Personalized Picture Keychain

 

I just made this custom photo key chain for a customer and I thought it was so cute that I should share it with you. What a perfect gift for the mother who has everything. Plus these key chains are super-functional because they keep your keys from dropping to the bottom of your bag!

At only $16, you can get one for each person on your list without breaking the bank. Learn more here.

California Wedding Wristlets in Action

Back in March I told you about an upcoming wedding in sunny California and showed you these wristlets. Recently, my customer checked back in with me and posted this lovely picture of the couple and their attendants, each with a Laura Bee Designs wristlet.

I dig the green dresses in various shades, paired with cowboy boots. Don't they look like they're having the best time?

Thanks Danielle, for making LBD a small part of your wedding day!

Staying Optimistic with Your Support

As I begin planning our 9 Year Anniversary party, I find myself reflecting on the journey I've taken since opening up shop on the corner of 65th and 20th in Ballard in 2002. At that time, I'd sold bags for about a year at local craft shows and two home boutique shows.

The customers who bought my bags way back then gave me the courage to keep trying, keep designing, and continue building my dream business.  

Heartfelt thanks to all of my customers - old and new. Thank you for coming back to shop at LBD for the last nine years. I can't wait to see what the next nine look like.

Along the way some amazing women have worked with me cutting and sewing bags, decorating windows, doing year-end inventory, and above all, custom designing personalized accessories. Thank you to my inspiring staff.


I count my blessings each day that I get to do what I love, and share my obsession with fabric, buttons, and design with customers old and new. It's not always easy; other small business owners know the optimism and fortitude it takes to believe that customers will keep coming day after day, year after year.

I am in this business for the long haul, and plan to make bags and accessories for the next decade and beyond.

I must be honest: Times are tough for everyone, and Laura Bee Designs is not immune to economic downturns. We appreciate your support and purchases now more than ever.

Despite the economic news of late, I'm stocking the store with great stuff - scarves ($18-$30), bracelets ($3-$28), necklaces ($12-$40) and tons of other great gifts arrive each week. Of course, we have lots of new custom bag materials and designs too.

Let's shove pessimism to the side and embrace optimism (and bright color), as we count our blessings heading into the holiday season.

Wedding Collection: Black and Red and Classic All Over

Wedding season extends through September in Seattle. Rich colors, especially reds, are perfect for the fall season and pair beautifully with the gorgeous dahlias in bloom right now.


Our customer on this collection was a thoughtful bride who wanted to capture each of her bridesmaid's personalities with her design choices.


I love the layered tuxedo look on this clutch. The red satin pleated ribbon perfectly sets off the off-white damask stripe.


The vintage silver-tone flower button makes the clutch one-of-a-kind, just like the girl carrying it.

Bad Girl Bracelets

Bad Girl Bracelets, originally uploaded by Laura Bee Seattle.

Wear one of these bracelets, and your inner rock star is bound to come out and sing.

$21, available in our shop, or call to order 206.789.4044.

September News & Website Newbies

Eleanor in Vine and Black Floral, Order here.

I admit that autumn is my favorite season. I love the cozy crisp feeling of the seasons changing. The textures and colors in autumn clothing make me happy.

With those thoughts in mind, I released the latest Laura Bee Designs newsletter yesterday. You can read it here. I know that inboxes can get clogged, so I strive to keep the my emails infrequent (monthly) and compelling. I also include special deals for subscribers. Sign up here.

Right now we also have a deal on web only orders. Enter the code OTIS$SEPT2011 in the coupon code box when you check out, and save $10 when you spend $30 or more before shipping costs. This offer expires September 28th.

I've posted lots of new stuff on the website recently. Check out the newbies here.

Chimp Rescue Donation: Annie & Burrito Love to Eat-o

For the last few years, we've made and donated items to the Chimp Sancutary NW auction each fall. This year I made two of our larger photo notebooks.


The seven chimps who live there were rescued from medical testing and brought to the NW to live out their golden years. You can read more about their amazing stories here.


The photographs the chimps' caregivers post on the sanctuary blog are incredible. I've chosen two of my favorites for this project. (Annie eating broccoli, right, and Burrito considers a coconut, left.)

Introducing Brulee Faux Leather

Image courtesy of http://www.baseballbakingandbooks.com

Our newest glossy faux leather is a warm golden tan color that is complex and delicious. After much brainstorming, Kim came up with the name Brulee, which is perfect.


This color is light and rich at the same time. It's a great alternative to brown, black or gray.


It's always great fun to make something out of a brand new material, and I had a great time sewing this Beatrice and matching wristlet. We've had this green brocade disk ribbon in our collection for some time, but it feels totally fresh and new when paired with Brulee.

Introducing Cognac Faux Leather

The caramel tones of cognac are rich, mysterious, and sophisticated.

Eve Bag in Cognac & Black, originally uploaded by Laura Bee Seattle.

The same can be said of our new Glossy Cognac faux leather. This gorgeous warm brown pairs beautifully with black, as shown in the Eve bag above, making it quite versatile.



Purchase this Eve online here.