DS BAG DESIGNS

COFFEE LOVERS & FLOWER POWER

2010-01-24T20:09:00.000-08:00

I just finished 2 new applique purses, for sale in my Etsy shop! The first one is the ultimate coffee purse for coffee lovers ("Mocha" on the front, "Latte" on the back). $30

Flower power is the smaller purse with blue/brown/green appliqued flowers. $25. These are all cut & made from recycled coffee bags. Very fun & trendy!

Visit D.S. Bag Designs to see more photos & purchase!

NEW TWIST ON COFFEE PURSES

2010-01-22T07:22:00.001-08:00

I have been re-thinking my coffee purses and wanted to figure out a way to make them more interesting. There are several people on Etsy who make purses out of recycled coffee bags & snack wrappers. I wanted to do something different....something more unique.

Applique quilting has always fascinated me, however, I loathe the idea of piecing together an applique quilt. Nate's quilt about drove me crazy & I'm sure it's the last I'll make (we'll see!)

But then I thought....what about applique coffee purses?

It would be an easier, faster & more forgiving material to work with than quilts...I could make up whatever cool, hip, funky, design I wanted...and most importantly......no one else is doing it! Oh yes, there are applique purses out there, but not out of recycled coffee bags!

So, I gathered some materials, got out my scissors & made my first prototype! I have to say I LOVE the way it turned out! Plus I really liked making it. Never had a "somebody shoot me now" type of moment. I have a whole slew of designs in mind & will put them in my Etsy shop when they're finished. The price will be different than my other purses because of the time involved with the applique but you definitely won't find anything else out there like this!

People often ask if it's hard for me to sell my art. Usually I answer "no" because it makes me feel good when people enjoy my art.

However....

I really, really like this purse, so sorry folks...this one's a keeper!

Front of purse

Side of purse

Back of purse

Applique detail

NEW COCOA PURSE!

2009-12-07T22:09:00.001-08:00

I have several friends who are not coffee drinkers so here's a toast to them with a purse made from recycled hot cocoa bags! $15 on my Etsy site!

WALLETS ARE HERE!

2009-11-15T16:03:00.001-08:00

Several people have asked if I could create wallets from coffee bags. I started experimenting & came up with some interesting designs. Below is one of my favs. There's a space for credit cards too! Very affordable at only $8. What a great holiday gift!

RETRO FUN

2009-11-15T15:59:00.000-08:00

I'm having fun creating designs from retro-looking coffee bags. Below are two that are now available in my Etsy store, DS BAG DESIGN

Whaddaya know, Joe? $25

Singin the blues. $15

NEW ELEPHANT PURSE ON ETSY

2009-11-09T15:12:00.000-08:00

Here's another elephant purse made from recycled Starbucks & Eight O'Clock coffee bags. This one does not have an inside pocket BUT it does come with a super cool coin/card holder made from the same Starbucks Kenya bag! Available for $15 in my Etsy store!

Front

Back

Interior lining & velcro closure

Coin/card holder

Large enough to hold several credit cards or business cards! Velcro closure.

BRING OUT THE TIGER...

2009-10-29T23:17:00.000-07:00

....in this new purse just listed on my ETSY site! Made from recycled Starbucks & Kona coffee bags. $20. Check it out!

P.S. The elephant bag already sold!!

OUT OF AFRICA

2009-10-28T00:09:00.000-07:00

Anyone out there love elephants & Starbucks? Well then, this is the bag for you (or your friend, family member)! $15 on my Etsy site & approx. 10" x 6". This fun, hip bag will get you noticed.

A LITTLE BIT OF HAWAII

2009-10-27T12:01:00.000-07:00

Here's another fun purse for sale on my Etsy site, made from recycled Hawaii coffee bags! Front is made from a Kona coffee bag & the back is a Maui coffee bag. Perfect holiday gift for a Hawaii lover. $20 + FREE shipping. Aloha!

ETSY SITE

NEW PURSE ON ETSY

2009-10-26T23:23:00.000-07:00

After another move (and still one more to come), I am finally able to start sewing again! It was killing me, knowing all of my sewing materials were in storage & not being able to create purses. Check out the latest number for sale on my Etsy site made from recycled coffee bags. Click here at DS BAG DESIGNS

MORE BAGS COMING SOON!

2009-10-10T16:47:00.000-07:00

I've had a few sales on my Etsy site in just the first week! Awesome, thank you fans!! Now, not to worry....I will be making more purses soon. We are STILL displaced home-wise & living with friends until either our house closes or we get a rental. Needless to say, my sewing machine is buried deep in the moving truck and all my supplies in another friend's garage so I'm going to have to figure out how to start sewing again. Might have to borrow a machine until we get moved.

If you have empty bags to send to me, please hold onto them until I can get set up again & start sewing. Thanks!!!!

BUY A UNIQUE PURSE ONLINE!

2009-10-07T23:11:00.001-07:00

Guess what?! My Etsy shop is open and ready for business. I have a few custom purses for sale ranging from $15 - $25 that you can purchase directly from the shop and have them shipped to you in a few days. These make awesome holiday gifts...or a fun purse for you to show off!

Click on the Etsy shop announcement to the left or here DS BAG DESIGNS to visit the shop. New purses will be added at the end of October.

Don't forget, you can also order a custom purse by simply emailing me at dsbagdesign@gmail.com and mailing me your empty bags or other upcycled materials. There is no extra charge for a custom purse and it's a fun way to have a bag that's uniquely yours.

Happy Shopping!

CUTTER'S COFFEE FUNDRAISER!

2009-09-25T21:28:00.000-07:00

I will selling my purses in my first fundraiser on Tues., Sept. 29 at Cutter's Coffee in Tucson. If you are in the Tucson area, be sure to stop by Cutter's from 6pm - 8pm at Thornydale & Orange Grove (NW corner next to Subway.....just south of Costco). They are having a Girl's Night Out fundraiser and I will have several purses for sale, some of them made from Cutter's coffee bags!

I will try to be there but we might be moving into our new house that day (FINALLY!), so I will have to see how things go. If I can't be there the entire time, I will have a good friend standing in for me & I will try to make an appearance at some point.

Hope to see you there & it's for a good cause!

-Denise

BUSY!!

2009-09-19T20:24:00.001-07:00

Hi everyone! There's been a lot going on this past month. The big event is that we are moving! My family, that is. So in the midst of everything being uprooted, I have not had a chance to create enough purses for internet sales. On the plus side, I've been creating a few purses for outside ventures, such as fundraisers and considering selling my purses at local art festivals.

Over the last month, I've had a chance to evaluate feedback from many people. The reception has been awesome and people are very interested in purses, wallets, etc from upcycled materials. I've received packages in the mail from people sending anything & everything that could be turned into a cool looking purse or tote.

After a great deal of thought (and some very helpful advisors), I've decided to open an Etsy shop and do all my internet sales from there. My blog will be a more detailed, personal side of my "bag biz". My goal is to have the Etsy shop up & running by October with awesome sales on EVERY purse!! I've decided to have one standard pricing system (to simplify things) and for the holiday season, every purse will be on sale.

X-SMALL: $24 (Sale price: - $12)

MINI: $25 (Sale price: - $15)

SMALL: $40 (Sale price: - $20)

MEDIUM: $50 (Sale price: $25)

LARGE: $60 (Sale price: $30)

X-LARGE: $84 (Sale price: $42)

More to come but for now, that's the scoop!!

OFF THE RACK PURSES AVAILABLE NOW!!

2009-09-03T10:52:00.000-07:00

Below are several of my most recent designs...

"SALTY" Medium size tote. *Click on the photo for a larger view

Check out this cool New England-ish tote made from upcycled Route 11 & Zappa's potato chip bags! (The potato chips were tasty too.) The strap is adjustable and can be worn over the shoulder or as a messenger bag. Purse is encased in clear vinyl for durability and lined with a very fun & funky dot pattern. Large pocket is sewn into the lining. Velcro enclosure. I was going to put a flap on it but I didn't want to cover up the Chesapeake Crab banner...it was too fun to hide! (Shell necklaces not included). Approx. 12-1/2" x 10".

"IN THE JUNGLE" Small size purse *Click on the photo for a larger view

I love this purse and almost kept it for myself! It reminds me of something I would find at Tommy Bahamas. The front is a Peru coffee bag and the back is made from an upcycled wall calendar poster. I was going to throw the calendar away but really liked the pictures and saved them. Glad I did! The bottom is also made from wall calendar posters and the sides are brown burlap. I added a flower pin on the flap for an island feel. Interior is lined with a pocket. Approx. 11" x 6-1/2".

"WILD WEST" Small size purse *Click on the photo for a larger view

I don't remember where I got these postcards but again, another thing I saved because they were too cool to throw away. Upcycled retro Disneyland poster postcards make up the front & back of this fun purse. Sides are made from Disneyland pass holder cards (sorry they're expired!) and can be removed and replaced with your own. The rope handles compliment the Frontierland theme. Purse is encased in clear vinyl for durability and lined with a funky dot pattern. Approx. 11"x8".

"C IS FOR COOKIE" Girl's purse *Click on the photo for a larger view

Fun purse for a young girl...or adult if you're still indulging your inner child! Made from various cookie snack bags with a brown strap. A teddy bear button graces the front flap. Approx. 6"x8".

GOLDFISH & GREEN TEA

2009-08-31T22:45:00.000-07:00

*Logos blurred for internet use

These are the latest custom bags that I've designed. One of my customers wanted purses for her twin girls so she sent me Goldfish bags. I lined them with fun corduroy print fabric and put a silver fish button on the flap for flair.

The green tea patchwork purse is a custom bag for a friend to display & sell at her health club. We love green tea and I thought I, "hey, why not do something with the empty bags?" And so, there you have it. The wood handles and bamboo leaf lining give it a special touch.

*Logos blurred for internet use

WHAT MAKES "CUSTOM", CUSTOM?

2009-08-26T16:10:00.001-07:00

Several of you have wanted to buy an in-stock purse (which are to come as I collect more bags). So what's the difference between a custom purse & in-stock purse? When you send me YOUR empty coffee bags, the purse has already begun to be personalized. However, I go a step further and find out your favorite colors, favorite things...basically a little more about yourself so that I can find the perfect lining and purse handles to make your purse fit your personality.

That's why the "Java Cat Gift Card" purse is so unique....the recipient loves cats, coffee and was a Starbucks Barista so the purse is totally "her". Even the purse handles were black canvas to reflect her fun, tomboyish personality.

The Elvis purse had Elvis fabric lining and short, funky handles to fit a friend who loves all things retro.

I recently designed a custom purse for a friend made from a Starbucks Komodo dragon bag (below). The fabric lining had purple tones and more chinese dragon motifs to fit my friend's love for purple as well as her bold personality. Even the black canvas handles fit her laid back lifestyle.

This attention to detail is what makes the custom purses so popular and unique. The in-stock purses that I will eventually make, will be fun and unique but the bags, lining and handles will not be as customized. As a result, they will be offered at a lower price.

I look forward to your feedback and suggestions. Your input has already shaped and influenced the success of the business!

-Denise

OPEN FOR BUSINESS!

2009-08-25T15:18:00.000-07:00

Finally! After much planning, stressing and organizing, my custom purse shop is open and ready for orders! All of the orders will be custom....basically, you send me empty bags with your payment and I send you a totally unique, custom designed purse. Spread the word to your friends and family. I am also on Facebook (look up D.S. Designs or see my Facebook feed at the bottom left of the page).

I have my first order....2 Girl's purses made from Goldfish bags! Very cool...I can't wait to see how they turn out. Let me know if you have any questions. You can comment or email me at: dsbagdesign@gmail.com

Thanks fans for your support!!

JAVA CAT BAG

2009-08-23T23:30:00.000-07:00

I just finished a custom purse for a former Starbucks barista.....also loves cats & coffee! This was by far the most difficult to create. I didn't take into account trying to sew the seams with gift cards that don't bend! It was tricky but I got it to work. This is a 9"x7" purse with a small pocket inside. The barista had several Starbucks "flair" pins that give it more personality. The lining has cats & coffee & says "Java Cat".

My shop will be open this week for custom orders. You will be able to order purses off of this blog, facebook, Etsy and my website. Custom orders are my favorite because you can really personalize the purses to the individual. Each one is a fun work of art. I'm really excited about this venture and can't wait for it to take off!

THE WHEELS ARE TURNING

2009-08-20T12:03:00.000-07:00

Well after much thought I have decided to start a business making and selling custom coffee bag purses! I am excited about this venture because we have needed some supplemental income until my licensed art becomes more profitable, and I have been looking for another way to work from home. Once you have a taste of freedom, it's hard to give it up. haha.

I've had so many people asking to buy these purses and I enjoy making them, so it seemed natural to open up shop. Now I have a ton to do, working up a business plan and trying to figure out how to get free or discounted empty coffee bags. It's too expensive for me to buy them at the stores and what would I do with a mountain of coffee after making several purses?!

Much of the business will be designing custom purses....a customer would send me their empty bags and I would add the lining and purse handles and ship a completed purse back to them. This is my favorite way of creating the bags because everyone likes different designs, so the purses would be totally unique. At the same time, it's a fun way to recycle empty bags.

I'm going to offer a variety of sizes, including purses for girls (like the hot chocolate purse or Goldfish purses). I'm really excited about this and have so much to do get started. Time to sit down and plan..............!!

On a side note.....I finally was able to sign the Target contract, after my agents finished a great deal of negotiation with the manufacturer. I had thought the products would be in stores nationwide but I noticed on the contract, it said worldwide!! Very exciting stuff ahead and I'm curious to see how it plays out.

ART AT MEIJER STORES

2009-08-18T10:24:00.000-07:00

Good news to those of you in Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky! Apparently my butterfly shower curtain & bath accessories is available at Meijer stores and doing well. We don't have Meijer's here in Arizona so I'm not sure what that is but if you have one near you, see if you can spot my butterfly bath products!

Here's an email I received from the manufacturer, Saturday Knight Ltd.:

Hi Karen,
Great news...right off the bat, the f/standing (free standing) sale of Inspirations that Meijer picked up is doing fantastic. If this keeps up, I am sure the second
colorway will be selected by all :)

HOT CHOCOLATE!

2009-08-17T21:19:00.000-07:00

I decided to make a bag for our friend's 5 yr old daughter, for her birthday. She loves purple and I found these purple hot chocolate packets that made a perfect size purse for a non-coffee drinker! Plus she got to keep all the hot chocolate mix that came with it. The bags themselves became the lining so it was quick to assemble.

I NEED YOUR COFFEE BAGS!!

2009-08-15T09:54:00.000-07:00

Are you just throwing away your bags of coffee beans or grounds? Don't!! I am collecting bags to make purses and sell on Etsy, an online handmade/craft store. Before I can open a store, I need an inventory and that means I have to start collecting bags.

So....if you live in Tucson, bring them to me at church or I can make arrangements to meet you somewhere. If you live out of state, I will pay you for shipping to send me coffee bags...just email me your address at ddsullivan2@msn.com or send me a message on facebook.

Here's a photo of my latest coffee bag creations....a custom order for a friend!

Art, art and more art

2009-08-12T19:33:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the creative mind of...me...Denise Sullivan. That could be a scary thing. haha. I will be posting all of my various (and endless) art projects. Things that drive my hubby to say stuff like, "I can't wait till we get our dining table back!" or my son to say, "Mom, can't hear da tv!" as I'm sewing like mad on my sewing machine.

I've been drawing since I was 2 but I've never really been able to doodle. Weird, huh? I think I started doing embroidery and latch hook rugs when I was 9 or 10 and I've been sewing since I was 14. Although I never wore anything I made in HomeEc. What a waste of time. My mom taught me shortcuts but my teacher wouldn't let me use them so I never wore anything I attempted to make in that class. I made my own clothes in high school, MY way, and never had to worry about showing up at class next to someone else wearing the same outfit. When I was 10, I learned how to bake and my brother and I entered several of our creations in the Arizona State Fair...even winning a few ribbons. We were very competitive. I scoffed at 4-H where EVERYONE was a "winner" and got a ribbon regardless. To me, that wasn't fair. You had to earn even Honorable Mention and if you didn't get a ribbon...well, better luck next time.

At 21, I decided to teach myself how to knit. But I can't do anything the easy way. If I see something I like, I try it, heedless of the difficulty level. So my first knitting project was a cabled baby afghan for my new nephew. Sweater knitting is a different story. It took me a few years to give in to the instructions and make a gauge swatch. ha! Before that, none of the sweaters fit! When we were in college, I opened a booth in a craft gallery with a friend and made & sold baby clothes. Too much work though so that didn't last.

For awhile hubby & I also got on glass bead making kick. We made countless necklaces for friends and family. After we moved to Tucson, I visited the Gem & Mineral show and got hooked on making semi-precious stone necklaces. You could pick up stones pretty cheap and make nice necklaces that would cost a lot more in the stores.

I have a terrible habit of visiting art shows and thinking, "I can make that!" Sometimes I do but most of the time I don't. Recently I saw a purse in a magazine made from a Starbucks coffee bag. My brain immediately kicked into the "I can do that!" mode, so I started experimenting. 5 coffee bags and 5 baggies full of coffee later, and I had a purse! A friend liked it so much, she mailed me 8 coffee bags (she kept the coffee) and I made her a couple of purses. Now I have several people wanting to buy them so I may have to open an online shop with another crafty venture!

And now, here I am...several totes full of yarn & knitting needles, a huge tub full of fabric, more patterns than I can count, containers full of beads/stones and necklace accessories, art markers, paper, canvas, paint & brushes, quilting supplies and nearly a whole side of our bookcase filled with art & craft books & magazines (not counting all the stuff I've gotten RID of!)..........yes, I am an art & craft addict with no intention of giving it up!