Michelle Obama Yellow

Michelle Obama's lemongrass suit by Isabel Toledo is bound to become a fashion milestone for 2009. Like Jackie's stylish suits and Nancy's signature red, this outfit will remain famous, as will the unique, optimistic color.

Edith for Michelle, originally uploaded by Laura Bee Seattle.

Here's a purse that I made as a tribute to our new First Lady's fashion. I paired a gorgeous vintage yellow velveteen with a luscious green silk that reminds me of Michelle's gloves and shoes.

Of course the inspiration outfit showcases a rhinestone neckpiece, so I completed the purse with this beautiful, cushion-shaped button.

Ms. Obama has said that helping military families will be her priority while she is first lady. In that spirit, I will donate 50% of the sale price of this bag and a similar luxe clutch to a charity that benefits the children of military personnel.

The National Military Family Association (NMFA) is highly rated by Charity Navigator. Here is an excerpt from their website,

"Your donation will help NMFA ease challenges faced by military kids. We work to ensure they have easier transitions between schools when they move, their credits are valid when they switch schools, and that their teachers and other adults understand what they may be experiencing inside -- particularly during times of war."

If you're interested in this Edith bag ($65) or the Luxe Clutch ($48) send me an email at info(at)laurabeedesigns.com and I'll get in touch with you.

Button Thursday: Sparkle Flower

Rhinestone Button on Green Clutch, originally uploaded by Laura Bee Seattle.

Tomorrow I'll show you a picture of the completed bag that is now the home for this beautiful button.

A Lesson for Humans

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Fabric Tuesday: Gray Paisley

With several shades of gray set on a creamy background, this Waverly Print is rich and versatile. For a classic, tailored look, we could pair the paisley with glossy black on a Chelsea bag. For a more bohemian feel, we could ruche fluid material on a Ruched Luxe Clutch and top it with a bright vintage button.

(Click the image to enlarge it.)

Heather Lewis Earrings

Local jewelry designer Heather Lewis creates beautiful sterling earrings under the label Crescent Moon Designs. We've sold her line for a couple of years now, and Heather always keeps things fresh with new designs and materials.

She recently sent this stunning photo our way. One of her best-selling styles, he earrings shown are made with luscious green Swarovski crystals.

Introducing: Reversible Charm Necklaces

We began these little charm necklaces at Christmas and they were quite popular gifts. Now we're making them available for wholesale and soon they'll appear on our website.

Shown above are three of our most popular bubble necklace designs translated into charms. On the right, you can see that the pretty vine pattern can be worn facing front, for two necklaces in one.

$24 per necklace

Button Thursday: Federal and State Brass

Hawaii Button, originally uploaded by Laura Bee Seattle.

In Living Color

Faux Leather Swatches, originally uploaded by Laura Bee Seattle.

This morning Ashley and I attended a lecture by Leatrice Eiseman, color guru for Pantone. We loved looking at her slides and hearing her insight into color trends for the new year. One tidbit: Mimosa Yellow is Pantone's color of the year for 2009, as epitomized by Michelle Obama's Inaugural outfit.

If you are interested in reading some Leatrice's color studies, visit her blog.

I was on the road to the lecture at 8 this morning so I wasn't able to watch the live appearance of our Luxe Clutch on King 5 News. Luckily, you can catch the clip here.

Fabric Tuesday: Collage Birds

Here's the first fabric in my new companion to Button Thursday. We have so many lovely fabrics in our stash, I thought you might enjoy a weekly piece of eye candy.

We just received this print in the mail today from one of our vendors. Made by Hoffman Fabrics, the print reminds me of a handmade paper collage with layers of texture.

My photograph looks more teal than the actual fabric, which is more green in tone. It would pair nicely with our espresso brown microsuede.

Spring Barrettes

These bright hair doodads are also part of our spring/summer wholesale line.

Chandelier Bubble Necklace

This design is the newest addition to our bubble necklace collection. I like the simplicity of the black and white design, although it would also be pretty with a pink or aqua background. I'll have to make some colorful versions in the next batch.

Introducing: Key Largo Collection

As soon as new year arrives, I need to hunker down and focus on a spring and summer wholesale line. Envisioning tropical paradise, I came up with this collection. If you walk the Pacific Market Center as a wholesale buyer, stop by the Holden and Company booth to see the styles in person.

The embellishment is a pretty coated cotton that combines geometric and floral motifs. This year I've added the Charlotte Zipper case to the wholesale line. It's a great size for pens, makeup, or all of the stuff that normally falls to the bottom of your purse.

Introducing: Deluxe Photo Notebook

With so many thoughts swirling around in my head these days, I need to write things down on lists or I worry I'll forget something important. Yesterday I made myself this book to keep in my purse to have at hand for jotting down To Do lists.

I created this faux leather cover for a 4" by 6" recycled paper notebook that I bought at a local bookstore. Once I fill up the pages, I can easily put a fresh book in the durable cover. So that I could find my place easily, I stitched in a ribbon bookmark.

Since I always have little scraps of paper like receipts and coupons floating around my bag, I stitched two clear pockets onto the inside front cover of the book.

I'm so happy with the results, that I'm now offering the notebook for sale as a custom photo product. This would be a great gift for both men and women. The front cover image is not limited to photos only. Consider company logos, artwork, or graphics as your focal point.

Available soon online. $32

Drawing + Color + Repeat = Cotton Fabric

While I was stuck at home during the crazy snowstorm last month, I got an early start one one of my 2009 ideas. Introducing, exclusive Laura Bee Designs fabric...

Inspired by ancient Chinese motifs, I designed this print using contemporary colors and a simple repeat. I had great fun tinkering around in Freehand changing the colors and repeats to learn how to create a compelling pattern. I'm just getting started and still have lots to learn.

I was so excited to receive my first yard in the mail last week, I had to sew up a little zipper case right away. I'll be creating new designs over the next month or so. These fabrics will available for custom bag design only, both in the shop and on our website. Have color or design suggestions? Send 'em my way.

They Help the Hounds

Late last year, we made these checkbook covers for Barbara Karant, a Chicago photographer. These majestic dog images are from her book, "Greyhounds."


Karant is selling this book as a fundraiser to help rescued greyhounds in her region. Coincidentally, my sister Susannah worked on the successful campaign to ban greyhound racing in Massachusetts last November. Thanks to both of these women for working to help dogs in need to have better lives.

Introducing Betsy

Here's my first new design for 2009. Betsy is a large clutch with a ruffle detail. She measures about 11 inches wide by about 6 inches tall. This sample features a vintage cotton print and teal microsuede.

I developed a new way to insert a zipper so that it doesn't show on the outside of the bag. While I was snowed in around Christmas I came up with this idea, but couldn't try it out for a couple of weeks. After that wait, I was extra pleased that the technique worked the first time.

Here's an example of the Betsy in a metallic floral print without contrasting suede.

Button Thursday: Metal Clover

Lucky Button, originally uploaded by Laura Bee Seattle.

Inventory

One of the less creative parts of running a business is the year end inventory. We've been meticulously counting ribbons, buttons, yards of fabric, plus outside lines of jewelry, etc.

I've been using a Transylvanian Muppet voice in my head. It only slightly alleviates the tedium. We're finally done. This week, I promise, we'll have more pictures of bags. Finally!

Happy New Year!

Leaf Reflection, originally uploaded by Laura Bee Seattle.

I find myself reflecting on the last few months, and preparing for those to come.

Hooray for fresh starts, new ideas, and great memories.