New Ribbon Arrivals for New Bags + Accessories

I often say that the best part of my job is hunting for materials that I love. I've built a business around my passion for ribbons, buttons, and fabric.

 It's always exciting when I find new materials to bring into the studio. I can't wait to see what my customers will put together using these textiles as inspiration.

Right after the new year I introduced all of these ribbons for the first time, for your designing pleasure!

Of course, I couldn't resist putting together a couple of designs of my own for the ready-made collection. On this Beatrice, I combined a limited edition charcoal premium faux leather body with a pearl gray top strip.

I used three more of the new ribbons to restock the Madeline mega wallets for our sales floor. This time of year we always see an uptick in wallet purchases. The new year is time for a fresh start, clean slate, and organized wallet!

Bridal Collection in Chocolate and Vanilla

The bride's Olivia clutch, left. Bridesmaid Luxe Clutch, right.

The bride who designed these bags had a neutral-themed wedding in mind.

Three ribbons and one vintage button form textural layers.

So she used tones of vanilla and chocolate in luxurious textures to create a special collection.

Distinct button choices make each bridesmaid's bag look special.

The tone-on-tone palette puts the emphasis on the sparkle, shimmer, and shape of each element.

What Will I Make with this New Ribbon?

I often tell curious customers that sourcing materials is truly one of the best parts of my job.

I swear I've built my little business around fabric, ribbon, and buttons, three of my absolute favorite things.

 

When I find a new source, my mind whirrs with excitement over all of the things I can make. I wonder how customers will respond to my finds, and what bag or wallet they will design at LBD.

The above new ribbons are currently en route to my shop via US Mail. My hope is that you will be as inspired by their colors and patterns as much as I am.

Smiley Face in Fabric Form

This Kate bag is all boxed up and headed to Montana via Priority Mail. A customer designed it on our shop while visiting Seattle. I think receiving this happy purse at home a few weeks after a vacation would be great fun.

In fact, I don't think you could be in a bad mood when you look inside a bag that has saffron yellow lining. It's like a smiley face in fabric form.

Kate is currently our best-selling bag. Its large size, roomy pockets and color-blocked look make it fun to custom design and handy to carry.

Kate bag, $135. This bag features our Sonic Bloom ribbon, plus glossy gray and mandarin faux leather.

Ginkgo ribbon

Ginkgo ribbon, originally uploaded by Laura Bee Seattle.

The gray and brown version of this ribbon has been so popular that I decided to add this spring green version to our repertoire. Today I made three wristlets and three wallets using the ribbon. I just couldn't resist seeing in on a Laura Bee product.

As I made these items, I couldn't help but think how lucky and happy I am to get to make stuff for a living.

Ginkgo Eve

There is something about our ginkgo ribbon that makes it look good with almost any color combination.

The simple leaf silhouette appeals to nature lovers young and old.


The color blocked matte espresso and dark cherry on this Eve bag showcase the leaves perfectly.


For another spin, we can reverse the ribbon to its brown side. This version reminds me of fossils. Here you can see the ribbon on our premium Twilight Blue, Graphite, and Pesto.

Ginkgo Eve, $88, Ginkgo Zipper Coin Purses, $20.

Tempting Trims

Recently the owner of a huge lot of vintage sewing trims contacted me. She wanted to sell her goods because she was moving to Florida to be closer to her granddaughter. I went through a carload of amazing finds and settled on those that will work best on handbags and Laura Bee Designs products.

Here's the first teaser picture. I posted this image on Facebook last week, and several customers came in over the weekend to design with these very ribbons. It's a score for all of us! I look forward to unveiling new vintage ribbon options each week as I hand wash and air dry my haul.

Weiner Dogs for Pawsitive Alliance

I though you might enjoy seeing this dog-themed set I made and donated to Pawsitive Alliance. They will offer the Clara and mini wallet for bid and their upcoming silent auction.

Their mission: Pawsitive Alliance's mission is to help end the killing of adoptable dogs and cats in Washington by increasing adoptions, supporting spay and neuter programs, and improving pet retention.

Please join us in supporting this terrific organization!

New Premium Faux Leather: Graphite

Photo courtesy of www.skyesworld12.blogspot.com

The smoky black of graphite serves as the namesake of our newest premium faux leather. This material has the same matte base with subtle sheen as the tip of your favorite No.2 pencil.

Here is a Clara wristlet made with Graphite and topped with our black and old gold floral ribbon. Super soft and supple, the material is understated yet expensive-feeling.



This picture of the back of the Clara wristlet shows the soft pebble finish and sheen of Graphite.

Clara wristlet, $48. Features exterior zipper pocket (great for cell phone) and detachable wrist strap.

New Year, New Ribbons

We started using these new ribbons on holiday season inventory, but I haven't yet shared the trims with you. The rich ribbon above has the holy grail combination of black and brown, making it extra versatile.

This narrower ribbon reminds me of a men's tie. Shades of green, bronze, black and brown combine to create a menswear sensibility.

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.

Clara Wristlets made with New Faux Leathers

Clara Wristlets made with New Faux Leathers, originally uploaded by Laura Bee Seattle.

Now that you've seen our new collection of premium faux leathers, I thought I'd share my first batch of products made with these gorgeous materials. You can see that our popular Sonic Bloom ribbon looks lovely which each of the new colors.

Clara features an exterior rear zipper pocket and a roomy main compartment. Order this Clara here.

Premium Clara wristlet in Vine, Macaroon, Blueberry or Mushroom - $48.

Clara Wristlet: Navy with Peacocks

 This navy blue microsuede wristlet showcases one of my favorite ribbons. I think these peacocks are charming and special.

As always, our very popular Clara has an exterior zipper pocket - perfect for stashing your iPhone, as in this photo. Clara is available with either a fabric strap, or bangle (as shown).

$44, order via email, phone (206.789.4044) , or in our store.

Pleated Ribbon in Strawberry Satin

Our latest ribbon is this pleated satin that is a mysterious shade of red that encompasses pink, wine, and earthy red.

I layered the pleated ribbon under a textured braid on this glossy merlot Eve shoulder bag. The dove gray at the top adds a light touch to the purse.

Red Bird Eleanor

Here's another shoulder bag made with one of our pretty new ribbons.

The red bird silhouettes pop against the tonal blues and glossy espresso faux leather.

Eleanor shoulder bag with interior zipper pocket, $88.

Help Us Name this Ribbon (Debuting on Eleanor)

I snapped this picture quickly with my phone, so the quality isn't the best, but I wanted to show you a bag made with one of the ribbons from our new collection. This Eleanor has glossy black paired with lime faux suede, topped with a turquoise lining.

The Eleanor is a single strap bag that includes one zipper pocket for the base price of $88.

What should we call this ribbon? We need to name it something memorable, descriptive, and easy. Let us know your ideas in the comments below.

New Ribbons Have Arrived!

I'm having so much fun snapping quick shots lately with my new smart phone. While the quality doesn't match my trusty SLR, the convenience allows me to capture funny moments like that above.

Otis actually likes wearing scarves, and today he sported a turquoise one that flatters his fur-tone. Here he is pondering the pile of new ribbons that just arrived in stock. These beauties are ready for your custom bag creativity.

We're having a Facebook Contest through Friday of this week. Hop on over here to enter to win a wallet made with one of our new ribbons!

Two More Ribbons Coming Soon

I decided to add two more ribbons to our 2011 palette. These were such obvious choices that I decided to skip the voting process.

Thrift Score: Vintage Velveteen Ribbon

From Drop Box

The Palette Thus Far

I'm having the best time with the ribbon wars on the Laura Bee Designs Facebook page. Here is our customer-built 2011 ribbon palette thus far. I can't wait to make some bags with these pretty textiles.

Vote for your favorites over here. I have a few more heats to share over the next few days.