Tuesday, May 10, 2011

The Rahab Bag "Compass" $175

I have for several years been drawn to the imagery from Psalm 103: 11-12 "For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far he removes our transgressions from us." I've pondered how to put these words to fabric and not lose the depth of the scriptural meaning. The symbol I thought best to represent this idea is the compass, as it serves as a navigating tool for our guidance and direction when lost, or finding our way blindly, if you will. Spiritually we can fall into that category as well....lost. Let Christ be your compass in times like these, and allow the wind of the Spirit fill your sails. His steadfast love for you will never fail you, and your transgressions will be wiped clean. North, South, East or West, you will then, for sure, be heading in the right direction! Steady as she goes!

"Compass" is classic elegance, reminiscent of days by the ocean, boardwalks, salty air, sunshine, and sandy beaches.











The red scarf that is prominent on all Rahab bags are symbolic of the crimson cord that Joshua told Rahab to hang from her window (Josh 2: 18). The crimson cord would be a sign to the Israelites not to attack anyone of that household when they sacked Jericho.







This bag is composed of bottomweight, men's suiting, cotton blends, and all hardware is nickle plated.











Would you just look at how pretty that is! Even inside the zipper pocket the fabric is pretty. The two elongated pockets on the left and right are perfect for your sunglasses and mobile phones. The slide pockets are designed to hold the nail file and writing pen, as well as the checkbook. A magnetic snap ensures the bags closure.

The Carpet Bag "Compass" $240

I have for several years been drawn to the imagery from Psalm 103: 11-12 "For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far he removes our transgressions from us." I've pondered how to put these words to fabric and not lose the depth of the scriptural meaning. The symbol I thought best to represent this idea is the compass, as it serves as a navigating tool for our guidance and direction when lost, or finding our way blindly, if you will. Spiritually we can fall into that category as well....lost. Let Christ be your compass in times like these, and allow the wind of the Spirit fill your sails. His steadfast love for you will never fail you, and your transgressions will be wiped clean. North, South, East or West, you will then, for sure, be heading in the right direction! Steady as she goes!

The scarlet clover is symbolic of the blood He shed for me and the blessed Trinity.

Two large pockets wrap around each side of this handbag to provide you with an ample supply of pocket room for your keys and mobile phone. This allows for quick and easy collection of those necessary items, as well as that lip gloss you'll need to put on your pout when you're meeting your "bo."




"Compass" is classic elegance, reminiscent of days by the ocean, boardwalks, salty air, sunshine, and sandy beaches.











This handbag is composed of linen, satin, cotton blends, bottomweight, and nickle plated hardware.











True to form, SCD handbags are always as pretty inside as they are out. The Carpet Bag works hard for you as it is equipped with three large compartments inside, along with two slip pockets, both designed to hold the writing pen and nail file, as well as the check book and your big sunglasses. This SCD handbag is the mack-daddy of organization!

Monday, May 9, 2011

The Rahab Bag "Love" $175

The Rahab Bag truly represents one of my most favorite stories from scripture. Rahab, a prostitute, living in the city of Jerico, hides the Israelite spies in her home and protects them from the king of Jerico. In return for her protection, the Israelite spies promised to protect she and her family only if, on the night that they plan to sac Jericho, she tie a crimson cord from her window. This would be a sign to the Israelites not to touch the people dwelling inside that home (Joshua 2). Rahab ultimately became a married and respected woman later on. This story is a beautiful reminder of God's grace, forgiveness and steadfast love for all.



The red scarf, prominent on all of the Rahab Bags, is symbolic of the Crimson Cord.

Please click on any of the images for a more detailed view.










The materials used in that bag are satin, tweed, flannel, crocodile leatherette, suede cloth, and cotton blends. All hardware is brass.











Detail of the rose.












Once again my bags are just as pretty inside as they are out. Two long pockets (on left and right of photo) are perfect for stashing away your sunglasses or cell phones. Both sides of the lining have a center slip pocket (as shown). Only one side has a 7" zipper pocket.

Friday, May 6, 2011

The Carpet Bag "Love" ~ Monyan Forevermore Collection

"Monyan" ~ it means "my all." This eloquent term comes from the Michif language, which is a mixed language based on Cree. Cree is part of the Native American Algonquian language and also consists of the French language, that of which was spoken along the Canadian border and throughout the north central United States.






This extraordinary handbag is based on a love story between Honora and Frank Wargo. While in Loraine, Ohio, the two met, found themselves in love, married and spent a lifetime together. It is thought that Frank learned of this lovely word "Monyan" from a local of Lorain, as the usage of Michif was still a part of the local diction. From then on he referred to Honora, his beloved, as Monyan forevermore. The gorgeous rose, composed of lace from one of Monyan's dresses, is symbolic of love.

Click on any of the images to get a more detailed photograph.




I have the wonderful pleasure to create a series of handbags based solely on Monyan, the grandmother of my client. My client sent me a box chock full of material, all pieces that belonged to Monyan, one of which was the skirt that Monyan wore to her daughter's wedding (my client's mother). Given the charge and artistic liberties to do my "thing", I deconstructed several dresses, reworked some very old lace, employed the use of decorative pocket flaps on one dress as detail for the exterior pockets, cut up some major cool vintage curtains that Monyan had hanging in her house, and dipped into my massive vintage button collection. My-oh-my, this has been an exciting and invigorating project!

During this time, I also had at my workstation a photograph of Monyan, sitting there in a pretty frame ~ I truly felt like she has been there with me in spirit from the inception. This bag is the first of 5, and I pray that her spirit will continue to be with me.



"Set me as a seal upon your heart, as a seal upon your arm; for love is strong as death, passion fierce as the grave. Its flashes are flashes of fire, a raging flame. Many waters cannot quench love, neither can floods drown it. If one offered for love all the wealth of his house, it would be utterly scorned." Song of Solomon 8: 6-7

All is a term that we use day in and day out, giving it no afterthought. Frank however, used it for the intent of completion. She was his all, his everything, the air he breathed, the light in his life. Love can conquer all.


Even the fabric inside the bag is taken from Monyan's fabrics. This handbag is Vintage Chic all the way ~ just the way Monyan would like it.

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

To Place an Order

To place an order for your favorite SCD handbag, simply become a "fan" of Scarlet Clover Designs on Facebook and post your request on my wall. I will get back to you within a day about your order.

Should you be interested in a special one-of-a-kind handbag, I would be thrilled to work on that with you as well! If you have some fabric that is sentimental to you, or if you have a Bible verse that has particular meaning, I am more than willing to tailor a bag just for you.

If you order a handbag and desire it soon, a 50% deposit is required. About a week before it is complete, I will bill you for the rest of your total (including S&H). If making bi-weekly payments works best for you, we offer that option as well. Pay Pal is the preferred method of payment, however, some exceptions apply.

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

The Carpet Bag "Acacia Bush" $240

Shown here on the Carpet Bag, the symbol of the acacia bush, with its leaves resembling tongues of fire, is connected to the burning bush, in which the angel of God appeared to Moses (Exodus 3:2). Because the fire did not consume the bush and because of the durable nature of the wood, the acacia bush symbolizes immortality and permanence. This handbag is positively radiant, inside and out! Alva William Steffler, Symbols of the Christian Faith (Grand Rapids, Mich.: Eerdmans, 2002), 103.


Detail of the "acacia bush". The two side pockets are perfect for stashing away your keys, phone or lipstick for a quick retrieval.











The back of the handbag features my signature cascade of fabrics. This bag employs cotton/poly blends, velvet, leatherette, and tapestry. All hardware is brass.







Detail of the cascade. Click on any of the photos to get a larger view.












The Carpet Bag offers plenty of options for organization. And, just as are all of Scarlet Clover handbags, "Acacia Bush" is just as pretty inside as she is out.