More Map Wallets

Our stockist in Spokane recently ordered some custom map mini wallets. Ferrante's is an Italian cafe and boutique so they wanted some Italy wallets.

Of course they had us make some Spokane wallets to showcase their town. If you are in Eastern Washington, swing by Ferrante's, have a gelato, and say hello from Laura Bee.

Luxe in Eugene, Oregon commissioned wallets and coin purses for their gift shop. I love the colors on this vintage map. It nicely complements the Oregon Ducks green.

We're Hiring!

In search of a cheerful hard worker with rotary cutting experience: 

Laura Bee Designs is looking for the right person to help us with occasional shifts during our busy (October – December) season.  

Requirements:

• Rotary cutting experience
• Demonstrated manual dexterity
• Ability to multitask
• Weekend availability
• Ability to lift 25 lbs and work standing up

Sewing experience a plus.

To apply, please send an email describing why you think you would be a good fit, the times you are available to work, and a list of your relevant experience and/or a resume. 

Email: orderdesk@laurabeedesigns.com. Please, no walk ins.

Vintage Map Accessory Collection

New lip balms featuring an 1899 map and an old-school metal tin.

I can scarcely believe it's September. The Seattle summer has been gorgeous and sunny. It's been a pleasure to meet so many out-of-town visitors to our shop.

Caroline wristlet in premium teal with an 1899 map of Puget Sound. Order here.

We've shipped bags, wallets and jewelry to far off places like Florida, Virginia, and Wisconsin.

Caroline wristlet with 1899 map of Washington State. Order here.

Last month we unveiled our new map collection of accessories, and the customer response has been terrific. Men and women respond to these goods, often confessing that they are "map nerds."

Our ever-popular mini wallet design, featuring an 1899 map of Washington State. Order here.

We're proud to make our products in Washington State, and this collection is proof of our spirit.

Seattle necklace. Order here.

Our store is located in Ballard, a Seattle neighborhood featured prominently on this 1899 map. Back then, Ballard was its own town. Some residents still lament Seattle's annexation of the community in 1907.

Throw pillow featuring vintage map of Puget Sound. Order here.

Throw pillow featuring vintage map of Washington State. Order here.

There's a New Girl in Town

New materials sometimes lead to new designs. That's the case with this bag. We received some super-pliable faux leathers that take gathers and quilting beautifully. I've been wanting to create a new cross-body bag, and voila, here she is.

Next I made a fabric version of Fiona using this awesome circle upholstery fabric (the outlines are flocked!). Fiona is slouchy, but has a flat bottom that helps her stand up and keep her shape. She comes with an interior zipper pocket and lots of room to add more pockets if you are so inclined.

Store-Wide Savings!

Ready to Ship Bags and Wristlets

 Becky tote bag with two exterior pockets, available here. 

I've been posting bags that are all made up and ready to ship in one of the newest sections on our website, One-of-a-Kind.

Zig Zag Travel Bag, available here.

That way, far away customers can receive bags more quickly than our typical custom design process.

 Licorice squares travel bags, available here.

Once an order is placed for an item from this section, we'll pack and ship it within two business days.

 

 Art Deco wristlet, available here.

You can set up your order to ship directly to a gift recipient, or you can save on shipping by picking up your web order in our Ballard store.

 

  Quilted wristlet, available here.

The response to this section has been quite strong, we I'll continue to add new styles each week. Follow us on Facebook to learn about the latest updates.

Hair Accessories for Spring

 Here is an Instagram picture of me wearing one of my new headband designs.

We have these made up in cottons and silky materials ready for purchase. Or visit us to design your own. $18-$23.

We also have hair ties that are locally made by Morganopolis in juicy colors.

Plus, we have comfy headbands made of the same comfy elastic. $5 each, or 3 for $12.

I've also made some pretty bobbies using the same glass gems as our super popular earrings. $12 each.

Help Us Name Our Newest Bag Shape

If you like clean design, you'll enjoy our newest bag shape. Made with our butter-soft premium faux leathers, this petite bag securely holds your essentials. This is a small bag, measuring 10.5" wide by 7" tall by 2" deep. Available for custom orders, base price, $65.

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The strap on this design snaps off so you can toss it in a big work bag, or make a quick switcheroo to a cross-body strap. I've rigorously tested this new strap design for a year, it have loved its durability and versatility.

Now I need your help naming this new design. Most of our bags are named for real or fictional women we love. With that philosophy in mind, please comment below with your naming suggestion.Thanks for your help.

Glass Gem Earrings

I'm obsessed with making these earrings in juicy, bright colors. The glass domes glow in the light.

Each glass dome is set in a scalloped bezel, giving it a vintage look.

I call this color Pink Lemonade because the pretty pink has golden shimmer. Order here.

This electric blue catches the light and pops against any hair color. Order here.

This teal shade is a universally flattering color. Order here.

All earrings are $24 a pair.

Pouches, Case, & Wallets, Oh My!

Travel season is here and we've stocked up the shop with pouches that carry your stuff with function and style. These mesh pouches are customer favorites because they are sturdy and you can see your stuff for easy organization. $12-$18

While we call this compact size a coin purse, it's really a small pouch that works perfectly for little things like lip balm, memory cards, credit cards, cash and more. Plus, a brightly colored case is easy to spot inside of even the most messy bag. $20 each. Order here.

Our snap coin purses are among our all-time favorite designs. We're stocked with bright color combinations for you or for gifts. $21.

Happy Spring! Our Annual Bag Sale is Here!

Learn the details about this instant gratification event in our latest newsletter here.

Spring Splashes

I reworked the store displays last Friday to showcase spring colors and merchandise. Those little doodads hanging from the tree are metal bells in the shapes of cute animals.

They make the perfect zipper pulls, and I'm told they are all the rage in Japan. $2 each, or 3 for $5.

Speaking of cute Japanese things, after a hiatus, we've restocked our popular Japanese erasers in various adorable animal styles. These are excellent candy-alternative Easter Basket treats. $1.50 each.

The lucky cat above is sitting inside another new goodie. Introducing silicone kiss-lock coin purses. These are fun to carry and remind me of jellybeans. We also have a larger style that nicely fits a smart phone. $8-$12

 Don't miss our display of pinback buttons featuring cute critters. $1.50 each, or 4 for $5.

The Cle Elum Seven

Quad pocket wallet in glossy espresso, featuring Jamie.

Several years ago a customer came into my shop and told me she had just attended a meeting at the church across the street. She had met with a group of activists who were founding a new chimpanzee sanctuary that was soon to be located in Washington State.

Photo notebook in glossy espresso, featuring Negra. 

I asked her to keep in touch with me about the project, and months later a representative from Chimp Sanctuary Northwest got in touch with me to say the sanctuary was a reality. Since then I've been making special photo products for their annual auction. I've also gotten to know each of the Cle Elum Seven through the amazing blog posts and videos here.

These items will be available at the Out of the Box auction on May 4, 2013.

 

You can learn more about the chimps' transformational journey from a Pennsylvania research lab to Cle Elum, Washington here. My favorite video was taken the day the chimps, who had spent most of their lives in tiny cages, were first were able to go outside and feel grass under their feet. View it here.

A Valentine

In the dead of winter comes a day to celebrate love in all its forms. 

Best wishes to you and your loved ones.

Pug Locket

Inspired by our shop dog Otis, our latest fundraiser product will benefit pugs in need. For each of these pug lockets we sell, we'll donate $10 to pug rescue organizations.Order here.

We'll split the funds between Seattle Pug Rescue and Southern Nevada Pug Rescue. Both are volunteer-run organizations doing great work for dogs in need.

"Thanks for supporting my less fortunate brethren," say Otis Redding the shop dog.

Enamel Jewelry by Bemused Creations

 I'm excited to share a new one of our new artists with you.

 Debbie of Seattle-based Bemused Creations makes gorgeous, affordable enamel pieces.

She uses a jewelry torch to fire powdered glass onto metal. We have three styles in candy colors available just in time for Valentine's Day.

Prices start at $23.