The Purses
Please scroll down to view images of the purses to be featured in the silent auction.
Jo Ann Page/ Jo Ann Page Leather Studio (Los Angeles, CA) -
"A Red Heart"
This purse is Jo Ann’s signature piece. It is made of red lamb with leopard lamb lining and long adjustable strap. Cute little tassels on the zippers that go together, apart and all to one side, give it an easy opening.
Jo Ann specializes in fine American skins in the time honored tradition of European craftsmanship. Full leather linings and suede lined shoulder straps are details you simply will not find in any but the most coveted leathers.
Trained in the art of leather on the island of Ibiza, Jo Ann Page upholds a time honored tradition with attention to every detail, personally, by hand. www.joannpageleather.com
Josh Jakus - "The UM Carry Bag"
UMs developed from two creative challenges: The first, to make use of the unique properties of pressed wool felt, and the second, to transform a flat surface into a volume using only the simplest of operations. When unzipped, UMs lay completely flat for dry cleaning and easy storage — and when zipped, they become inspired forms with inherent functionality. UMs are sewn from two layers of industrial wool felt made from factory excess. As a natural material that might otherwise go to waste, most would consider it eco-friendly. All UMs are cut and sewn in the San Francisco Bay Area.
www.joshjakus.com
Ashley Watson (Vancouver, Canada) - "Murre"
Small Murre bag in brown leather. H 13’x 17” at bottom and 4.5 “ at side bottom.
Vancouver based designer Ashley Watson handcrafts her one-of-a-kind leather products using exclusively recycled material. She began designing handbags with recycled leather in early 2005, inspired by the original features of jackets purchased from charity thrift stores. She ultimately incorporates these features, such as pockets and seams, into each unique bag or wallet design.
With an extensive background in studio art, Ashley brings an innovative and environmentally sound approach to fashion design, creating products that are practical, sophisticated, and, above all, distinctive. www.ashleywatson.net
Ashley Watson (Vancouver, Canada) - "Plover"
Large Plover bag in brown recycled leather from leather jackets. H 17’ x 18.5”at bottom 5”at middle
A native of British Columbia, Ashley holds a degree in Fine Arts from the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design. After studying fashion design in Vancouver, Ashley interned at Libertine in New York City. Upon her return to Vancouver, she worked as a jewelry designer before founding Ashley Watson Recycled Leather in 2006. Ashley Watson Recycled Leather bags and wallets are now sold online and in stores across North America, and will soon be available in select stores in Europe. www.ashleywatson.net
 
Lauren Abrahms/LaBeana Bags Purseware Purse handles by Laura Abrahms/purse by Harlan - Blue Fancy Fur Knit Bag
11”x16” Knit bag. Knit on circular needles in a stockinet stitch with Lion Suede and Fancy Fur yarn. The purse uses Rondo Purse handles from La Beana Bags Purseware.
"I have always loved wearable art... the idea of expressing my own personal sense of beauty by what I wear or carry led me to try my hand at making purses. After doing much research I was disappointed at the choices that I found for handles...so I decided to design my own. This soon became my main focus and now I am offering them to the many people I have discovered who make their own handbags.
. . . I bring them to life using polymer clay. . . From there I make RTV molds of the originals and cast them in resins...tinting them with different colorants, dyes and metal powders. When the pieces are cured, I remove them, sand and polish them and do any hand painting, staining, buffing and finishing they require.” www.labeanabags.com Kara Kurcz/Solas Fashion by Kara Kurcz (Los Angeles, CA) -
Healing Clutch in Natural Green Exotic
The Solas Healing clutch in green exotic is made of natural leather with green Solas lighting. – Features a large interior zipper pocket, interior lipstick mirror, drop-in chain strap, and Solas light technology. Dimensions (LxWxH): 12.5" x 1" x 4.25"
Solas Fashion’s handbags are designed by 30 year old Chicago native, and LA based Actor/Producer/Director, Kara Kurcz. One night in a dark lounge, Kara, a self-proclaimed handbag addict, could not find her keys in her purse. Brian Lee, her fiancé (now husband), teased her by saying she needed a light in her bag. The rest is the stuff fashion dreams are made of! After three years of development, the combination of Brian’s technical savvy with Kara’s flair for fashion resulted in gorgeous handbags that illuminate when opened. www.solasfashions.com
Cinda Boomershine/cinda b (Atlanta, GA) - “Pretty in Pink”
Who said briefcases had to be boring? This zippy little number makes hauling your work much more fun. There is a padded pocket for your laptop, tons of room for books, files and the like; and cozy spots designed to stash your pens, phones or glasses so they don't get lost. Let this bag be your little spot of happy in an otherwise dull business world. 15''w x 4''d x 11''h
cinda b was launched in November 2004 by Cinda Boomershine, a spunky southern gal with a background in business, marketing, and design Prior to launching the bag line (or as she likes to say, giving birth to her baby), Cinda was running her own interior design consulting business, offering a unique approach to designing interiors. While enjoying success with that business, she was invited to join the cast of TBS’s hit show Movie and a Makeover as a regular design expert. Cinda was soon on the move, traveling from one design shoot to the next, and found herself living out of the same old weekend bag she’d been hauling around since high school. Unable to find a new bag that met her needs – nifty features, reasonable price and of course a fresh look -- Cinda designed her own bag and the cinda b collection was born. www.cindab.com
Davidson Lewis/Ecologic Designs – Green Guru (Boulder CO) - Billboard Snowboard Bag
The Billboard Snowboard Bag provides an original, colorful and dependable case to carry your board, boots, helmet, and essentials in style. Made primarily from discarded vinyl highway billboards, this durable waterproof material is used to create one-of-a-kind patterned bags. Saving these giant billboards from being thrown in the landfill helps recycle an otherwise discarded material while making a killer snowboard bag that is totally unique. Will fit boards up to 168" with bindings; measures 68" x 18" without padding. (day bag; not meant for airport travel)
The National Geographic 2007 Green Guide Staff Picks our billboard snowboard bag as a favorite. Listed among other great green products, our recycled highway billboard snowboard bag makes the list as a green gear option. Thanks Green Guide Staff. We look foward to the new Green Guide magazine coming in March 2008. www.ecologicdesigns.com
Davidson Lewis/Ecologic Designs – Green Guru (Boulder CO) - Billboard Small Deluxe Messenger Bag
The Billboard Small Deluxe Messenger Bag is a unique, colorful and dependable carrying option. Made primarily from discarded highway billboards, with a recycled bicycle tube base, this tough waterproof material is used to create one-of-a-kind styled bags. Designed to fit books and organize personal items like cell phones, mp3 players, pens, etc. This bag is built to last. (14” x 12 x 4”) www. ecologicdesigns.com 
Jerry Terrence/JT The Original Carpetbag (Beverly Hills, CA) - “Lori” Tote
Oversized tote bag styled with lush, beige shag carpet trimmed in supple varu leather.
Jerry Terrence began his career in his family carpet business. After seeing the sixties hit movie “The Carpetbaggers”, he was inspired to create a new kind of accessory and introduced JT Carpet Bags. Now, more than four decades later, Terrence is re-launching the “it” bag of the past, with modernized features, but the same old love and feeling . . . carpet. www.jtcarpetbag.com
Jerry Terrence/JT The Original Carpetbag (Beverly Hills, CA -
“Barbie” Bar Bag
Bar bag made of lush, lime shag carpet trimmed in supple varu leather. It' s cute, it's fun, and it's stylish!
Jerry Terrence began his career in his family carpet business. After seeing the sixties hit movie “The Carpetbaggers”, he was inspired to create a new kind of accessory and introduced JT Carpet Bags. Now, more than four decades later, Terrence is re-launching the “it” bag of the past, with modernized features, but the same old love and feeling . . . carpet. www.jtcarpetbag.com
Signe Dupuy (Los Angeles, CA) - "Salsa and Wontons"
Hand loomed beaded purse, by local bead artist Signe Dupuy. Signe was the artist who created the lovely and original beaded belt for our “Citrus Belts” wearable art project. She is back with her first beaded purse. From her web site The Boom Boom Loom – “Inspired by Native American beading, I loom my designs into wearable art.”www.boomboomloom.com
Alena Hennesy (Asheville, NC) - Giorno Horse
Intricately woven tote bag that has a matching pattern on both the front and back side, with chocolate trim along the edges. fully lined and measures a generous 16" x 16". a perfect day bag, both practical and stylish, that can carry a wide variety of things (mail, small groceries, books, etc). this bag is an ethical product created from state of the art looms in the southeast region. www.alenahennesy.com
Alena Hennesy (Asheville, NC) - "milla sea + sky"
Intricately woven tote bag that has a matching pattern on both the front and back side, with cerulean trim along the edges. fully lined and measures a generous 16" x 16". a perfect day bag, both practical and stylish, that can carry a wide variety of things (mail, small groceries, books, etc). this bag is an ethical product created from state of the art looms in the southeast region. www.alenahennesy.com
Susan Onofrey/Susan Nichole (Oxnard, CA) - Style #87 Faux Fur collection
Style #87 is one of our fabulous faux fur bags this fall/winter season. It is made of man made leather and faux fur to create a very chic leopard appearance. The gold hardware and studding creates a rich accent to really make this bag pop. You will love the wide frame top, Dr. bag opening and the small but roomy quality this bag offers. 3 color combinations are available.
Susan Nichole is an animal friendly Co. We strive to create beautiful affordable leather-free bags for women of all ages. We use beautiful, soft, supple materials to create a designer look gorgeous bag that you will be proud to carry. You will be amazed at the compliments you receive. http://www.susannichole.com/
Helen E. Riegle/HER Design (Marblehead, MA) - "Iris"
Inspired by the wrapped layers of an iris bud, oatmeal linen with a soft pink lining. Embroidered, fold-over flap features a zippered main compartment with internal pocket, and an outside pouch (with key clip). Remove the strap if you prefer a clutch. In linen with vegan leather trim and recycled PET lining. Size: 6"h x 11"w x 2"d
A design-school graduate originally from England, Helen built a career in the museum and exhibitions industry, managing installations throughout North America, Europe, and Australia. Her exposure to diverse social and natural histories and the masterworks of Owen Jones and William Morris have clearly influenced her work.
Consistent with her “green chic” aesthetic and ethical stance, she promotes the use of organic and sustainable materials to deliver captivating products with a conscientious message: You CAN have high style with low impact. Helen is a proud member of Trunkt, an exclusive community of independent designers. www.her-design.com
Gina Love (Woodbury University College) - "Fairy Dust"
My inspiration for the design and fabrication of this bag was
Disney’s “Tinkerbell,” costumed as a Madame Alexander doll. 
Jose Galeana (Woodbury University College)
The bag was an inspiration of women and art. The color came from Jackson Pollock paintings. The bag is not big nor it is small, it is rather the perfect size for today’s active and stylish women. The back is made out of pure ribbon. Each section was sewn separately. The buttons add playfulness but still keep it classic and ageless look.
The effect that the ribbon has when light hits it is perfect for a night out due to its shining and glossy surface.
Destiny Love (Woodbury University College) - "Cupcake"
Gothic Animal Bunny
Janel Thurber - "In Bloom"
Fuchsias, which have long been my favorite flower, are also the bane of my garden.
Over the years hundreds have withered and died in my attempts to grow them successfully. I still cannot resist their fairy-like blooms, even knowing their grim future in my otherwise green-thumbed hands.
Here finally, I have created at least one branch that will not fade!
100% wool, lined in 100% silk, fuchsias are 100% silk w/glass beads, 100%,
cotton embroidery floss.
Susan Monte (Woodbury University)
Designed as an open top carry for a small sketch book and pencils, etc.
 
Karl E. Grimm (Pasadena City College) - "The Urban Traveler"
This body-hugging messenger bag makes riding the metro-rail easier than a bulky
handbag or backpack. It has everything a woman needs for a smooth commute.
There is an easy-access pocket for your music-phone; a slit-pocket to hold your book or journal; pockets for keys, cash cards, lipstick and more; and a special ring to attach and display your monthly rail pass. Its go-anywhere looks are professional enough for the office, hip enough for the club, and it won’t weigh you down during a long day of shopping.
Karl is a self-taught sewist who is planning the release his first clothing line for fall 2009.
Susan Monte (Woodbury University College) - "Soft Peach Shell"
Free design as a soft carry with no metal parts.
Cell phone or I-pod pocket on the front.
Charlotte Chen (Pasadena City College) - “Putting Your Best Shoe Purse Forward”
It has long been noted that shoes and purses have been considered accessories, playing a secondary role to the outfit in fashion. A couple years ago I attended a lecture by a major international expert; she stated the accessories like shoes and especially the purse have become the frontrunner in fashion.
As the artist, designer, and builder, I tried to follow the anatomy of the shoe, like most objects, a skeleton had to be constructed to give it a shape. I used a light weight wire wrapped around a wooden sole. The first skin was masking tape then the second and decorative skin was printed crepe de chine silk of a peony flower and Chinese calligraphy. Being a printmaker I was able to print it using two techniques, first with a steam set process then a heat set process giving it a textured effect much like a metallic brocade effect. Finally a zipper and jeweled glass stones were added to give it extra sparkle.
 
Denise K. Seider - “Midnight Medicine Bag”
I do not normally make purses, though I am a sculptor and used to work with fabric as a medium. I was truly fun to construct a functional object using an artistic approach – choosing fabrics and colors, beads, and textures that I enjoyed seeing together. I created a small collage on the front & added embellishments that I feel give the purse a sense of having to do with magic, a topic I often explore in my sculptural work.
Emily Hopkins - “Woodworking Purse”
This purse is created entirely out of items found on Side Street Projects’ renowned Woodworking Buses: mobile wood shops on renovated transit buses that have brought the lost art of woodworking to thousands of kids in LA County since 1997. Created by artist and Side Street Project’s Director of Education Emily Hopkins, the purse is made from (1) scrap wood fragments generated by Pasadena children as they learn to use tools and create unique objects out of wood, (2) sandpaper, and (3) nylon wire ties.
Lynne Maddux (Ridgecrest, CA) - “Jeweled Lavender Wool Bag”
Handknit on large needles using 100% wool yarn. Purse was then agitated in hot water and soap in a washing machine until it shrunk to desired size and denseness of fabric. This process achieved a firm, sturdy purse that can be handwashed and air-dried. Surface can be brushed to renew its loft. www.bllynsworld.com
Sharlena Bernard (Sous Sus Handbags & Accessories) - “Slipper Bag”
This purse is a tribute to my foundation, the ballet, and the strength, poise and passionate expression that has inspired me to create the Sous Sus brand. The Slipper Bag is styled in the actual Sous Sus position and has the ability to be the casual to formal accessory the Sous Sus brand is becoming famous for. The Slipper bag is uniquely modern, yet guaranteed to become a classic.
Chris Pegula - “Diaper Dude Diaper Bag”
Designer and father Chris Pegula was tired of carrying around flowery diaper bags. He decided to create an accessible bag that was more suitable for men’s style.
“With Diaper Dude, you can access diapers, bottles, clothes whatever you need without having to take the bag off of you! Everything is available at the moment you need it,” says Pegula. Diaper Dude has become popular among the Hollywood crowd and includes celebrity clientele such as David Arquette, Matthew Broderick, Ben Stiller, Eric McCormick and Wayne Brady. www.diaperdude.com
Mary Frances Accessories ( Lafayette, CA) - “Midas Touch”
Midas Touch is a quintessential Mary Frances bag. This bag lends an opulent air to any evening ensemble. Mary Frances mixed multi elements – beads, gold – filigree – velvet – sequins – all to create a collectible and timeless piece. www.maryfrances.com
Suzan A. Haeui (Huntington, NY) - “Kimono Josspocket”
The purse was designed and made by me using antique and vintage Japanese kimono silk from documents that I found and deconstructed. I designed the purse to create a geisha kimono collection. The band at the top represents the obi while the rest of the bag is the kimono. I beaded the ornament to look like the wondrous fan ornaments worn by the geisha. Inside the fabrics are all kimono lining fabrics. It is an evening bag.
6” wide x 7 ¼” high with strap closer. www.obiworks.com
Jeanine Romo (California State University Los Angeles) - “Rice Bag”
A purse doesn’t have to be expensive to make a statement. I created this purse with a rice bag. It isn’t usable, but it’s a fun piece of art to appreciate.
Ellene Warren (Culver City, CA) - “Octopurse”
Aptly named by the artist’s son, this handbag features long fringe-like tentacles, a beaded zipper pull and shoulder strap. Fully lined, the bag was hand-loomed and is one of a kind. See more wearable art at www.yarnartists.com.
Nonie Petrie (Walla Walla, WA) - “Zipper Purses”
The Zipper Purses are unique and colorful – made of colorfast material in sizes 6” x 8” and 4” x 8”. Artistically distinctive, they tastefully represent the marriage of everything that is attractive and everything that is useful zipperpursesbynonie.com
CUFFZ by Linz (Los Angeles, CA)
Silver Swarovski: Metallic Silver Cowhide. "Police Grade" handcuff with clear Swarovski crystals and chain: nickel-plated steel.
The concept for the original CUFFZ "Barfly" bag came about when Linz Shelton was exploring the chic, wild-yet-well-mannered club scene in London several years ago - where one is expected to gracefully keep command of a full cocktail and a fashionable clutch purse while seemingly effortlessly flitting about a crowded dance floor and up tiny VIP staircases. Thus the idea of incorporating handcuffs into one's evening routine was born! The bag stays put, but the heads turn! Since then, the handcuff - still fully functional - has come to designate one's glamorous clutch, sexy shoulder bag, or chic tote as a true "CUFFZ" original!
Rebecca Nash - MadieDeluxe® (North Carolina) - Chanda-Leer Sack Bag
The French Styled chandelier makes a unique statement on this limited edition sack bag. The beautiful brocade fabric shows incredible detail in shimmery silver stitching of crystal droplets and chains. Fully lined in silver-grey stain resistant cotton duck. Welt cord detail is found around the base of this bag. 7" Silver toned metal round handles can be carried comfortably over your shoulder. Heavy stabilizer has been used in the bottom of this bag for added structure. Large interior pocket. Magnetic snap tab closures create a secure bag closure. 11w(at top),14w(at bottom)10h(from bottom to base of handle)x4d. Cotton/Poly/Viscose. All MadieDeluxe® handbags are made by hand in the USA ( http://www.madiedeluxe.com/about.html).
Sally Spicer Signature Tote Bag and coin purse – Kashmir
There really is a Sally Spicer and she really was born and raised in San Francisco. Named after her grandmother Blanche Spicer, who always encouraged her to pursue art and adventure, Sally studied at L'Accademia di Belle Arti di Bologna, Italy. After returning to San Francisco she continued to create and produce her own designs while running the family insurance business and raising her son, Hunter.
In 1997, Sally married Brad Bergman and together they began creating these stylish bags as holiday gifts for friends and family. Brad is the other half of this successful team. Brad has been involved in private label apparel manufacturing for the past 20 years with brands such as Smith & Hawken and The Nature Company. He has the background and experience to ensure that the production process meets the most exacting standard, guaranteeing excellence through to delivery.
Sally and Brad are pleased but not surprised at the acclaim and demand for their beautiful bags. As Sally says, "It's all about the fabric. I fall in love with the fabric, the color, the texture, and we go from there." This personal joy and involvement shows up in a unique product with integrity and beauty.
Sally Spicer's unique handbags and zippered pouches standout with their European fabric palette yet very American construction standards. They mix an old school appreciation for quality, stitched with beautiful fabrics and a modern finish.
www.sallyspicerbags.com
Marty Stevens-Heebner Half The Sky Designs LLC (Sherman Oaks, CA)
Rebagz Runway Backpack (Jasmine)
This amazing backpack began life holding rice in the Philipines, and its gorgeous graphic design was part of the original sack’s printing. (Apparently the rice market there is very competitive, so it’s all about the packaging. Sound familiar?) Once the rice sack was empty, it was just too beautiful to be left in a trash heap. So I asked some wonderful women to help me rescue this and lots of other sacks, then found excellent sewers needing work to transform all those sacks into my handbag designs. I make sure these women are paid and treated fairly. I wouldn’t have it any other way – and my customers wouldn’t either. http://www.halftheskydesigns.com/
Jenny Yuen - Honey Comb Print Hitchcock Bag (limited edition)
Custom hand screen printed cotton canvas, Italian cowhide, goldplated hardware, turnlock closures 14” x 10.5” x 5”, 6.5” shoulder drop, detachable shoulder strap, Jenny heart logo charm
Jenny Yuen handbags are the love child of fine arts studies and design school cool: classic, chic, impeccably designed and beautifully functional. Born and raised in Orange County, California, but a city girl at heart, Jenny Yuen seamlessly blends California’s laid back luxury with New York’s fast paced glamour. Her addiction to fashion, her appreciation for fine arts, and her unique sense of style led her to pursue formal training and eventually to start her own line. Jennywashere.com
 |
Location: CATZ (Competitive Athlete Training Zone), 801 S. Raymond Ave., Pasadena 91105 
