18. Judy Cooper Textile ArtistFebruary 20, 2013 at 5:31 AM

    Love your work. Glasses are great. What did you use for them?

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    1. DarlaFebruary 20, 2013 at 5:55 AM

      Thank you, Judy. The glasses are some of the novelty jewelry finds from Hobby Lobby. They are a hard resin or some sort of hard material and have holes on each end to sew.

      Delete
  19. SparkyFebruary 20, 2013 at 5:50 AM

    Oh yes Darla. so you you you ....you did a great project just filled with inspiration

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  20. JeanieFebruary 20, 2013 at 5:53 AM

    Love your "bag lady!" Love all of the busy fabrics, her glasses, her loyal cat... just all of it. Great Job!

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  21. Marla's CraftsFebruary 20, 2013 at 5:56 AM

    That is amazing. I love the bag. The best one yet. My grand daughter would love that one.

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  22. gpcFebruary 20, 2013 at 6:03 AM

    WOW!!! What a really fabulous project! I absolutely love it!

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  23. ThearicaFebruary 20, 2013 at 6:10 AM

    That is an awesome tote!! LOVE all of those intertwining pockets on the back!

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  24. GwenFebruary 20, 2013 at 6:25 AM

    I just love how your lady turned out--and what a beautiful bag! I also love the "hunger husband" statement--so appropriate!

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  25. Quilt Doodle DesignsFebruary 20, 2013 at 6:29 AM

    I LOVE your bag, it is fabulous! Your 'All About Me' project turned out so wonderfully. Thank you for sharing!

    Happy quilting!

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  26. JoyceLMFebruary 20, 2013 at 6:37 AM

    Love your Me-bag. Thanks for sharing.

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  27. Sowing StitchesFebruary 20, 2013 at 6:39 AM

    Sounds like you had 'one of them days' but my oh my...what a delightful finish!!! :)

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  28. krislovesfabricFebruary 20, 2013 at 6:50 AM

    Fun fabric choices and the glasses really add to your look :)

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  29. vickiFebruary 20, 2013 at 7:02 AM

    Oh I love it! Thanks for sharing! vickise at gmail dot com

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  30. Marjorie's Busy CornerFebruary 20, 2013 at 7:12 AM

    Wonderful bag!!! It is such a different style...I love it!!!! And you put such effort into this; making your lady more like you....good for you!!!!

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  31. CarolineFebruary 20, 2013 at 7:27 AM

    I love her! That is a fantastic bag, and I love so much about this: her hair, the details of her face, the flower in her hair, the glasses, the jewelry! It is all so good. Good job!

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  32. Just Quilt ItFebruary 20, 2013 at 7:41 AM

    What an awesome lady--very creative. I think the bag is great. What pattern did you use? I love all of the pockets. You certainly made this pattern your own! Great job!

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    1. DarlaFebruary 20, 2013 at 8:00 AM

      Thank you for your sweet comments. I never use a pattern for my bags. I just make them up and sometimes it is a matter of making them up as I go along. Some day...when I am retired (soon)....I will make patterns available for download but for now, I am doing well just to get a bag made. Maybe during my spring break I can make the pattern for this one. Spring break starts here in two weeks and a half weeks! Yea!!

      Delete
  33. UnknownFebruary 20, 2013 at 7:44 AM

    Oh she is fantastic and I love how you put her into a bag....it is like advertising....great job.

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  34. Carol SwiftFebruary 20, 2013 at 7:50 AM

    I loved reading your adventure in sewing your bag...too funny, yet look how cute it turned out. I've done the rip-it-out thing and then realized I was right. So frustrating. I do love your bag!

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  35. Linda CFebruary 20, 2013 at 7:50 AM

    Oh I so admire anyone that can make a bag/tote. I am never happy with my results though I love the idea of them!

    Good on you for your artful rendition! It is a hoot! I bet a lot of folks are going to stop you and ask you first, where you got your bag and 2nd, how much you would charge to make them one.

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  36. Mary CouchFebruary 20, 2013 at 7:51 AM

    Very clever purse... And... ;* I'm glad you gave your lady a better bra!!! She is so young and hip looking!
    Hugs from Mary

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  37. Kathy @ Kwilty PleasuresFebruary 20, 2013 at 8:04 AM

    Very creative spirit. Thanks for sharing your "ME"

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  38. JudyCinNCFebruary 20, 2013 at 8:11 AM

    And your Art shines through brightly - so very cute and creative and so you ?!!!! Judy C in NC

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  39. Agnes B. BullockFebruary 20, 2013 at 8:40 AM

    WOW- this is gorgeous!

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  40. AnonymousFebruary 20, 2013 at 8:41 AM

    Hi Darla, I love your Artrageous bag! It's perfect. I love practical uses of things and as far as I'm concerned there's never enough pockets in a purse. Purse designers for the most part must be men because they wouldn't design them they way they do-they don't use them! Ha! LOL! That why my next purse is going to be my design. Thanks for sharing. Rosemary

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  41. Katherine McNeeseFebruary 20, 2013 at 8:45 AM

    Love the bag! What is the pattern?

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    Replies
    1. DarlaFebruary 20, 2013 at 8:54 AM

      Katherine, I made up the pattern. I have been doing bags for years and just make them up as I go along. I am hoping maybe in a couple of weeks when I am on Spring I can make up a pattern and put it out there for a download or pdf for email. But at this moment in time, I was doing well to get the bag done. I so appreciate your sweet comments.

      Delete
  42. Kathy HFebruary 20, 2013 at 8:46 AM

    Your bag is just beautiful and I love your artrageous lady.

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  43. Daryl @ Patchouli Moon StudioFebruary 20, 2013 at 8:49 AM

    Love your artrageous tote bag. It's so great.

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  44. Teresa QuiltsFebruary 20, 2013 at 8:54 AM

    I love your bag! It really shows the artsy side of you!

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  45. Rosemary B❤️February 20, 2013 at 8:59 AM

    Rosemary B here: LOVE your bag with creative and artrageous YOU. I think this is wonderful. I love the jewelry and all of the fabrics and embellishments together. Well done. I adore it. Thank you so much for sharing your always wonderful creativity

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  46. Gmama JaneFebruary 20, 2013 at 9:26 AM

    Another WINNER! Fancy Purse Style!
    Blessings
    Gmama Jane

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  47. WendyFebruary 20, 2013 at 9:29 AM

    wow, you really have personalised your "me", she looks great!

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  48. MaryFebruary 20, 2013 at 9:41 AM

    Great idea! Love what you did with the pattern.

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  49. CalicojoanFebruary 20, 2013 at 9:45 AM

    Truly fabulous. I can't tell you how much I love your "me". I never though about a tote bag, but I found a messanger bag online a few years ago that would be perfect for this pattern. Looks like I am going back down to my sewing cave! Thanks for the inspiration! Way too coooooool!

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  50. SuzeFebruary 20, 2013 at 9:53 AM

    You know yourself - you are ARTRAGEOUS. I don't have an artistic bone in my body. Creative, yes, but not artistic. I rejoice with you that you are honing your talents and sharing them with us through blogging. I'm trying to use my talents and be elated for others who are honing their talents, instead of wishing I had their talents. Not only a great rendering of yourself, but also a great purse. Please continue to blog, share yourself with us, and inspire us.

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  51. SIMPLESEWFebruary 20, 2013 at 10:19 AM

    This is so most CREATIVE TO ME.. love it.

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  52. Needled MomFebruary 20, 2013 at 10:41 AM

    Very cute and so practical as well.

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  53. PattyFebruary 20, 2013 at 10:56 AM

    I LOVE IT! Great job.

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  54. Patty February 20, 2013 at 11:07 AM

    So very creative twist on the pattern!

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  55. Farm QuilterFebruary 20, 2013 at 11:32 AM

    Love your ARTrageous bag!! Awesome pattern - you are so creative!!!

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  56. Vicki HFebruary 20, 2013 at 11:52 AM

    You are ARTRAGEOUS! I love the creativity. thanks for being part of the hop.

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  57. CliodanaFebruary 20, 2013 at 12:23 PM

    such a wonderful bag. love the back pocket really beautiful. thank's for sharing it's so insparing

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  58. TammyFebruary 20, 2013 at 12:56 PM

    Oh my goodness I love love love this project the best of all I have seen today. Everybody has amazeing projects. But yours just sings to my soul. I think I may be a tad art rageous sometimes too...Bling it up ...Love wild prints .My sister once told em I could trhow anything together and it would look awesome on me but make anyone else look like a clown...

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  59. VickiFebruary 20, 2013 at 1:00 PM

    She certainly is special Great to see a real artist's interpretation

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  60. SandyMayFebruary 20, 2013 at 1:09 PM

    What a great purse and knowing it's your own design makes it even better. Loved reading about your foibles - especially the ripping out of the correctly sewn lining. Been there; done that.

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  61. legato1958February 20, 2013 at 2:07 PM

    Awesome! I just love your "portrait" and your bag!

    Susie

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  62. BizyStitchesFebruary 20, 2013 at 2:53 PM

    This is one of the best ideas I've seen so far. I can see why people are asking about the bag pattern, you are very talented.

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  63. CreateologyFebruary 20, 2013 at 2:53 PM

    Fabulously fun blog hop. I adore your bag which you have personalized and created with your medium in mind. Happy Hearts are Creative Hearts...

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  64. ✄ Erin @ Sew at Home Mummy ✄February 20, 2013 at 2:55 PM

    VERY COOL! I love the bag and your 'me'. Super creative and very gorgeous!

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  65. Susie February 20, 2013 at 3:02 PM

    Hi Darla Thanks for sharing I think she looks great and such a handy bag. Susie x

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  66. LouFebruary 20, 2013 at 4:26 PM

    Cute!! You were really thinking outside the box with this one! Love it!!!

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  67. StitchinByTheLakeFebruary 20, 2013 at 4:52 PM

    Well this is just darling! And your story hilarious - those things happen to me all the time. :) I particularly loved that you took the needle out to try to thread it. I hadn't thought of that one or I'd have tried it myself! blessings, marlene

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  68. Michele TFebruary 20, 2013 at 5:58 PM

    You are amazing!! I love the slashed pockets... very unique and practical!! Thanks for sharing in the blog hop!!

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  69. LindaFebruary 20, 2013 at 6:55 PM

    You make me proud, little sister! I LOVE her almost as much as I love you!

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  70. CarinFebruary 20, 2013 at 7:09 PM

    You did a great job, its beautiful and I love her glasses.

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  71. JudithFebruary 20, 2013 at 8:33 PM

    Love, Love, Love your Art-a-rageous bag...Thanks for sharing...Judith, Texas

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  72. carlaFebruary 20, 2013 at 8:48 PM

    Hi!!! Love her!!! Love the bag!!! Thank You

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  73. Pamela KiefferFebruary 20, 2013 at 9:02 PM

    Thanks for sharing your story, we have all been in the same boat.
    Love you lady and clever bag.

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  74. LJFebruary 20, 2013 at 9:02 PM

    What a saga! I was able to feel the frustration. Loved how you added all the embellishments to YOU and the animal print outfit was superb! I am in awe of people who sew with no patterns.

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  75. ElizabethFebruary 20, 2013 at 9:21 PM

    What a delightful finish!!! Great job!

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  76. JanaramaFebruary 20, 2013 at 9:29 PM

    All sewists can relate to what you went through. Some days are just like that.

    Love your mini me purse. The ruffles, fabric colors, glasses ... well let's just say I love ALL of it.

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  77. In stitches and seamsFebruary 20, 2013 at 9:29 PM

    what a great design you have created .... just love it I am sure you'll have fun using your purse
    thanks for sharing
    in stitches

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  78. KarenFebruary 20, 2013 at 9:35 PM

    Now that is fancy!! Awesome job

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  79. Deb CFebruary 20, 2013 at 9:35 PM

    Absolutely awesome! I wish I could come up with half as many ideas. Excellent job! Thanks for sharing your gal and bag info!

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  80. Connie Kresin CampbellFebruary 20, 2013 at 9:51 PM

    What a wonderful design and how perfect on a purse! Love the glasses!

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  81. CherFebruary 20, 2013 at 11:44 PM

    one of my favorites thus far! love your story too

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  82. lefuntzFebruary 21, 2013 at 1:04 AM

    Another bag lady! I'm so glad she will get out and be seen. Love the animal prints. And sometimes you just need to walk away from the machine. Don't ya just hate days like that!

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  83. beckyFebruary 21, 2013 at 11:26 AM

    I am a bag and purse person also cannot have enough and I also do a lot of doodling in my mind if only it could all come out Thank-you for sharing your bag. Becky

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  84. UnknownFebruary 21, 2013 at 9:45 PM

    great work. we are so proud of you

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  85. OhioLoriFebruary 21, 2013 at 11:37 PM

    What a Wonderfully creative idea!!! LOOOOVE your purse!! AWESOME job!

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  86. MoeWestFebruary 22, 2013 at 2:37 PM

    Your artragious self is looking pretty styling! I love the glasses and that you made it into a bag.

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  87. Debra LeeFebruary 22, 2013 at 10:50 PM

    I love the glasses!

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  88. MarthaFebruary 23, 2013 at 7:36 AM

    Wow! This is outrageously cute! Thank you for sharing.

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  89. MicheleFebruary 24, 2013 at 6:18 AM

    It is spectacular and a great idea making her into a bag. Fun, fun, fun.

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  90. Bente-I like to QuiltBlogFebruary 25, 2013 at 3:24 PM

    -such a beauti and a great bag, wonderful idea!
    Thanks for sharing!

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  91. ValerieFebruary 26, 2013 at 6:59 AM

    I LOVE your bag! And your blog.

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  92. Jean BurkeFebruary 27, 2013 at 2:58 PM

    This is just terrific! Love the colors!

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