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 Naomi Clutch "Daisy" ~ Monyan Forevemore Collection 2011 (NFS)

The Monyan Forevermore Collection is composed of 5 handbags, each individually unique in style, all of which are composed of fabric belonging to my client's grandmother. This collection was designed to recreate Monyan's avante garde style she eloquently and effortlessly modeled in her lifetime. Through photographs and long conversations with my client, she helped create an image for me of Monyan's character, that of which I personified in handbags with the use of her dresses, clothing Monyan made for her daughter, curtains and loose fabrics she owned. Each handbag evokes a different look at Monyan's colorful and original style. With this, I give you, "Monyan Forevermore."

The playful black and white daisy print employed on the trim detail became the inspiration for my theme "Daisy." 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.

The pleats on the left of the daisy trim are original to the bodice of Monyan's dress. The black and white daisy print was a flounce on a beautiful dress. The button is from my personal collection.





The inside of the flap exhibits my signature cascade of fabrics (although small). I spare no expense to detail. Even the inside of the pockets are pretty.








Naomi Clutch "Daisy" pictured here with The Rahab Bag "Butterfly", and Noami Clutch "Jewel" Monyan Forevermore Collection 2011.

Double Vision Hobo - "Lizard" & "Daisy"

This bag is apprortiately named Double Vision because it is a two in one. Yes, this bag is a reversible Hobo! I know, it's totally cool. The symbols on this bag are the Lizard and the Daisy (reverse). 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). The Daisy is a symbolic refernce to the innocence of the Christ child. 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. That's me in the middle with my two beautiful sisters! One of a kind

Although this bag is an original, you can expect to see more of this style. Here I have married leather, faux leather, denim with gold overlay, taffeta, and twill to create a stunning handbag. The lizards eyes are old buttons I discovered in a box of "treaures". Just under the "cascade" is a zipper which opens to a very large pocket, perfect for items needed on the fly!






The back side reveals two leather pockets. Clean and crisp. Now, to change the bag over, you need to detatch the strap at the clips, and completely unzip the zipper on side A (it is a reversable seperating zipper). Then turn it inside out. Straighten out the tabs on side B & tuck in the tabs on side A (the tabs are where the strap attaches to the grommet holes). Then zip up the zipper just as you would do a coat, attach the strap, and "voila" you have a new bag!


Side B of Double Vision presents a very large pocket on the front. Open on both sides, the pocket begins and ends where the "cascade" falls. This collection of fabrics are compsed of twill, canvas, broadcloth, and vinyl (yes, that is correct, vinyl!) I am not afraid to embrace the unusual and cling to the unexpected!!




As you can see here, the pocket is quite large and can hold my issue of Country Living quite easily, as well as my keys, and my ipod, and my palm pilot, and my wallet, and my business cards, and my lipstick, oh, and can't forget my lipgloss! Ladies, the list just goes on and on! Well, you really wouldn't want to put all of that in there, but......there is space for it!







Here are the Daisies. Three to the bunch, the daisies are made of vinyl and a little "bling bling" in the center. " The daisy, which opens at sunrise and closes at sunset (hence 'day's eye')...sees things only by the pure light of day." Canon Edward N. West, Outward Signs: The Language of Christian Symbolism (New York: Walker & Co., 1989), 53.