FashBlog.com

By Christina VanGinkel

I never thought I would say something to the affect that I liked handbags, let alone that I have become obsessed with them, but I have to. It all came about innocently enough and had nothing whatsoever to do with clothing or accessories such as handbags in general. It all started with my fascination for anything at all to do with scrapbooking. I know, I know, you are wondering what in the world scrapbooking could possibly have to do with handbags.

Browsing a few of my favorite shopping sites for all things having to do with scrapbooks and crafts in general, I cam across a Z Becky Brown Handbag. Made of a clear resin, injection molded, it is just the coolest handbag ever. Available with different colored tops and nickel or brass hardware, which is all top quality for years of use; the possibilities with each Z Becky Brown Handbag are almost unlimited. You see, you can personalize each bag with whatever craft happens to be your specialty. There is a small space between the clear exterior and the lining of the bag for you to slide in whatever strikes your fancy. If you want to personalize one for a special outing for example, it is not only easily done, but you are sure to get rave reviews from everyone who sees it. One friend of mine transformed a Z Becky Brown Handbag for a trip to Disney Land, and got more compliments and comments on it, that she said it was one of the most memorable parts of the whole outing.

Some might complain that they only come with a handle, and not a strap, but I found that the way they are constructed makes the handle set up just more feasible than a strap ever would. In addition, keep in mind that these are handbags, not purses. These really are fashion accessories, usable fashion accessories, but fashion accessories nonetheless.

From this very unique handbag though grew a love and a want for even more handbags. The problem with many of the designer bags I encountered though was the high cost. When a bag you love ends up costing more than what I would normally spend on a month's worth of groceries for my family, I know that I can covet it, but chances are I will not ever own it. Therefore, back to the handcrafted bags I went. Besides the Z Becky Brown Handbags, which can be transformed into an unlimited number of designs, I began looking through other craft supplies to see if any others would be as suitable for something along these lines. What I came up with were the very popular Provo Craft Lunchboxes. I am referring to the metal ones with the handle on the top, not the ones that are shaped liked a child's lunchbox, but the other ones that are so popular for adding inserts to. They do make these in a circle shape too, and I could imagine that those would also have some great possibilities for personalizing into fun handbags too! I have seen the top handled ones decorated in themes that just leave me speechless. One was a beach scene complete with seashells and sand adhered right to the front of it. Another one was in a holiday theme complete with ribbons, a few tiny ornaments, even a string of lights that lit up. I had to ask, and the woman who made it said the lights were run to a little battery on the inside of the box. My favorite one though was simply covered in a satiny fabric with even more shiny baubles and bits of lace, perfect for a fun evening out at a club (Never mind that I never go clubbing, but if I had one of these, I might just take it up!).

So here I sit, contemplating making my very own handbag, but I have a feeling once I make one, it will turn into two, or three, or even more. Whoever might think handbags are not fun, need only to see a few of these, and you will surely covet them as much as I have been since discovering these fun to make and even more fun to carry accessories!