Origami Pyramid Bag

admin — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 16:11:00 +0000

It’s a hot July evening and I’m feeling like a wilted flower. Fashion has always been a great pick-me-up and I’m looking forward to sporting Silvermint’s strawberry Origami Pyramid Bag with a simple black sundress to a friend’s party.

The bag attracted me with its unique design, convenient wristlet style, and high quality, interestingly-textured fabric and materials. The vintage button accents in soft pink and grey give it a girly but sophisticated charm and the grey origami-style animal characters printed on the off-white fabric also elevate it to a conversation piece. When I mentally put together my outfit I saw the bag as an artsy, yet practical and intriguing accessory, perfect for holding onto the few essential items I’d need while at the party. Yet as I stand before the mirror the little 6.7 x 5.9 inch pyramid looks funny hanging from my wrist: like a starched handkerchief or an old-fashioned nurses hat.

While the bag didn’t make it to the party, it has occupied a prominent place on my desk, awaiting the writing of this review. Given that my home office is also the living room, I’ve been gazing upon this finely constructed bag with a mixture of delight, curiosity and appraisal daily for the past two weeks. Each time I look at it I think I really love this little pouch!

Silvermint has an interesting story on how she moved from the world of online gaming to the world of handmade crafting. She began to study how real things are actually made vs. the world of “clicking on an icon with the mouse and Poof! a mechanical chicken has been created.” She gets bonus points for her support of ACRES (Animal Concerns Research & Education Society) and a waste-free philosophy, which leads to greater creativity with materials and design. Her Etsy store is stocked with other cute and adorably unique little clutches and pouches as well as graphic-printed tote bags.

I’ve tried the Origami Pyramid Bag on a few times since the night of the party but I doubt I’ll frequently wear it as a purse. I am sure it will find a welcome home storing small treasures or perhaps protecting a snag-prone item in a drawer or suitcase. The cotton webbing strap is detachable so it can hang from a peg and it also stands on its own (especially if the packing folds are ironed out) so it would also make a cute storage container on a shelf or other visible location.

Written by: Matsya Siosal, August 18th 2010

Cream Bird Pouch

admin — Sun, 31 May 2009 17:16:00 +0000

By The Wren Design

Designs of the avian persuasion are undeniably ubiquitous on the fashion scene today. From quirky sparrows and stylized blackbirds to elegant peacocks and vintage-y pheasants, flighty, feathered friends can be found everywhere from jewelry to body art, stationary to head gear, and more. Now from The Wren Design comes the whimsical and functional Cream Bird Pouch*.

The Bird Pouch is hand-crafted in a pretty textured cream colored linen, embossed with a faint paisley pattern. The fabric has a rustic feel, like a well-loved burlap sack made more delicate by time and use. The design of the Pouch itself is rudimentary, made of three main pieces: body, wing and tail. The simplicity of the shape is what gives this Pouch the necessary dose of charm. Should you choose to get interactive with your Bird Pouch, the wing has full “flap” capabilities (shadow puppets, anyone?) and the tail is looped to function as a wristlet. The Pouch is detailed with a zipper, lining and hand-stitched bird’s eye, all in coordinating pale lavender.

Sweet as it may be, don’t expect this little birdie to be your go-to, carry-all bag. Clocking in at approximately 5.5 inches wide by 3.5 inches tall, the Bird Pouch can realistically hold several credit cards or bills, a smaller-sized cell phone, loose change, or a few cosmetics—but not all at once! The wristlet tail will keep your hands free, and the tiny dimensions will force you to pack light, perfect for cruising the shops, or a casual night out. In a veritable flock of bird accessories, the Cream Bird Pouch earns its place in the pecking order with hand-crafted charm and folk art appeal.

The picture is of the Strawberry Picker Bird Pouch, which is the same design as the Cream Bird Pouch, though a different fabric color and print.

Written by: Kelly Moritz, May 31st 2009

handbag

Origami Pyramid Bag

Cream Bird Pouch