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.

The Rahab Bag "Butterfly" ~ Monyan Forevermore 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 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.








Most of the symbols of the Resurrection derived from nature are linked to spring, a season of new life. In Christian art, the butterfly represents the Resurrection. Its life cycle from caterpillar to chrysalis to butterfly symbolizes the life, death, and resurrection of Christ.

The large flower fabric used here is taken from fabulous curtains Monyan had hanging in her house. The butterflies are cut from her dress, and stitched on.




The black lace trim around the top I cut from the bodice of Monyan's dress.












The buttons utilized on the handles are from the butterfly dress as well.












Pretty pockets and butterfly in flight add for an eye-popping surprise upon looking inside this vintage inspired handbag. The long pockets on the sides (in black) are cut from the bodice of Monyan's dress. The original pleats are still intact. These large pockets are perfect for big sunglasses.

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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 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.

The Rahab Bag "Baskets" $175 ~ The Chicks Collection

Although the theme for this handbag is "Baskets" I would like to share a bit of where the inspiration for the name of the bag comes from. The story of Rahab is one of my favorites in scripture. Found in the second chapter of Joshua, the prostitute Rahab provides protection for the Israelite spies once they were inside the walls of Jericho. "Now then, since I have dealt kindly with you, swear to me by the Lord that you in turn will deal kindly with my family. Give me a sign of good faith......and deliver our lives from death." Josh 2:12-13. In exchange for their protection from the enemy, the Israelites swear to protect Rahab and her family when the city of Jericho is sacked. They tell her to tie a scarlet cord from her window. This will be a sign to the Israelites not to kill those peoples residing within those doors, and show mercy upon them. NRSV. Rahab Bag $145

The red scarf on the Rahab bag is symbolic of the scarlet cord that Rahab tied to her window. It was "by faith that the prostitute did not perish with those who were disobedient, because she had received the spies in peace." Hebrews 11:31.

This handbag is composed of linen, cotton blends, mole skin, suede-like micro-fiber, bottomweight, and a basket-weave leatherette. All hardware is brass.

Please click on any of the photos to get a larger view.

A peek inside shows a handy pocket for your sunglasses or mobile phones, one on each side of the bag. Plenty of pockets inside for stashing your items away, allowing for organization.

Detail of the sunglasses pocket.

How The Chick's Collection came to be.

As as designer, my ideas and inspirations come and go like the tide. There are many times I yearn to produce something new and fresh, and often more than not I am left sadly like a dried up well.....nothing there, no visions, no pulling together of ideas, no nada. I hate it when that happens. But when I get the teeniest spark of light out of the darkness, the inspirations and visions come like a flood. I practically can't get the drawings out fast enough. What a rush it is when that happens.

That is precisely what happened with our newest addition, The Chicks Collection. I think it was Rahab that started it all. I love that story in the Bible. It represents so much hope for those that are lost. It is a fine example of God's grace and mercy. She was a brave woman, Rahab, and for that I wanted to share her story. After that, I decided on Esther. Then it was the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law pair Naomi and Ruth - WOW! What a story. It just brings tears to my eyes. Eve was a must.....good ol' Eve! Sarah's faith in the Lord to guide she and Abraham into the unknown, and then to provide her with a son after all of those years, well, she was a shoe in as well. That leaves us with the last, but most certainly not the least, Mary, mother of Christ. She is the only woman I choose from the New Testament, as she towers over and above all others. Voila! I had new names for new designs, and the inspirations for shapes and textures began to flow. From here The Chicks Collection was born.

My need to not only create, but to solidify my work with meaning, meaning that comes from scripture, is an ultimate high for me. I love reading the Bible and pulling images from beautifully painted verses. Running through the files in my mind of how I can apply the bold use of color and texture along with keys words or phrases such as "crimson cord" or "valley of dry bones" is a challenge that I embrace with great gusto and delight. This said, the pieces I create are more than just a handbag to me, they are a symphony. They sing to me. I see stories with them. I feel them, just as I feel joy and love and compassion as I read God's word. It is because of all of these things that I know that the Lord is behind all of these designs. I am simply the vessel. To create for Him and to spread His word though these designs, to glorify Him.....well, it's quite hard to put into words how it makes me feel, but to say "wonderful" is a good start.

Your Sister In Christ, Heidi