A simple $5 local outdoor fair find is easily transformed into a delightful theme bag.
I love handbags so much that you could say that I am a handbag addict. Divided into three categories, I have accumulated about 100 bags thus far.
I have original Coach leather bags, collectible Arcadia patent leather imprinted bags, and a group of miscellaneous brand bags that were gifted or given to me.
Acquisitions
To my credit, I acquire only second hand/collectible bags, new bags purchased at a deep sale price, no cost ‘pantry’ donation bags, and gifts. This collection process has taken several decades so far.
Handbag with button decor.
Thanks Mom
The handbag to the left belonged to my mother. In fact, the only purchases I had to make were the buttons bought to decorate it. Actually, I love the buttons so much that I feel they transform the look of this bag from something boring to something much more fun.
As a matter of fact, most of my creations are fun because I tend to use decorations that are whimsical that create something fun out of something ordinary.
Vintage Llewellyn Lucite Beehive Purse Handbag – Great Condition, Hard to Find
OOAK
Speaking of fun, I think that this OOAK (one-of-a-kind) bee hive shaped bag from that popular mid-twentieth century period is the best lucite bag ever created.
I have never even seen one for sale or one in person. In fact, all the proof I have of its existence is this picture of it. In addition, the original design is already decorated. It has three dimensional bees made out of metal secured on the top of the beehive so it needs no input from me.
top of beehive purse made by Llewellyn
My Favorite Purse
To its credit, this bag is truly ingenious with exquisite craftsmanship. In fact it is my favorite pocketbook of all time.
As a result, it needs no additional decoration to enhance it. Because of all these qualities, I feel that it really belongs in a museum.(1)
A hunter green decorated Saks Fifth Avenue leather purse
Mom Outdid Herself
Here is another purse that belonged to my mother. Actually it was from Saks Fifth Avenue and I think I was with her when she bought it over a half century ago.
But instead of a fun decorative pattern, I made it look glamorous even regal. In contrast to most of the bags I have decorated, this one took a very long time to complete.
Finale
Only a fraction of my handbags are decorated and visible. Therefore, only a few can be displayed at one time. But in total, it seems like there are purses every where in my apartment. Some are on shelves in dust bags. Others are waiting on the assembly line for decorating. Lastly is the the finale of displayed decorated bags is the wall behind my desk. Here they are. A variety of bags on the wall for displaying.
Hattie Carnegie Dynel jewelry sets photo courtesy of the owner
Collect and Decorate
These are the words that I use when people ask me what I like to do to be creative.
COLLECT
The next questions people ask is ‘what specifically do you like to ‘collect’? I love to collect vintage accessories; jewelry, handbags, and knick knacks.
The definition of collect according to Google.
col·lect
/kəˈlek(t)/
verb
1. bring or gather together (things, typically when scattered or widespread).
Where and How I collect vintage accessories:
• thrift stores
• garage sales
• church and synagogue sales
• pantry give aways
• etsy
• ebay
• other websites designed for this purpose
Other writing about my collections include the following blog posts:
When asked what I like to decorate’? To that I respond, ‘anything that doesn’t move faster than I do’.
That’s the joke our neighbor made up when he feared that his washing machine might be next. But seriously . . . .
The ‘time is ripe’ clock. I painted white frame black, then used fruit erasers for decoration.
The definition of decorate according to Google.
dec·o·rate
/ˈdekəˌrāt/
verb
1. make (something) look more attractive by adding extra items or images to it.
This basic white frame clock became much more alive, fun, and attractive. All it took was to paint the frame with black paint and decorate it with the application of fruit shaped erasers to it.
How To Decorate Furniture and Furnishings
A telephone table with a green spray base, a floor cloth upholstery, a matching floor cloth, lamp shade, and accessories.
Stencils When I first started to decorate, I briefly did so on furniture using stencil designs with acrylic paint.
Freehand Designs I rapidly was able to develop my own freehand styles of painting without the need or desire for stencils. But I did continue to use acrylic paint.
Surface Materials and Primers Wood and metal are the materials I like to decorate most. These surfaces work best when primed with spray paint or a gesso base.
Color Surface Next I use Liquitex or Golden acrylic paint that comes in a jar or bottle. Do not use paint from a tube because it is too thick. This paint would be the next layer when an additional color coat is necessary. As an alternative, spray paint can be sufficient as the color surface on large and intricate pieces like the telephone table above.
The Ultimate Furniture Decoration Technique
A small table that I have been able to decorate with oil cloth, pants, and sock ‘n shoes. Photo by Phil Jacobs.
For this most unusual technique(s) to decorate furniture and matching furnishings, I decorate with a variety of materials like this foot stool table:
• oil cloth
• fabric
• ribbon
• socks ‘n shoes
Note that the integrity of the pristine maple wood finish is underneath and has not been compromised by any adhesive or other sticking material.
How To Decorate Accessories
Oka b sandals in so many colors to decorate.
Along my my decorating project journey, I have come to notice all kinds of other objects besides furniture and furnishings that want to be included. Small objects call out for unique identities.
In fact, this happens to include my collection of personal accessories like shoes and handbags as well as household items. Since I have so many of these items as well as things to decorate them with, their desire to mate is magnetic.
Materials to Use for Decoration To decorate handbags and shoes, I use a variety of materials:
• buttons
• earrings
• bracelets
• necklaces
• ribbon
• pins and pendants
• silk flowers
• plastic trinketsPink Oka b sandals with dotted button decor.
Shoes Summer sandals are the easiest and most fun way to decorate one’s shoes. Decoration can take these Oka b hot pink sandals at least one step further in becoming more adorable summer shoes wear. That’s thanks to my decorative techniques.
Handbag with button decor.
Handbags I apply the same guideline to handbags that I do to furniture. If a new or vintage item is more valuable in its original condition, then do not try to enhance it with decoration. Leave it in its original condition.
A small freehand acrylic painted dish with a spray paint base
Small (Non-Porous) Surfaces These items are fairly straightforward to work with. Just follow my ‘5-P process’:
• Prep-clean or smooth surface if necessary
• Prime– with spray paint or gesso
• Paint-add a base color layer if one is necessary
• Prettify– add a decorative layer
• Protect– with a layer specifically designed for this purpose
Liquitex brand Acrylic Matte Medium and Gloss Medium and Varnish.
Protective Coatings A final step when anti-scratch protection is necessary is Liquitex Matte Medium or Liquitex Gloss Medium & Varnish.
There is another kind of protective coating for wood that is a commercial rather than an art brand.
It is very durable but after many years it can start to yellow if it is used on a metal surface. So bear that in mind.
When you need to protect a wood surface it is preferable to use Zip-guard. It is a water-based Urethane wood finish.
Use double sided tape or strong glue to decorate.
Adhesives to Use for Decoration
There are primarily two optional methods to decorate handbags and shoes. Double sided heavy duty tape is a viable but temporary solution. But for permanent ways to decorate these items, use B-6000 glue.
It dries fast and stays on. So be sure that is the final design you want to use to decorate something.
If you’re not sure, go with the double stick tape. It provides a temporary way to decorate. Either way is fun and whatever you do, it enhances the original item.
And More Ways to Decorate . . . I am sure there are more kinds of knick knacks that can be used to decorate a surface. Let me know what you come up with. In fact, send us a photo of your ideas and creations.
A derivative of a flower power pin from the Lenora Dame Studio. The inner layer of this brooch is actually an original flower power pin.
When I first saw this pin I thought it was a four layer flower power pin. In fact, looking closely, I am sure the top yellow daisy pin layer is an authentic flower power pin.
But there are several aspects that disqualify the sum total of layers from being an original socio-political statement.
In other words it is NOT an authentic flower power pin. It is a piece of jewelry, even a work of art. But more about that to come later in this blog post.
This is a collection of Lenora Dame brooches all in the style of flower power pins.
HISTORY
‘The first seeds of this company are planted when Lenora gives up her thriving career as an advertising executive to focus full time on designing jewelry using her personal button collection.’ Note that she also uses a flower power pin as a layer.’ Her sister, Alison Dame, soon takes business operations in hand, and in 2001 Dame Design, LLC and a full accessories collection is born.’
Description “Noted especially for her iconic “haute bohemian” collections of necklaces, earrings and bracelets, designer Lenora Dame has set herself apart with a fearless approach that genetically recombines . . . ” Yahoo.com
Influences There are many creative influences to this jewelry. To understand the group of brooches featured here, visit these two blogpost, Not A Flower Power Pin and Flower Power Pin Mystery.
LENORA DAME BROOCH DESCRIBED IN LAYERS
To me this pieces is a work of art. In this context, I wish to go into a detailed examination of it.
A four layer Lenora Dame brooch in the style of a flower power pin but decorative not socio-political
A. The first layer has intentional holes in it and is sage green with a spray of purple
B. The second layer is copper with brush strokes of navy blue
C. The third layer is light cobalt blue
D. The fourth layer is a pin in itself composed of gold colored metal and green rhinestones
INSPIRATION I do believe that the jewelry at this stage of Lenora Dame’s studio career used flower power pins are her inspiration. But from this layer analysis, I will show why this brooch is not and can not be a flower power pin. It can only be and is derivative of a FPP. The reasons are that they are attributed to her and most likely signed.
Also they are either one-of-a-kind or very limited editions. Clearly some hand work has gone into these pieces rather than mass produced items. None the less they are a delightful addition to the world of vintage costume jewelry.
This Lenora Dame piece is also derivative of a flower power pin. It is four layers plus a gold pin with turquoise rhinestones in the center. The layers are specifically, burgundy, copper and tan, sage, gold leaves.
A vintage bag from a local thrift store with vintage jewel and crafts ornamentation.
The Be Jeweled Collection of Handbags and Accessories is the marriage of vintage handbags and vintage costume jewelry. In addition, the collection has hand applied ornamentation, each piece is one-of-a-kind, as well as great looking.
I am a collector. For many years I have accumulated vintage pocketbooks, jewelry, hats and other knick-knacks. Lately, I have decided to streamline and consolidate my collections.
Creating Works of Art As a result, I am using them to create works of art whenever possible. In a previous post I describe how an entire ensemble can grow from a Bling It! combination of a vintage purse and vintage necklace. It is the inspiration for all the Be Jeweled Handbags that follow. Black patent basic bag blinged for fun and excitement. This purse is the first creation in the Be Jeweled Collection.
HOW I PAIR BAGS AND ORNAMENTATION
The pairing process of bags and ornamentation is spontaneous and intuitive. I have so many of each component that I don’t know how else I would combine them or which would inspire what any other way.
Ornamentation StorageRainbow colored 8-drawer taboret from Michaels.
My ornaments are kept in a rainbow plastic taboret from Michael’s. In fact, I don’t know how I would store all my ornaments without it.
I store all kinds of ornaments here. Actually there are colorful buttons, pins, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and individual beads or parts from broken items.
In spite of my desire to keep these things organized, it is difficult to do so. But at least it is neat. The third drawer is all full of earrings. So at least that is one orderly drawer.
Pocketbooks Display and Storage
There are a variety of homes for my pocket book collection. Some are hung on the wall. I display others on a DVD shelving unit while others need to be temporarily stored in the closet. They do get very dusty when I leave them out for display. So I have to prep them with a good dusting before I decorate them. This is actually a bit of a nuisance. But the results are truly worth it. Handbags displayed on the wall with a Bill Blass tablecloth background. Bag on left decorated with a necklace, middle decorated with an acrylic floral pin, and right decorated with my favorite colorful acrylic Confetti brand buttons.
A sampling from the collection of colorful, original scarves and shawls from Hermes.com creates this wonderful, colorful border above
Chanel evening bag sold on Rebag
WHAT I LOVE
I love all kinds of colorful accessories. They range from head to toe. For example, these include items from hats to handbags. Then handbags to scarves and shawls. Even scarves and shawls to shoes. As well as shoes to costume jewelry. Whatever the item is, there is one thing that they all have in common.
Stepping out in Stride
Kurt Geiger makes an outrageous colorful statement in the shoe department. No need to take my word for this. Instead check what’s next in colorful accessories.
Kurt Geiger shoes for casual and dressup occasions.
Going Out in Style
Emphatically, the one thing all these items share is their flair. The Kensington collection from Kurt Geiger of London is a statement to their pallette.
The Kurt Geiger Kensington Collection of very Colorful purses
OVER THE RAINBOW
Colorful accessories come in all shapes, sizes, and price ranges. These Balenciaga bags are definitely at the over the rainbow end of prices. But appeal is not always based on cost. In fact, I have also found some very affordable brands that are equally as attractive. Dasein and Diophy are two such companies. You can learn more about them in a little while.
This Balenciaga Logo Ville Bag Printed Leather XXS available on ReBag is a perfect example of a fantastic colorful accessory.
IMAGINE: Everyday Affordable and Still Colorful
Here are two colorful bags that I have now. One is a Dasein handbag in turquoise. The other is in orange. They are available is numerous other solid colors in addition to a leopard print. Just imagine if this style came in the colors of the Balenciaga bag above. It is my dream idea for Dasein to create a bag in the Rainbow pattern colors. In fact, I plan to ask them to make this design.
Above are the Turquoise and Orange Faux Patent Handbags available from Amazon.com and Daseinbags.com
Last but not least is a brand called Diophy. In fact, they carry some amazing colorful patterns at very reasonable prices. Here is an example of both the affordable and the irresistible.
This series of blog posts about KNOLLING is dedicated to Andrew Kromelow who coined the term ‘knolling’ in 1987 and to Tom Sachs who expanded on the concept of knolling to ‘Always Be Knolling’.
Vintage bracelets, lots of rings. Can knolling help to keep them organized?INTRODUCTION
Now that I have a fair understanding of Knolling, I wondered if it might be the answer to this 21st Century woman’s fashion accessories challenge. Could it help organize my costume jewelry collection? Collecting and wearing vintage accessories is my passion and hobby.
I have so many bracelets, pins, necklaces, earrings, purses and rings. I store them in the closet, protect them in fancy boxes and display some of them on my dresser where they just collect dust. That is not why I got them. I love them. I want to enjoy them. This means, wear them to enhance my outfits and show them off to everyone else to enjoy, too.
This system makes it hard to quickly reach the bracelet I want to wear and sometimes I am not sure where I even put itCHALLENGE
It’s very time consuming to find what I want to wear to accessorize my outfits for both daily attire and special occasions. I always forget pieces I have because I don’t see them. In addition, there are so many accessories stored in so many places, I can’t remember where I put them. I also have a problem with my shoes collection.
MY INITIAL KNOLLING BLOG POST
After hearing about knolling, I wrote an initial blog post about it, KNOLLING: Organizational or Graphic Design Layout and Product Branding System? I decided to see if knolling was an organizing system or just a design/branding technique. Could it be a solution to my fashion accessorizing challenge or just a pretty way of photographing my collections? The rest of this post and the following posts about Knolling explore the various aspects of knolling and its metamorphosis into flat lay photography and flatlays.
WHAT’S NEXT
By Wikipedia definition, Knolling is the process of arranging related objects in parallel or 90-degree angles as a method of organization. Therefore if I could use knolling as an organizational system, my next steps would have to be:
• to design a template that could organize my vintage jewelry collections
• to display them to see if the process of knolling could solve my fashion accessories challenge
• to determine if knolling had other practical uses and ‘Always Be Knolling’ (ABK), as Tom Sachs suggested
• to discern if ‘flat lay photography’ and social media ‘flatlays’ are actually knolling
• to confirm what Andrew Kromelow’s meaning was when he coined the term knolling
ONE CHALLENGE AT A TIME: KNOLLING BRACELETS
I decided to tackle one challenge at a time. The first challenge and priority was to see if I could knoll my bracelets. Here is what I did. I took a 24″x18″ office cork board and divided it into three” squares. That gave me 48 squares or 24″ divided by 3 = 8 and 18″ divided by 3 = 6. Since 8 x 6 = 48 that is how I determined the number of squares that would result from this division. I marked off each 3″ box with ribbons both vertically and horizontally. Then I began to add my bracelets unsure that I would even have 48 of them. I still have plenty more to include. But at least the 48 knolled bracelets are easily and quickly accessible.
There is an additional reason I can find them so easily. I employed another element to my jewelry knolling, a color order system. I started with the red ones and variations of red. Then I went through the rainbow adding solid colors and then variations on that color. I can now find any bracelet I want to wear in record time as long as it is included in this set up.
knolling my bracelet collection using color order as an addition system
MY DECORATIVE PINS COLLECTION
At first, I had trouble with my decorative pins. I thought that the grip template I used for my bracelets would carry over well for my pins. It did not. Once I realized that I should lay them out in rows, I found the solution to this part of my knolling challenge.
My decorative pins collection knolled and easy to identify
NEXT CHALLENGE: EARRINGS
The next knolling challenges included my earrings, then my necklaces, pins, purses and shoes. Here is the progress I have made so far. How do you think these work?
Earrings Pre-Knolling System Works WellKnolling Earring Collection Needs Solid Background
The earring knolling project is ineffective. The background on the right should be a solid color so that the earrings stand out better. Also, I still have a lot more earrings that need to be added. I came up with a great solution totally by happenstance. This lampshade is a ‘street find’ and an excellent solution to earring knolling.
EARING PHOTO TO COME
NECKLACES
I am finding it difficult to knoll my necklaces because hanging them vertically takes up a lot of room and is not optimal. But it is better than no system at all. Pre-knolling: Using Necklaces for DecorationNecklaces Semi-knolled, Colored backgournd is distracting
Finally I figure out the best way to knoll my necklaces for the time being. It is working okay.
knolling my necklace collection using color order as an additional system
PURSES
I decided that the best place to position my purses is near the door since they are one of the last things I grab before I leave the house. Here is my knolled board of them.
IMAGE FOR PURSES
MY ‘FAMOUS’ HAT COLLECTION
I am known for my hats. I love hats and I am almost never seen without one. It’s funny. My mother hated hats; she never wore them. But my grandmother and great-grandmother adored them. In fact, the greater the grandmother the more outrageous the hat.
Knolling hats posed a problem for me. I was able to organized them to some degree. Some are on a plant stand. Some are on vintage hat trees that I found. Some are balancing on my bed frame. I can’t really say that I have knolled my hats. But I can find them easily so that I don’t end up wearing the same one every day.
IMAGES OF HATS
SHOES
Shoes hold a particular challenge for me. I insist upon keeping them in their original boxes. In fact, I even keep the receipt in the box. That way I can refer to when I bought them and how much they cost. The boxes are actually easier to knoll. The shoes are harder to remove from the box every time I want to wear them. Here are the results.
Knolled Shoe Boxes
To be continued with . . . Part Three, link below.
