Uncategorized

Why do items labelled “Handcrafted” cost so much?

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Although few people are direct enough to explicitly ask this question, many do so through raising their eyebrows, quickly replacing the item they were holding, and walking away muttering about how the fabrics don’t cost anything near that amount.

Well, it’s not just about the fabrics you can see, although of course they need to be factored in! Bags and wallets usually need for more of the lining fabric than you might think, especially if pockets or credit card slots are involved. The exterior and lining fabric pieces each needs to be interfaced, and between the inner and outer layers there is often a stabiliser to give your bag structure.

Sometimes I make bags to my own design, but more often I make (or base my bags on) patterns designed and drafted by professional designers.

This week I made a Necessary Clutch Wallet (NCW). The pattern was designed by Janelle MacKay of Emmaline Bags, and the process began by actually purchasing the pattern pieces. Next was the task of choosing appropriate fabrics for the purse – in terms of colour, weight, texture, and blend. This took longer than you might think. After that it I had to cut the outer fabric, lining pieces, interfacing and stabiliser pieces, fuse then all together, and select appropriate clasps and zips. That done, I was ready to begin construction, Here are a couple of videos to illustrate the process:

Uncategorized

Mothering Sunday

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This year, Mothering Sunday falls on 31 March, and it will be with us before we know it! Are you ready? Here at JeaniusBags we have simple gives for much loved mothers (and grandmothers!) to suit pocket-money budgets.

Have a look at these examples – please remember that all prices exclude P&P.

Up to £20

Classy Cool Clutch Bags – £20

Zip N Go laptop bag – £20

Roma toiletry bag – £18

Ruffled and Ready kiss-clasp bag – £12

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Up to to £10

Covered notebook – £10

Denim totes – £10

Denim Sling Bag – £10

Groovy Glasses cases – £8

Cross-body Denim pocket bags – £8

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Up to £5

Shopping totes – £5

Zippered ID Purses – £5

Drawstring bags – £4

Makeup bags – £4

Pyramid Pouch – £4

Pencil cases – £4

Card holders – £3

Produce bags – £3

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Stuck for Gift Wrap ideas? Check these out!

Bottle bags – £4

Large gift bag – £5

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Please visit our website to see our full range of bags!

Christmas, Uncategorized

Have Yourself an Eco Little Christmas

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When I was little, Christmas morning – particularly unwrapping gifts – was a very orderly affair. We were under orders to carefully peel off the sellotape and leave the paper intact so that my mum could iron it and reuse it the following year.

How times have changed. These days more gifts are given, all are individually wrapped, and the paper is ripped off. The crumpled shred of torn paper are scrunched up and thrown on the wood-burner. After all, it can’t be recycled – the paper is full of metallics and plastics for the sheen, and to prevent accidental ripping before the Big Day.

This bothers me. Such a waste of natural resources, chemical printing processes, transport (to get the paper from the factories to the shops), our money, and our time in cutting, sticking and wrapping. And for what? To make a nice display under the Christmas tree, and keep the contents an eagerly anticipated secret.

There has to be a better way.

And now there is! Utterly reusable, these Christmas wrap gift bags will make your gifts look lovely under the tree and save you so much time and money. Take a look at the full range here.

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Coordinating Sets, Uncategorized

“Jeanius” Solutions to Everyday Problems

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I know, right. Enormous bags are necessary for carrying all your daily essentials, but how on earth are you supposed to find anything in it?

Thee answer is simple: a bag within a bag. Put your keys, purse, glasses and phone in a clutch, and the clutch in your tote. When you get home, just grab the clutch and you have the bare essentials for an evening out!

  • Totes £40
  • Man-bags £25
  • Clutch £20
  • Glasses case £8

£5 discount when you buy two or more of the above coordinating items in one transaction.

Coordinating Shopping Totes £5 each plus P&P

Coordinating coin purse £5, pencil case £4

cork, Uncategorized

Cork – a “vegan leather”

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This post is borrowed (with permission) from Toni of The Little British Fabric Shop, and explains all about cork – the fabric that really does grow on trees!

Hi, my name is Toni and I live in Wiltshire in England.  I am the owner of The Little British Fabric Shop where I sell quilting cottons and cork fabric through my websiteand in my spare time I love to make bags and purses (amongst other things!) which I sell through Facebook or at local craft fairs. You can also follow me on Instagram (and very occasionally twitter) @tlbfs

What is cork fabric?

Cork fabric, also known as cork leather or vegan leather, is produced from thin cork shavings which are obtained directly from the bark of the cork oak tree. The cork shavings are backed typically with a combination of cotton, polyester and polyurethane and is very soft to the touch and very flexible.

When the bark of the cork oak tree is removed a new layer of cork re-grows, making it a renewable resource. When harvested at regular intervals the trees can thrive for centuries.  This is what makes the cork oak unique as it is the only tree that survives even after its bark had been stripped from it.  The bark can develop considerable thickness and can be harvested every 7 to ten years.

So it’s renewable which means it’s sustainable, and there are no harmful chemicals involved in the production of cork fabric which means it is also environmentally and eco-friendly.

But that’s not all!  Cork fabric is hypoallergenic because it doesn’t absorb dust, so it helps to protect against allergies and does not pose a risk to asthma sufferers. It is anti-fungal which means it will not go mouldy when it gets damp. It is waterproof, stain resistant and easily cleaned. And it is as durable as leather, yet as versatile as fabric which I think is what makes it such a popular choice for makers of bags and apparel. Finally, it is seen as an animal friendly alternative to leather and so is very popular as a vegan leather substitute – you will find that most manufacturers of cork and cork apparel will carry the ‘PETA Approved’ logo (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals).

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