Confessions of a Pursaholic

Yep, I just really love purses! I'm a Pursologist. I know Pursology. Come to me about your "pursonal problems." I would "pursonally" love to hear from you!  Ohhhhh, OK, I'll stop now.  I'm cracking myself up.

The Mary Bag Collection

If you are looking for a larger handbag that offers plenty of organization, Mary is the one for you! Just behind her simplistic exterior design lies three larger compartments, each lined with pockets so as to keep all of your worldly goods in order.  No more digging around inside a large handbag, feeling around in the bottomless pit for keys, mobile, wallet, etc.  Our clever, and well thought out design makes finding what you need in a large bag quick and easy!

Each color comes with black leather handles, accompanied by nickel hardware.  Purse feet for every corner protects the bottom of the bag.

The Mary Bag "Lily" $240

Mary, mother of Jesus ~ She was a simple girl with a big job.  The Mary Bag ~ A simple handbag with a big job. It wasn't until after I had named this handbag that I made that connection.  Over a year ago, I decided that I wanted to make a collection of bags based on 7 of my favorite women from scripture.  I called it "The Chicks Collection." My initial design for "Mary" just didn't stick with me; I didn't LOVE it. After a while, the design evolved into a classic look that will be a staple in your wardrobe for years to come.

This gorgeous handbag is not only big, but it does a big job for you.  Tucked away behind the clean, contemporary lines of its modern exterior lies three large compartments and six side pockets.  This is not a catch-all bag like most big bags are.  The Mary Bag is heavily organized for those women who like to keep things in order. This handbag is composed of vegan friendly faux leather, poly blends, and cotton blends.  The handles are 100% leather, and all hardware is nickel plated.

Click on any of the photos for a larger view.

Various flowers represent the Virgin Mary in her purity and her sorrow. For the Christian world, the white lily is a symbol of the purity and virginal love associated with Mary. In depictions of the Annunciation, Gabriel comes to her with a lily in his hands or in a vase. The fleur-de-lis, a variant of the lily symbolizing Mary's purity, adorns the tip of Gabriel's scepter in certain Annunciation scenes.

Staying true to form, this insides of our handbags are just as lovely, and always prove to be functional.  Three large compartments, and six side pockets provide you with plenty of avenues for organization.  You will LOVE this bag!

The scarlet clover represented on all of our handbags is symbolic for the blood He shed for me and the Blessed Trinity.

The Mary Bag "Lizard" $240

Mary, mother of Jesus ~ She was a simple girl with a big job.  The Mary Bag ~ A simple handbag with a big job. It wasn't until after I had named this handbag that I made that connection.  Over a year ago, I decided that I wanted to make a collection of bags based on 7 of my favorite women from scripture.  I called it "The Chicks Collection." My initial design for "Mary" just didn't stick with me; I didn't LOVE it. After a while, the design evolved into a classic look that will be a staple in your wardrobe for years to come.

 This gorgeous handbag is not only big, but it does a big job for you.  Tucked away behind the clean, contemporary lines of its modern exterior lies three large compartments and six side pockets.  This is not a catch-all bag like most big bags are.  The Mary Bag is heavily organized for those women who like to keep things in order. This handbag is composed of vegan friendly faux leather, poly blends, suede clothe, and crepe.  The handles are 100% leather, and all hardware is nickel plated.

Click on any of the photos for a larger image.

The Lizard symbolizes the transforming power of the Gospel, which is able to give spiritual sight. This reference is based on the alleged ability of an old lizard to regain its sight by slipping into a crack in a wall that faces eastward and looking into the rising sun (think of us looking to the Son for light).  Because the lizard also shes its skin, it became a symbol of resurrection and renewal.  Alva William Steffler, Symbols of the Chirstian Faith (Grand Rapids, Mich.: Eerdmans, 2002), 115.





This is where the "Lizard" theme comes in! I love the little 'surprise' when you look inside this bag. The organization inside this rivals that of our Covent Garden Bag. Marvelous compartments and pockets that help keep this deep bag neat and tidy!! No more losing your worldly goods in a "catch-all" bag.

The Mary Bag "Baskets" $240

Mary, mother of Jesus ~ She was a simple girl with a big job.  The Mary Bag ~ A simple handbag with a big job. It wasn't until after I had named this handbag that I made that connection.  Over a year ago, I decided that I wanted to make a collection of bags based on 7 of my favorite women from scripture.  I called it "The Chicks Collection." My initial design for "Mary" just didn't stick with me; I didn't LOVE it. After a while, the design evolved into a classic look that will be a staple in your wardrobe for years to come.

This gorgeous handbag is not only big, but it does a big job for you.  Tucked away behind the clean, contemporary lines of its modern exterior lies three large compartments and six side pockets.  This is not a catch-all bag like most big bags are.  The Mary Bag is heavily organized for those women who like to keep things in order.

Click on any of the pictures for a larger image.

"Baskets" is the theme for this beautiful handbag. With the basket weave vegan friendly faux leather, I wanted to bring attention to the importance of basket making in the lives of biblical peoples. The use of baskets is mentioned numerous times in the Bible. Some examples include when Moses was floated down the river in a basket made of bulrushes and when Jesus performed the miracle of feeding the masses with a few loaves of bread and several fish, which were found in a young boy’s basket. It is noted that 7 baskets filled with leftovers were gathered after everyone had eaten their fill. What we take for granted as "just a basket" was so much more to the people of their time. Basket making was a vital way of life for many, and a major component to how goods were stored and traded.

Staying true to form, this insides of our handbags are just as lovely, and always prove to be functional.  Three large compartments, and six side pockets provide you with plenty of avenues for organization.  You will LOVE this bag! This handbag is composed of vegan friendly faux leather, suede cloth, taffeta, velvet, and bottomweight cotton blend.  The handles are 100% leather and the hardware is nickel plated.

The Mary Bag "Raven" $240

Mary, mother of Jesus ~ She was a simple girl with a big job.  The Mary Bag ~ A simple handbag with a big job. It wasn't until after I had named this handbag that I made that connection.  Over a year ago, I decided that I wanted to make a collection of bags based on 7 of my favorite women from scripture.  I called it "The Chicks Collection." My initial design for "Mary" just didn't stick with me; I didn't LOVE it. After a while, the design evolved into a classic look that will be a staple in your wardrobe for years to come.


  

The story of the Raven comes from I Kings 17:1-6 where the prophet Elijah flees from the evil King Ahab to the brook of Cherith. It was here that the ravens fed Elijah "bread and meat in the morning, and bread and meat in the evening", reminder of God's providence and hope.

This gorgeous handbag is not only big, but it does a big job for you.  Tucked away behind the clean, contemporary lines of its modern exterior lies three large compartments and six side pockets.  This is not a catch-all bag like most big bags are.  The Mary Bag is heavily organized for those women who like to keep things in order.

Click on any of the photos for a larger image.

Ahhhhh, this is where the "Raven" theme comes in. I love the little 'surprise' when you look inside this bag. The organization inside this rivals that of our Covent Garden Bag. Marvelous compartments and pockets that help keep this deep bag neat and tidy!! No more losing your worldly goods in a "catch-all" bag.

The 19910 Bag "Trees" $240

"Trees" is a new theme for us.  When this design finally came to fruition, I knew it was from the Lord.  I had been working for some time to build an image around a scripture verse from Hebrews, only to continue to hit dead ends.  I was seeking to portray "wind" in fabrics, without looking too "arts & craftsy."  While working with a client on this, we shifted from "wind" to "trees." Once I found a scripture verse (that of which I knew exactly which one I wanted to use!), it all fell together in a matter of hours. That rarely happens so quickly. God truly infused his breath in the leaves of this tree as it all blew together.
 

The tree symbolizes life lived in accordance with God's will. (Ps. 1:1-3) "Happy are those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or take the path that sinners tread, or sit in the seat of scoffers; but their delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law they meditate day and night. They are like trees planted by streams of water, which yield their fruit in its season, and their leaves do not wither. In all that they do, they prosper."


 

 The back of the bag features my signature cascade of fabrics atop a large pocket.  Materials used include denim, men's suiting, suede, suede cloth, tweed, tapestry, and vegan friendly faux leather.  







A detailed look at the hand cut leaves.

Click on any of the photos for a larger image.

Once again, our bags are just as pretty on the inside as they are on the outside. Given the depth of this handbag, I've added a divider and pockets for organization.

The Princeton Bag "Baskets" (black) $260

"Baskets" is the theme for this delightful handbag. I wanted to bring attention to the importance of basket making in the lives of biblical peoples. The use of baskets is mentioned numerous times in the Bible. Some examples include when Moses was put to float down the river in a basket made of bulrushes, and when Jesus performed the miracle of feeding the masses with a few loaves of bread and several fish, which were found in a young boy’s basket. It is noted that 7 baskets filled with leftovers were gathered after everyone had eaten their fill. What we take for granted as "just a basket" was so much more to the people of their time.

This bag is composed of vegan friendly shiny faux leather, and designer faux leather basket weave in black. The black handles are 100% leather. Close attention to the bottom of the bag will find you large antiqued brass purse feet. A purse strap comes complete with beautiful nickel clasps for easy removal. The faux leather basket weave in the center panel is symbolic for baskets. The small pocket in the front is just big enough for a cell phone, or some tubes of lipstick, and is complete with a large nickel turn lock. The handbag is cinched at the top, and secured with rawhide and leather lacing. Exquisite artisan beads adorn the leather lacing. This lovely handbag is most certainly a crowd pleaser.


 Click on any of the photos for a closer view.

My signature cascade of fabric is displayed inside the bag. Quietly hidden about halfway down is a 7" zippered pocket. Around the inside of the bag are an additional five open pockets in a coordinating blue to compliment the blue and coral beads adorning the front of the bag.

This bag is available in black and two-toned brown.










The Princeton Bag is the perfect accompaniment for the preppy casual look. It's a great accessory for the tailored business attire, or a tweed jacket, jeans and riding boots. What great versatility!

The Large Rahab Bag "Love" $235

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. All of the roses are a symbol of Love.

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

The materials used on this bag are satin, crepe, lace, velvet, wool, and cotton blends. All hardware is nickle plated.









An additional detail of the roses.  The larger crepe and satin roses I made by hand.















I have even adorned the bottom of the bag....sooo pretty.

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. A center divider makes organizing this larger bag a breeze.  Necessities on the left, your other worldly goods on the right.

The Rahab Bag is comfortable on the shoulder to wear.  Be prepared for women to stop you everywhere you go!

The Covent Garden Bag "Tents" (black) $285

Although tents are not a subject that most would think of when reflecting on our Judeao/Christian heritage, they were certainly embedded in the day to day norms as part of a way of life. Within the tribes, one tent would generally consist of the parents and children, as well as grandparents. "Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes." (Isa 54:2) Because of the pressing need for expanding tents and growing clans and tribes, weaving and tentmaking were an important part of the economy. With "Covent Gardens", I have utilized a "patchwork" style on the bag, which is my modern interpretation of the hand-sewn tents, bringing attention to the community and culture of our biblical patriarchs.

This bag is composed of leather handles, crocodile embossed faux leather, linen, cotton blends, and nickel hardware. Large nickel purse feet are a handsome feature.

Click on any photo to get a larger view.

The distinguished pockets that grace the front and back of the bag, come secured with nickel turn locks.

Covent Garden Bag "Tents" is available in Khaki with Brown Trim, or Black with Brown Trim. This photo affords you the study of details on Covent Garden.

The tents were made of hand-woven black goat hair. "I am black and beautiful, O daughters of Jerusalem, like the tents of Kedar, like the curtains of Solomon." (SS1:5). Occasionally, sheep or camel wool would be added as an additional source of fibers. When woven in with the goat hair, this would lend a streaked brown/black appearance to the large woven cloths. Otherwise, the sheep and camel cloths were brown and tan. The black cloth roof of the tent would allow filtered light to shine through at night, appearing as stars in the night sky. "He stretches out the heavens like a canopy, and spreads them out like a tent to live in." (Isa 40:2) When the goat hair fibers were exposed to water, fibers would swell shut, forming a protective watertight roof.

Staying true to form, I always pay particular attention to the interior of the bag, which is a quality that makes Scarlet Clover unique. The black, brown, and tan colors represent the variation of color frequently seen on the goat hair tents. The center dividers also function as pockets, complete with brass zippers.

The Rahab Bag "Daisy" (NFS)

This delightful handbag was a special request. I utilized fabric that belonged to my clients grandmother in the building of this bag, as well as employing some of my own for congruity and flow. I chose to highlight the daisies I lifted from a summer cardigan, as I liked their bold and playful character.

In Christian symbolism, the daisy represents "innocence." This sprightly blossom, which can be seen in paintings of the Adoration, opens at sunrise and closes at sunset (hence, "day's eye"). It derives its name because it sees things only by the pure light of day. Alva William Steffler, Symbols of the Chirstian Faith (Grand Rapids, Mich.: Eerdmans, 2002), 115, Canon Edward N. West, Outward Signs: The Language of Christian Symbolism (New York: Walker & COo, 1989), 53.

Detail of the embroidered daisy. The navy blue buttons are also from the same summer cardigan.

Click on the image for a larger view.





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.








The simple, unadorned buttons (also from my client's collection) pair nicely with the crisp navy blue, butter yellow and white color palatte.










Fresh, spring/summer colors embellish the inside of this handbag. Plenty of pockets for all of your girly things. The long rectangular pockets are perfect for your big Jackie'O sunglasses. Double layer pockets on each side provide lucrative space for checkbooks, small note pads, mobile phones, writing pens, lip glosses and nail files.







I also made a little change purse to match.

The Rahab Bag "Eden" (NFS)

The Rahab Bag "Eden" was a special request from a client, that of which I utilized articles of clothing belonging to her grandmother. I was immediately drawn to a cardigan sweater, artistically embroidered with beautiful wildflowers. It reminded me of an untamed, magnificent garden, abundant in color and rich in fragrance. Eden is the Hebrew word for paradise; a place of extreme beauty, delight or happiness. Many associate paradise with the Garden of Eden from the book of Genesis. Visions of beautiful, lush gardens conjure up in one's mind. With this, I chose to highlight the needlework employing it as the focal point for this handbag.


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.

The deep sky blue fabric used here is part of the collection of clothing belonging to my clients grandmother.





The buttons are from the floral cardigan sweater.








I also made a little change purse to match.










The lavender pockets were cut from a decorative blouse. These pockets are perfect for holding large sunglasses or your mobile phones.










The sea-glass buttons are also from my clients collection. The double pockets are located on both sides of the lining. Perfect for holding checkbooks, small note pads, mobile phones, business card cases, writing pens and nail files.