The Belita Bag "Angel"

The Belita Bag. She is named after the most wonderful, loving, nurturing, sensitive and kind woman I know. My mother. On this bag I have employed sweet little white angel wings for our theme "Angel." Inspiration for "Angel" is drawn from Hebrews 13:2, "Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby many have entertained angels unawares." I was a freshman in college when I fest learned of this verse. I was coming home late one night, and found myself in the company of a chatty cabby who made me very nervous. I was young and naive to the big city life, and was very uncertain and uncomfortable with the "comfort" my cab driver had with his passenger. I feared the worse that night when we finally arrived at the foot of my college dormitory. He said, "I want to share something with you." He arched over to the side, reaching to pull something out of his pocket. I literally thought he was pulling out a weapon. To my greatest surprise, I saw rise above the back of his seat and in his hands a small pocket Bible. He said to me, "You have been such a delight to talk to! I would like to share a scripture verse with you, if you don't mind." It was then that her read to me this exact passage from the book of Hebrews.That memory as stuck with me for the past 20 years. My heart felt thanks to the God-loving cabby that showed me the importance of this meaningful passage.

Belita is composed of faux crocodile skin, Italian hammered hardware, and leather handles made in the USA. The top of the handbag features long rectangular flaps that lay inset across the top of the bag so to prevent your worldly goods from falling out. They hold closed by hidden super strong magnets.

The purse charms are created by Susan Ragsdale Lloyd, of Powhatan, Va. her line of jewelry, designs by susan, are always unique, well make and hand crafted.

The theme for "Angel" is further reflected here with various sizes of angel wings, mingling with clear, purple and pink beads.

I spare no expense when it comes to detail and organization. The Belita Bag has plenty of places to nest away all of your girly items. In total this handbag has eight pockets. Six on the inside and two on the outside (they are flat pockets located at the center of the font and back panels). Every pocket is lined with a coordinating fabric to accent the aqua lining and bold magenta exterior.

The Large Day Bag "Peacock"

In Christian history the peacock is a symbol of immortality because the ancients believed that the flesh of the peacock did not decay, becoming a symbol of Christ and his immortality.The earliest usage of the word peacock (or peafowl) in written English can be dated back to 1300. Throughout history, the peacock has become a symbol of great significance for many religions. Many Medieval works of art employ the peacock, as well as in manuscripts, mosaics, and decorative motifs on church's and buildings. Early Renaissance artist Fra Angelico used a peacock in  his painting Adoration of the Magi (c.1445), perched on the roof of the stable, symbolizing the immortality of the Christ child. With its shedding and regrowth of tail feather's annually, the peacock too symbolizes renewal. The "eye" on the peacock's tail feathers came to symbolize God's all-seeing eye.

This handbag is composed of cotton velvet, microfiber, silk, and cotton/poly blends. All hardware is brass.

My signature cascade of fabrics grace the back side of the handbag.

Click on any of the images to get a larger view.

The "eye" of the peacock is surrounded by wisps of  burnt orange feathers. This is a long process to create using 100's of stitches. Although difficult to see in this photo, a purse charm consisting of peacock colors accent the top right corner of the bag with the SCD logo.

Detail abounds in "Peacock." The inside of the handbag has one 6" zipper pocket, one 12" zipper pocket, and three side pockets. This bag is large enough to carry your laptop.

The Virginia Bag "Dove"

The female inspiration for this handbag is drawn from my grandmother on my mother's side, Mary Virginia. She was a beautiful woman with thick auburn hair and cheek bones to die for. I remember her always dressing so elegant. A classy woman she was, always adorned with the perfect accessories to accent her wardrobe. I do not remember her ever carrying soft handbags, but always structured ones, often filled with her lipsticks, handkerchiefs, and eyeglasses. "Ginny" is what she often went by, but us grandchildren called her "Nana." When designing this handbag, Virginia above all other names seemed appropriate. It fits her to a "T." I think it would have made her proud. I love you, Nana.

The Virginia Bag can be worn with the sides out for a modern look (as shown), or tucked away inside for a polished clean finish. A black removable leather shoulder strap coupled with nickel chain continue the contemporary, structured look of this handbag.

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The symbol of the dove is quietly tucked away under the top flap, only to greet you with a delightful surprise when you open your handbag.

The dove is the theme for this handbag. This lovely avian has come to mean many things throughout history, and has a place in Christian and Medieval art, and Russian and Greek icons for centuries. The dove is a symbol of peace, the Trinity and the Annunciation, but it's representation of the Holy Spirit is recognized the most. When Jesus was baptized, "He saw the spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, 'This ism y Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well please.'" Matthew 3:16-17

For a clean tailored look, wear the side of The Virginia Bag tucked inside. Nickel purse feet protect the bottom of the bag.

The Mabel Bag "Them Bones"

Goldie Mabel Simmons Wright was her name. My great grandmother, my mother's side. She is whom this bag is named after. My goodness she was an amazing baker. I think my fondest memories of her were walking into her kitchen, enveloped by the luscious sweet fragrance of her made from scratch peach or blueberry cobbler, she standing there in her apron, her soft aging, freckled hands covered in four...her welcoming smile. What a blessing she was to me. I miss her fondly. I know she is looking down at me from heaven...I certainly hope she likes what she sees. I love you, Maw-maw.

The inspiration from the handbag is drawn from Ezekiel 37:1-14, under the pericope Valley of Dry Bones. "(3) He said to me, "Mortal, can these bones live?" I answered, "O Lord God, you know." Then he said to me, "Prophesy to these bones, and say to them: O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord. Thus says the Lord God to these bones: I will cause breath to enter you, and you shall live. I will lay sinews on you, and will cause flesh to come upon you, and over you with skin, and put breath in you, and you shall live; and you shall know that I am the Lord."

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This over-the-shoulder bag features a large cover flap that locks in place with a nickel flap lock. A nickel skull, featured on the bottom right corner of the flap, symbolizes the valley of dry bones and the renewal of life made possible by the breath of God. Across the bottom of the handbag is a bold display of rich espresso leather strapping studded with Italian nickel hardware. The long shoulder strap, also made of rich espresso leather, brings balance of color to an otherwise simple yet elegant bag made of tan faux ostrich skin.

A closer look inside reveals my attention to detail and the importance of symbolism in my work. My signature cascade of fabric is present on the inside pockets. The back of this handbag features a very large pocket, and just underneath the front flap is a simple medium size pocket.

The Day Bag "Green Leaf"

I love the various shapes of leaves, their diverse shades of green and assorted textures.  A sea of green in the north eastern part of the United States reveals not a singular palate of the color, but a tapestry of this earthy hue, painting our mountains and hillsides a lush complexion of it's character. I draw inspiration for "Green Leaf" from Proverbs 11:28, "Those who trust in their riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf." Just as the tree needs water for it's leaves to flourish and stay green, we too as followers of Christ need His living water to flourish abundantly.

This is a great little handbag for the woman that carries few things with her. With it's bamboo handles, The Day Bag slips right onto the shoulder providing a comfortable fit under the arm.

This handbag is available in a multitude of colors, although the leaves will always be green.

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Perfect colors for that woman who is "Autumn" throughout the year, or a changing of the wardrobe when our seasons have transitioned from summer to fall. Small and compact inside, two side pockets are perfect for mobile phones, nail files, pens, checkbooks, etc.

The Garland Bag

The Garland Bag was designed exclusively for Garlands of Grace Ministries. The women's ministry draws its name from Proverbs 1:8-9, "Listen, my son, to your father's instruction and do not forsake your mother's teaching. They are a garland to grace your head, and a chain to adorn your neck." The garland that embellishes the front of this handbag symbolizes the women's teaching of our Father's word.

This handbag was constructed to perform many tasks for the woman that carries workbooks, papers, files, pens, pencils, books, and practically anything she may need for a class or study. Located on both the front and back panels are are extra large pockets (the size of the tan panel in the photo). Both sides of the bag have pockets to hold smaller water bottles and/or your mobile phone. The side panels also employ magnetic snaps at the top so to allow for expanding the size of the bag if needed. When in closed position, it lends a polished clean finish.







The back side of The Garland Bag displays my signature cascade of fabrics. I have blended a chocolate faux leather with shades of aqua, tan and creme for a color palate that is beautiful, yet practical for year round usage.

The materials employed in this bag are faux leather, leather strapping for the handles, and cotton and poly blends. The extra large pockets on the front and back of the bag are lined with contrasting fabric.

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The garland on the bag is designed by Susan Ragsdale Lloyd of designs by susan, in Powhatan, Va. Susan's work represents wonderful artistry and are hand crafted. This garland consists of silver leaves and clear beads.

Don't be deceived by the clean crisp minimalist look of this bag. It offers more than it appears. It has 11 pockets: Six smaller pockets inside, one large zipper pocket inside, two smaller pockets and two extra large pockets on the outside.

Note: This handbag is exclusive to Garlands of Grace Ministry and can only be purchased via their website at www.garlandsofgraceministries.com. Look for it in "Market."

This handbag is also only available in these colors.

The Virginia Bag "Angel"

The female inspiration for this handbag is drawn from my grandmother on my mother's side, Mary Virginia. She was a beautiful woman with thick auburn hair and cheek bones to die for. I remember her always dressing so elegant. A classy woman she was, always adorned with the perfect accessories to accent her wardrobe. I do not remember her ever carrying soft handbags, but always structured ones, often filled with her lipsticks, handkerchiefs, and eyeglasses. "Ginny" is what she often went by, but us grandchildren called her "Nana." When designing this handbag, Virginia above all other names seemed appropriate. It fits her to a "T." I think it would have made her proud. I love you, Nana.





I love the surprise when you open The Virginia Bag.It pops right up and says, "HELLO!" In the book of Hebrews, the ancient scripture reads, "Do not neglect to show hospitality to stranger, for thereby many have entertained angels unawares." 13:2.

This handbag comes with a removable shoulder strap.
Click on any of the images for a larger view.



I was a freshman in college when I first learned of this verse. I was coming home late one night, and I found myself in the company of  a chatty cabby who made me very nervous. I was young and naive to the big city life, and was very uncertain and uncomfortable with the "comfort" my cab driver had with his passenger. I feared the worse that night when we finally arrived at the foot of my college dormitory. He said, "I want to share something with you." He arched over to the side, reaching to pull something out of his pocket. I literally thought he was pulling out a weapon. To my greatest surprise, I saw rise above the back of his seat and in his hands a small pocket Bible. He said to me, "You have been such a delight to talk to! I would like to share a scripture verse with you, if you don't mind." It was then that he read to me this exact passage from the book of Hebrews. "Be not afraid to entertain strangers, for many have entertained angels unaware." That memory has stuck with me for the past 20 years. My heart felt thanks to the God-loving cabby that showed me the importance of this meaningful passage.