Some time ago I was asked if I could make a beach bag for a friend to give to another friend on their birthday…. I was given fairly comprehensive instructions…. it would be good if it could have beach huts and starfish on it, a place to carry a bottle of wine, maybe a pocket for a phone etc….
So, armed with the list I began to draw out different designs, and think about all the necessary features of a beach bag, such as somewhere to put money, car keys, sunglasses, sunscreen, a book etc… and, of course, big enough to carry a towel and beach mat and all the other gubbins associated with a day at the beach.
I am really pleased with the finished result….. What do you think?
Front of the bag with the obligatory beach huts….
Back of the bag…. adorned with starfish….
Starfish detail….
Inside…. a zipped pocket for ice cream pennies… and a place to attach keys so that you don’t spend hours fumbling around amongst the sand and soggy towels at the end of the day when the children are tired and grumpy and just want to go home!
Two more pockets for books and sunglasses…..
A gorgeous big vintage button and spotty ribbon fasten the bag on the front….
No, I didn’t forget a place for the mobile phone… here is a secret pocket… it’s one of the beach huts on the front! Clever eh?
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On a completely different note….. did you spot the new tab at the top of this blog….. ???? It took me ages to work out how to get it there… not much of a computer geek I’m afraid! Anyhow, I managed it and there it is ^^^^^^^ . Have you taken a peek yet? I am so so excited about this piece of news. For those of you who live locally, you will know of a place called China Blue in Totnes. It’s a a fantastic place full of gorgeous things to buy, a ceramics studio where you can paint your own pots and pieces, a hairdressers, an amazing cafe, glass blowers…. and now….. Yvonne Temple@China Blue!!!!! I have some space upstairs in the studio to be able to work on my various projects AND… I am going to be running a series of workshops there too. I will be teaching both Sewing… learning how to use the sewing machine, making bags and cushions etc…. and Jewellery making… basic techniques, button jewellery and wire work etc… I just can’t wait for the place to be buzzing with happy people being creative and beavering away on little projects…
This week I had my first victim customer….. here she is, head down, sewing away at her cushion cover…..
… and here is the first cushion cover she made… all by herself! I had a text later in the day to say that the cushion was in pride of place and she was thrilled with it. Rightly so don’t you think?
So, if you’re local, or coming to Devon on a holiday, come up and say ‘hello’ to me at China Blue, or, better still, book yourself into a workshop and come and have some fun… I’d love to see you.!
Big Hugs xxxx
Very colorful bags! A perfect gift item!
Wow – what a super bag – and well thought out design!! Something to keep and treasure making happy memories!
WOW!
Julie xxxxxxxx
Love your beach bag Yvonne. Will certainly pop into China Blue next time I'm in Totnes:-)
Love the bag its gorgeous. A very happy bag I think!
Congrats on your new venture and wish you every success.
MBB x
Hi Yvonne,
I've just called by your blog & checked out your latest update. I thought your photo of your display at 'China Blue' looks lovely, the beginning of great things.
Keep up the great work. I'm proud of you!
Lots of love,
Simon xxx
Good luck with your new ventue, Love Helen xx
Hi Yvonne! It was lovely to see you over at Amanda Makes! I love the beach bag! I think I need to sit down with a cup of tea and enjoy your archives. Lots of love, Amanda xxx
Hi Yvonne, thanks so much for your lovely comment on my blog 🙂 I LOVe the beach bag you made! Such a lovely bright design. China Blue looks like a really nice place to visit, I shall come and check it out next time I'm down that way! xx
Lovely to see you again – was wondering where you had got to! Lovely and exceedingly practical beach bag – you clever lady 🙂
The cushion your customer made is gorgeous as well.