Feelin' festival-y!
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I'm SUPER-DUPER excited to be at Towersey Festival over the August Bank Holiday weekend! It's not far from Bag End on the beautiful Claydon Estate so I'm delighted to have a stall reserved in the 'local maker' corner of the festival craft market. There's endless entertainment and workshops - truly something for everyone at this popular, friendly festival in its 58th year!
27th July 2022 |
Crafty brewery!
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I'm super-excited to have a stall at Reading's Indie Market in the Double-Barrelled Brewey. Yes, in a brewery!!! This will be my first time here - and it looks like a super-cool venue and a super-cool market.
Be great to see you! Sunday 7th August 12-5pm. 25th July 2022 |
Right Royal long weekend!
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Flying the flag for the Platinum Jubilee! Hope you had a fabulous long weekend :)
I'm back at work sewing purses and I've got Norbert firing mugs (with washing on the clothes horse next to him - what damp weather we're having)... 6th June 2022 |
Platinum Jubilee Celebration
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I'm delighted to have a stall at our village Jubilee celebration on 5th June. There'll be over 30 stalls, a classic car display, TV celebrity David Wilson will be making an appearance and there'll be live music all day **Yee-ha!** Fun and games and beautiful weather - what more could we ask for? See you there!
Tingewick recreation ground MK18 4NU 5th May 2022 |
Riding the Night
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We set off to 'Ride the Night' from Windsor to London and back again at 9:30pm and finished at 4:30am! There was a carnival atmosphere but it was a challenge and adventure to raise funds for Women's cancer research along with 2,000 other ladies on our 'blinged-up' bikes. Our ride was originally meant to take place two years ago, but we all know what happened to put the brakes on it going ahead back then. It was tough, and fun and rather fabulous! I'm VERY tired now, I won't lie... we'd love to do it again next year, though 😂🚴🚴🚴
3rd May 2022 |
Meet the Maker
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I'm super excited to be back at Buckingham's Meet the Maker Market along with the most talented and friendliest bunch of makers you'll ever get to meet in a community centre! Saturday 9th April - be so good to see you.
20th March 2022 |
Mother's Day
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My mum was the most inspirational, enterprising, confident, creative, caring, generous woman. She was fun-loving and gregarious - and crazy in a wonderful way - and sometimes in an acutely 'face in hands, toe-curling' embarrassing way. She was employed as a groom for my aunt's pony when she was a young teenager - all teeth and long thick auburn plaits. That's how she met my dad and they stayed together all their lives - married at 21 - doesn't that seem so young?! I painted this little jug with daffodils and periwinkles and purple heart's-ease with 'mum xxx' on the base. If you'd like one to celebrate your mum on Mother's Day - or any day - with her favourite flowers and a little snippet of poem or family saying - you know where to come xxx
5th March 2022 |
If you were a book...
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What silly things go round in your head at night? I was dreaming up Valentine's card ideas - topical, maybe, but I'd much rather have gotten a good night's kip! Card ideas kept spinning round and round in my head - and they were all truly pants in the cold light of morning... but, is there something in this one? **Rubs chin thoughtfully and looks at it through narrowed eyes** Happy Valentine's, Galentine's and Palentine's everyone! PS. please tell me I'm bonkers or if I could be onto something! 😂
14th February 2022 |
Happy Anniversary handbag!
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What a happy IG post made by author Jennifer Niven on receipt of her anniversary gift from her husband. It was a delight to build this for them, and it's lined in the most perfect violet floral fabric for main character Violet.
12th February 2022 |
Oooh! Flash ceramics sale!
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Now's your chance to nab a bargain!
There's a flashy 20% off my beautiful hand painted ceramics in my Etsy shop ! Need to feed Norbert ;) 3rd February 2022 |
We have a Wordery winner!
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Congratulations to Nat who was one of the lucky Wordery advent calendar book mug winners 😍
I do hope you love your book mug, Nat 😘 14th January 2022 |
Hello 2022!
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Happy New Year - here's to a teriffic 2022! I've already had orders for book egg cups, t-shirts and pencil cases (thank you, thank you!) This has been the busiest ever start to a new year for my shop (mustn't jinx it) with orders heading to Japan, Singapore and the US next week! ❤
7th January 2022 |
**Sings** "Baby, it's cold in here!"
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No swim challenge this time - simply doin' it for the buzz!
Cold water dipping with friends is life-affirming, bonkers fun :) 29th December 2021 |
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
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It's the strange 'in between' time of an old year when we can slow down for a few days before taking a deep breath and leaping into the new one. It's dark and drizzly out there today and the dogs are damply snoring into their baskets (how can light drizzle get us all so wet on a dog walk?!) I'm listening to real-life ghost stories on BBC Sounds and I'm half-way round painting classic books onto a big mug for a customer. I've painted lots of ceramic pet baubles again this year - I do love doing these. It's been another great year in my shop - thank you so much for buying from my shop and showing an interest in my funny ol' world! In a happy frame of mind I've just put a little sale on in my Etsy shop - 10% off new makes and 20% off goodies already made. Jus' for a short while. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! XXX
27th Dec 2021 |
What's behind door number four?!
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My favourite online bookshop's advent calendar has special gifts hidden behind doors all the way up to Christmas Day! Take a look on the December 4th for something EXTRA special! :)
2nd December 2021 There were a whopping 7,787 entries to my mug giveaway in the Wordery advent caledar! The 2nd highest number of entries Wordery have ever had - in any giveaway! 7th Dec 2021 |
A dog is for life, not just Christmas...
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...but a dog bauble is mostly just for Christmas!
Hand painted (from your photo) and glazed and fired by me in Norbert the kiln. Not too late to order one, if you're quick! xxx 1st December 2021 |
Cheers!
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Brentwood Centre was busting at the seams with happy people all weekend - so many lovely customers - old (from 6 years ago when we first did this event) and new! A massive thank you to everyone who stopped by to say hello and to buy bookish goodies. So great meet you and to chat!
Thirsty work, doing events... a much-needed beer was just the job :) 9th November 2021 |
Getting festive in Essex
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The Bagsy Me First! Travelling circus rumbles into the Brentwood Centre in Essex for the 'Festive Gift and Food Show' on Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th November - that's this weekend - woo hoo! Find us on stall C5 next to excellent gift and fine food stalls - there's 250 stalls to browse!
2nd November 2021 |
Thank you, thank you...
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Thank you to all my lovely customers and friends who visited over the long weekend in Central Milton Keynes! It was fantastic meeting so many people - it was a wonderfully busy market and I was fuelled by tea, pastries and smiles all day long :)
1st November 2021 |
Milton Keynes here we come!!!
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Bagsy Me First! will be at MK Handmade and Vintage Market in a week and a bit and it's all hands to the (painting) pump here at Bag End - and a bit of sewing, too ;)
I'll be on stall 25 outside John Lewis in Middleton Hall for three whole days - be so great to see you! Fri 29th 9.30-6.00pm Sat 30th 9.00-6.00pm Sun 31st Oct 10.30-5.00pm 19th October 2021 |
That was FUN :)
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How fabulous to see so many smiley faces at Buckingham's Meet the Makers Market on Saturday. It was a beautiful market - and if you came to say hello (thank you so much!) it was great to see you - I think I chatted my socks off! This was my first event in two years - and the first time out for my hand painted ceramics - they looked really jolly on display, and sold well, too! :)
19th October 2021 |
My first market of the year!
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Two weeks today - come meet the makers! Over 40 wonderful sellers (inc me!) under one roof in Buckingham. Free entry, unique and beautiful makes and bakes, dog friendly and buyer and browser welcoming... What's not to love?! Be great to see you :)
Buckingham Community Centre, MK18 1RP Saturday 16th October 10am-4pm 2nd October 2021 |
Ta da! Hot, shiny goodies!
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Doing a happy dance!!! Everything has emerged from Norbert, hot, shiny and... beautiful :)
**Huge sigh of relief!** 8th September 2021 |
Introducing Norbert!
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My hand painted items will now be glazed and fired here in Bag-End! I've just loaded the Norbert the kiln for the very first time (nerve-jangling stuff!) ....and now the waiting starts. 24hrs to see how everything turns out... Eeek!
6th September 2021 |
Book gift wrap
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Gifting a book? Wrap it in book gift wrap! All your favourite books illustrated on beautiful crisp white stock.
24th August 2021 |
"I love my Jane..."
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"I Love my Jane. She is the perfect purse-companion to my Audrey, who will now carry my business cards. Jane will carry my credit cards and cash. They like their new roles in my life. Kate is a dream. She takes such great care and packages them so sweetly for their journey across the ocean. I love buying from her. xoxo"
Thank you so much for your feedback, Kelly J - I love you buying from me! 22nd July 2021 |
Just the job for summer!
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A cool books tee is just the job for summer!...
...and books don't come much cooler than 'The Last Unicorn', 'American Gods', 'A Game of Thrones', 'The Hobbit', 'The Lion, The Witch and The wardrobe', 'The Colour of Magic', 'The Night Circus', 'The Gunslinger', 'The Golden Compass' and 'The Princess Bride' - illustrated by me and beautifully modelled here by Jordan. 23rd June 2021 |
Last night I dreamt I painted a mug again.
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A 'Rebecca' mug and cake plate set freshly painted and ready to go to Lucy at Tiny Ceramics. The paints go on all chalky - they'll come back all glossy and vibrant from being glazed and fired by Lucy.
2nd June 2021 |
Peepo!
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Having your own fabric printed is sooo special. Still get thrills when it arrives!
This will be turned into vintage Penguin books pencil cases. 30th April 2021 |
Drumroll, please!
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HUGE Congratulation to Kathryn and Jacqueline who won their very own book mug and three books of their choice in the fabulous Wordery giveaway! I've started painting... here's one of them before it goes to Lucy for glazing and firing...
24th March 2021 Edited to show the winning Wordery mugs! They turned out smashing :) 26th April 2021 |
Book mug and books giveaway!
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Two lucky peeps will win one of my book mugs - hand painted especially for them featuring their favourite 15 books - plus (there's more!) the three fiction books of their choice in the latest Wordery giveaway!
I'm beyond excited to be teaming with the lovely Wordery (my go-to for books) for this giveaway :) It's easy peasy orange squeasy to enter on their facebook page or on their Instagram page You've got until one minute to midnight Thursday 18th March to enter - do it, do it!! Best of luck!!! 15th March 2021 |
"Splish, splash, I was takin' a bath..."
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...up to swim #34 on the swim challenge... :)
14th March 2021 |
On the radio!
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A quick chat with Jonathan Vernon-Smith on his JVS Show (I'm such a big fan!) about being in the press.
Starting at 2.5hrs in, I'm the second caller and I can't top 'chasing down a bank robber'! 11th March 2021 |
Art of swimming
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Wild swimming through the winter in the local brook has been exhilarating and so much giggly fun - so I'm especially excited to have a small feature on my wild swimming ceramics in my favourite swimming magazine 'Outdoor Swimmer' this month under 'The Art of Swimming'!
4th March 2021 |
Gotcha!
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We're celebrating Vereena's one year 'Gotcha Day' since she arrived from Hungary. Our beautiful ex street dog is now very much at home in Bag End where she melts our hearts and lights up our lives every day. And then there's Hollie Dog who helped her settle in - and leads her astray - in equal amounts ;)
In a party mood, I'm giving away one of my new book sleeves! Made from my own s'clusive books and tea fabric it's just the job to protect your current read while it's in your bag. Lovely for a Mother's Day gift or for yourself! Jus' 'like' and comment under the Gotcha Day post on my Instagram/Facebook page - and another one just for being on my newsletter mailing list (see my 'About' page) - win-win... win! Winner announced soon x 28th February 2021 Edited to add that Helen B won the book cosy! Big congrats, Helen! It'll be on its way soon x 7th March 2021 |
Cutomers in a hat for purse draw...
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All my January customers are being put in a hat (their names, not actually them!) and the winning name (see) will win a purse for them - and one for a friend! Which one catches your eye? (Purse, not customer). Writing isn't coming easy this morning.
Winner announced soon (but first, coffee!) 6th February 2021 We have a winner! Louise picked the leopard print for herself and the French bulldogs for her Mum. Congratulations, Louise! Your purses are in the post :) 24th February 2021 |
January Sale!
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Ready made items and ceramics are 15% off in my New Year Sale!
5th January 2021 |
2020
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2020 was a year, wasn't it. It's almost time to shut the door on it and to open a new one. Let's hope it's going to open up a year that's bright and full of promise; we've never needed it so much.
I was delivering parcels and working my shop until I fell ill in the summer and couldn't physically do the work - I found it hard to walk and lost my balance. Gabapentin has made things so much better, and I'm now running my shop and helping out with parcels as and when. This has been a busy year for my shop, my busiest year to date and I'm planning more for 2021. Thank you so much for all your interest, support and for buying from my shop - you're the best - and I have the best job in the world :) 28th December 2020 |
Cold water swimming adventures
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So... I entered a winter swimming challenge for the thrills (and the sew-on patch) and joined the MK Bluetits Chill Swimmers for encouragement along the way. Challenged to do 20 winter swims from 1st November to 28th March - and I'm at 18 already! Could I do 40? **Brr** More pictures on my Instagram page (if you're brave enough to check them out!)
28th December 2020 |
And the winner is...
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...Michelle! She's chosen an 'Agatha Christie' (quick change of mind from 'Alice in Wonderland') mug. I've painted it and it's being glazed and fired after the holidays by the lovely Lucy - pics here soon.
20th December 2020 Edited to add pictures of Michelle's mug :) 5th January 2021 |
Win a mug!
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Message below my facebook post and/or my Instagram post (look for the mug shot) which book you'd like - and if your name's picked out of the hat on Sunday 6th December, I'll paint the mug especially for you - featuring your favourite book and quote or message.
Please be following my FB and/or IG page (and maybe you could share the love? I'd love that). Thank you! Good luck! *Gets hat ready!* 5th December 2020 |
All Things Dracula :)
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Well, Bagsy me down! I'm in a book!
Bagsy me first! Gets a wee mention in 'All things Dracula' by Magie Hall How fab is that?! 4th December 2020 |
Happy post on its way!
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Personalised, hand painted, over-sized happy mugs on their way to their new forever homes!
Safe journeys, my treasures! 13th November 2020 |
Before and after :)
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Phew, it's been a busy week. I feel as though I've been spinning around getting dizzy sending out orders (loads off again yesterday) and making up orders (thank you, thank you!) as well as squeezing in fun things for me - I've been out on my bike *huge grin!* and open water swimming - my simple joy. I'm sat in a totally disorganised Bag End surrounded by fallout from yesterday's makes and packaging (damn you, shredded paper you get everywhere!) I'm still in my unicorn dressing gown with a coffee - in a beautifully hand painted mug - at hand. Now... to start a tidy up mission!
23rd October 2020 |
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Your fur baby on a bauble...
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The happy shiny pet decorations are here! Jus’ message a photo of your pet and in return for a handful of (sanitised) round pounds you can have your own pet dec hanging with the tinsel :)
Bone (name & holly sprigs) £12 Heart/Disc/Bauble (portrait & name) £18 Tree/Star (portrait & name) £22 25th September 2020 |
Such a fabulous day!
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Thank you to everyone who visited Tingewick Pop Up Shops - especially pals who biked over 😘😘😘 Blue sky, ice cream, lots of happy sales (thank you, thank you!) lots of friends and a couple of Spitfires buzzing past! Such a fabulous day!
24th September 2020 |
"It's happening again, it's happening again!"
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A week today a bunch of very lovely makers and doers will be showing and selling their wares in pop up shops on Tingewick Rec. I'll be there with bags, tees and mugs, alongside Lucy with her ceramic painting kits. It'd be fab to see you! The weather is set to be kind :)
When? 20th September 11am-4pm Where? Tingewick Recreation Ground on Water Stratford Road, MK18 4NU 13th September 2020 |
Pippa, books and book mugs...
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You can meet the most wonderful people online.
'Fine Preservers Books' bring an almost daily sprinkling of joy with beautifully curated Instagram posts of vintage books and inquisitive kitties. What's not to love? Follow Pippa (one of the new kittens in the bookshop) finding her feet amongst the books, navigating the library ladders and interacting with the grown-up cats. She's an Instagram natural! Here she is (adorable) with the books I painted on a mug for Maureen the bookshop owner. Read the whole story - and fall in love with the place here - oh - and you can and browse their books on Etsy. Highly recommended. 15th August 2020 |
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Edited to add in Gustav with the cake plate I painted featuring all the bookshop cats. (Don't move a muscle, Gustav!) 13th September |
Hot stuff!
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Yummy book cake plates ready to come out of Lucy's kiln. Too hot to handle, just yet!
6th August 2020 |
What a lovely day! What a special village :)
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We had a lovely day at our pop up shop! Thank you to everyone who visited us, bought things, placed orders and stopped to chat - I hope you enjoyed following the village trail of 'shops' :) We’d do this again in a heartbeat... what a lovely way to spend a sunny Sunday!
3rd August 2020 |
Pop-up shop
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I'll be setting up shop outside my house a week today with handbags and purses made out of books, hand painted book mugs and cake plates, small fabric purses and face masks and it would be lovely to see you!
The whole village is taking part! Just follow the treasure trail to discover greeting cards, candles, cakes, pottery, prints, plants, fitness, home decor, gifts, yard sales and more. Tingewick, MK18 4QU 11:00am till 4:00pm Sunday 2nd August. 26th July 2020 |
We should all be feminists!
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Celebrating feminist fiction!
Featuring my wobbly illustrations on a soft-as-soft tee :) Buy yours (and one for him indoors, too) here :) 13th July 2020 |
Oversized classic book pouch
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Super-sized pouches for... your book or make-up or iPad/tablet or pens and paint and - stuff...
Big and bold and super-fun! Featuring (probably) your favourite book on soft canvas polyester on the outside, lined with a printed poly cotton blend on the inside - it's ready to fill with your stuff :) 10th July 2020 |
Gifts for writers (gifts for anyone!)...
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Syntactical Copywriting jus' mentioned me on their latest blog and I'm in very good company with handmade eco-friendly notebooks (*adds one to basket*) and origami book page earrings (*just bought!*) it's worth a look, for sure! Thank you, Syntactical X
27th June 2020 |
Best things come in small packages
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Packaged to raise a smile - a small coin purse made from a vintage 'Observer's Book of Cacti' wrapped and almost ready to go :)
19th June 2020 |
Happy post!
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"I was very excited to go through the mail today. Couldn't stop giggling and smiling after I opened the lovingly arranged box to see my beautiful book purse. Thank you BagsyMeFirst for your fantastic customer service."
Thank you so much for your feedback, Tahlia - you made my day! 18th June 2020 |
NEW! Shoulder straps
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Soft-as butter-PU shoulder straps (loads of colours!) Detachable to double the fun - use your book clutch as a shoulder bag or clutch bag.
9th June 2020 |
Book hug in a mug :)
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"I love this mug! It’s gorgeous, I got to pick my favourite books and it’s beautifully painted 😍" (Thank you so much for the review and photo, Nicola x)
Fancy getting your paws on a 'book hug in a mug'? It's the perfect way to start the day - with a smile and a brew :) Choose up to 15 books and I'll paint 'em round a mug just for you. This is what personalisation is all about! Get the ball rolling here: www.etsy.com/uk/listing/788620266/handpainted-personalised-mug-your-choice?ref=shop_home_feat_1 8th June 2020 |
Books & Tea Postcard Sets!
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They're here!!!!
*Inserts very happy smiling face* Thank you, MOO! Postcards featuring Whuddunits, Children's books, Classic books, Feminist books or Gothic Horror stories - something for everyone! Oh, and tea of course. Buy just one, or all five and get one free! 23rd May 2020 |
Drawing books and tea...
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Been doodling in lockdown and have enough ideas for a set of postcards featuring books (of course!) and tea. So excited to send my drawings off to those lovely people at Moo... can't wait to have them printed!!!
4th May 2020 |
Mugful of Penguin happiness
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Personalised literary mugs have landed! Choose from green Penguins, orange Penguins or a veritable rainbow of Penguins! Pick your own titles to make it an extra-special beverage holder and fill with tea, coffee or gin. Just listed in my Etsy shop; hand painted by me and hand glazed and fired by Lucy at Tiny Ceramics down the road :)
30th April 2020 |
Sewing in the sunshine
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Sharing a (very tidy!) shot of my sunny sewing room with the doors thrown open and Hollie Dog walking through, just as I click. Just to let you know I'm sewing away, fulfilling orders and consolidating a trip to the Post Office. If you want to buy something from my shop to send directly to someone else with a message - I can do that :) We're healthy and happy in our lockdown while Billy is out delivering parcels (staying away from customers) and driving the Bagsymobile on ever-quieter roads. Sending virtual hugs - stay safe xxx
30th March 2020 |
Introducing the Bagsymobile!
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Here's me and the Bagsymobile! Give a toot if you see us out 'n' about and expect an excitable toot-toot-tootle in return!
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Jurassic Park Purse
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"Wow I’m in love with this purse!! It’s exactly what I imagined! And the seller was so responsive! Thank you!"
Thank you, Christa - thank you for your feedback - and for the lovely instagrammable photo! 30th January 2020 |
Out with the old! In with the new...
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Last year’s order dockets. 237 items made and posted out with love. I’m just about to clear the spike to make way for this year’s orders (9 new ones already! Woo hoo!)
Here’s to a great 2020 for us all! 6th January 2020 |
Ready to gift-wrap
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S'bit late to order a custom-made bag in time for Christmas... Browse my 'ready-to-gift-wrap' items - there's something for everyone - including these for a 'Sherlock Holmes' fan!
3rd December 2019 |
All in the detail
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Sliced up sentences from the book are used around the outside your clutch bag. This one's 'Dracula' - one of my favourites to build. Mwhaha!
20th November 2019 |
Hot cakes!
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My teeny tiny coin purses are priced at £25.99 in my shop 'till the end of the month (usual price £29.99). All made to order with the fabric of your choice :)
Make great stocking fillers. Jus' sayin' 24th October 2019 |
Didn't we have a luverly time!
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BIG shout out to everyone who spent time at Buckingham's first 'Meet the Maker' Market on Saturday! Wan't it fab!!! So many lovely, happy customers and amazing stall holders - Pin Clothing - thank you for organising - we had THE most fabulous day! My teeny tiny purses went like hot cakes and I'm busy making more at a special price of £25.99 till the end of the month. And talking of bargains how's about £50 to spend in my shop? Details next xxx
21st October 2019 |
Meet the Maker
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Thirty unique and creative makers, live music and vegan bakes inside - and the charter fair outside!
It'll be all going on - hope you can make it! Be lovely to see you on Saturday 19th October 10-4pm :) Free entry, free parking behind Waitrose Buckingham Community Centre, Cornwalls Meadow, Buckingham MK18 1RP |
Modelled by Liz
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On a flying visit to littlest daughter Liz in Bristol armed with some bags and wallets... Please can I take some pictures? "Aw, Mum, do I have to?!"
Thank you, Liz - they turned out great! X 7th September 2019 |
Very 'Plath'
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Bride-to-be Pip says "Wedding bag has arrived! Packaged safely in the shredded remains of other books (which I think is very ‘Plath’)"
Yay! Here's to the most fantabulous 'black and gold' Big Day, Pip - and please do share pics! 30th August 2019 |
We have a winner!
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...And the name out of the hat is *drumroll* Elen from Greece, who chose a 'Charlotte's Web' wallet - congratulations, Elen! Fabric choices are coming over next :)
As you're all so lovely and as the books proved soooo popular... I reckon I'm happy to make any of the books from the giveaway (*scrolls down to previous post*) for just £40* each (plus p&p) to whoever bagsies one first. You'll get to choose the fabric 'cos I'll be building it especially for you. Message me to reserve - hopefully the one you have your eye on is still available! *you'll be saving a whopping £15!!! 9th August 2019 |
***GIVEAWAY!!!***
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Nine paperbacks freshly picked from the bookshelves at Bag End and ripe for turning into wonderful wallets! Choose your favourite from the photo and comment on my facebook page on the giveaway post for a chance to win your very own bespoke book wallet (worth £55)! The winner will be pulled out of a hat (not literally) on Friday 9th August.
***Good luck, y'all!*** 9th August 2019 |
10% off everything!
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10% off everything in my lovely shop - for one week only - ends 7th August - come on in! :)
***Just extended for a further two weeks*** 8th August 2019 |
*Cues spooky theme tune!*
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Pulp fiction purses featuring Vampires and Zombie Mummies freshly-sewn and ready to go!
24th July 2019 |
Show time!
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Broadway performer and author Ashley Griffin - with her Bagsy me first 'Blue Fairy' book clutch - was the keynote speaker at a charity gala event in NYC last week. Pictured with singer and actor Rosalie Burke :)
15th June 2019 |
Love for Liberty
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The Liberty fabrics in 'The Nimble Thimble' are irrestible - red and green peacock fabric teamed with Frances Hodgson Burnett's 'A Little Princess' - a perfect pairing!
8th June 2019 |
Life in small squares
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On Instagram you'll discover snapshots of my daily rural delivery round (doors feature quite a lot!), my bookish creations and my attempts at swimming, cycling and running (slowly...)
Do pop by - be great to see you! 20th May 2019 |
Spa Day at Bag End
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"Dear Kate, I have been a very happy owner of one of your creations. Due to continued use I have made a hole in the clasp and the inside of the book wallet has become loose. Would it be possible to send my book wallet to you for a spa day (fabric repair) please? If so can you provide a cost estimate based on the attached photos, please? Thanks, Abigail"
'Spa Day' repairs are free of charge at Bag End. If you'd like a repair, do get in touch :) One revitalised wallet with complimentary zipper pull on its way back to you, Abigail! 14th May 2109 |
Llovely llama purses!
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Congratulations to Denise from Maryland and Zena from Northampton who made named the llama 'Cyril' and 'Pajama' respectively. He looks like a Cyril to me, and Pajama (P.J. for short) made me smile out loud!
Winners both - your llovely llama purses are on their way. Llovely Llama purses for sale in my shop - nab yours now! 28th March 2019 |
Name that llama!
Books and fabric...
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Can't wait to start building this 'Pride and Prejudice' handbag - teamed with Liberty fabric - it's going to be scrummy! On my sewing table next...
7th March 2019 |
Quaintly & Co Giveway!
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Oooh! Ooh! Oh! There's a chance to win some of my Brontë sister goodies with the lovely people at Quaintly & Co!
In their Yorkshire-themed literary giveaway draw they're offering two random winners the chance to receive a Bagsy me first! Brontë bag and purse of their choice, up to the value of £110/ $145! Gotta be in it to win it! Enter via Facebook, Instagram and Twitter entries close on 7th March 26th February 2019 |
Happy post!
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Happy post snap by H B-D who said "Incredibly detailed packaging to reflect my choice of book and the fact that this bag is for my wedding day. Thank you so much for this bag, it’s sturdy, surprisingly spacious and stunning!"
Many congratulations on your upcoming Big Day, H B-D! Please don't be shy - please do share pics! 22nd February 2019 |
*Cranks up sewing machine*
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Back in my sewing room today, away from the bright lights of London (I'm such a country girl) with lots of orders to be working on. Here's a few of my open orders that will be heading to Germany, Spain, Ohio, Texas, Australia, Qatar and Grantham - when I've finished converting them! *Cranks up sewing machine* *Whirrs away!*
3rd February 2019 |
Hello lovely peeps!
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All set up at Crafty Fox Market, Mercato Metropolitano, Elephant and Castle! Hello lovely peeps!
2nd February 2019 |
See you at Elephant & Castle!
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HOLD ONTO YOUR HATS! I'm doing a craft market! It's well-over a year since I last toted my wares at market and I'm super-excited to be at the Crafty Fox Market at Mercato Metropolitano in London's South East Elephant & Castle with lots of bags and purses *dashes off to make more!*
When? 2nd February 11am-5pm Where? Newington Causeway, London SE1 6DR What? Lots of lovely handmade goodies PLUS workshops (they look fun!) 8th January 2019 |
Tea and favourite books' fabric...
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I'm STILL fine-tuning my 'tea and favourite books' fabric. The latest swatch arrived from the printers today, but I'm thinking the print is a smidgeon too large. Not quite back to the drawing board - nearly there now!
7th January 2019 |
It's a Wonderful Life!
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Hope you all had a fantabulous Christmas! Thank you for all your support and your orders in 2018 (they're still coming in - thank you!) Still sewing and hand delivering orders on Christmas Eve and sewing orders for posting on the 28th; it's been busy, busy, busy at Bag End! We had all our chickens home for a few days over Christmas and it was magical, and I hope yours was, too xxx
27th December 2018 |
A sewing fest!
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Today has been a fest of sewing! Four fabric coin purses (two 'Hobbit'; two 'Harry Potter'), one 'Hobbit' wallet, one 'Hobbit' handbag, one 'The Tale of Pigling Bland' purse, one 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest' clutch and one 'Harry Potter' pocket mirror will be on their ways tomorrow... and I am on my way to a G&T :)
9th December 2018 |
It's beginning to feel a bit like Christmas!
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Woo hoo! The festive wrapping is out! :)
20th November 2018 |
Anatomy of a fabric shop
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A lovely mix of classics underway!
10th November 2018 |
What a sweetie!
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You can pick and mix the fabrics to your heart's content... £25.99 for a Jane Austen, Sherlock Holmes, Edgar Allen Poe, Charles Dickens, William Shakespeare or Leo Tolstoy coin purse. Pocket a teeny tiny coin purse made with your own colour combo :)
25th October 2018❤️ |
For those 'up to no good!'
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Little fabric 'Marauder's Map' coin purses with silver-plated wizard hat zippers pulls for those up to no good... Accio purse!
8th October 2018 |
Reader, she married him!
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Tilly, our eldest daughter and Simon tied the knot! Tilly wanted a book clutch (that's my girl) and chose 'Love, Stargirl' by Jerry Spinelli. Behind the scenes and unbeknownst to any of us, Simon had been conversing with Jerry Spinelli himself and the author sent over 'Stargirl' related goodies including temporary 'Stargirl' tattoos, that Simon presented on the morning of the wedding. They all wore the tattoos, of course. It was a truly happy, happy day!
“Live today. Not yesterday. Not tomorrow. Just today. Inhabit your moments. Don’t rent them out to tomorrow. Do you know what you’re doing when you spend a moment wondering how things are going to turn out with Perry? You’re cheating yourself out of today. Today is calling to you, trying to get your attention, but you’re stuck on tomorrow, and today trickles away like water down a drain. You wake up the next morning and that today you wasted is gone forever. It’s now yesterday. Some of those moments may have had wonderful things in store for you, but now you’ll never know.” ― Jerry Spinelli, Love, Stargirl 15th September 2018 |
What's in the box?
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...my favourite little purses to build, 'The Observer's Books of' series are perfectly vintage and perfectly purse-sized and on subjects for every interest! This is an 'Observer's Book of Butterflies' ready to go to its new forever home. Safe journey, little package!
12th August 2018 |
Happy Post
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'Happy post' customer photo of book passport holders gifted for a Pearl wedding anniversary. 'Till Death do us Part' and 'The Pearl' turned out jus' so!
17th July 2018 |
Favourite books cushion
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Take time out with your favourite books cushion £16.99 (including pad) made from 100% cotton with love. Ideal for hiding behind while watching England in a penalty shoot-out :)
Just listed! 5th July 2018 |
Totes amazeballs!
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A tote bag for all book lovers! Celebrating favourite books, cups of tea and Jammie Dodgers :)
Complete with a pocket for your favourite book :) Tote-ally handmade, fully lined and double-stitched. Fabric designed and illustrated by me and printed on 100% cotton 'specially for you. In my Etsy shop now! 29th June 2018 |
Happy dressmaker
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So, I spent a little 'me' time (all day) sewing myself a PANTSUIT out of cute-as-cute bicycle-print fabric. This is the way to go. PANTSUITS are sooooooooooooooo groovy!
Thanks to Sheena's brainwave of an idea, I'm sewing some with a book-theme - more news soon! 14th June 2018 |
Thumbs up; race done!
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WOW! That was one fabulous race! The funnest but toughest one, ever. The Millau Viaduct race - held every two years is totally and utterly a-mazing but I'm not sure my knees will ever forgive me!
Put it on your bucket list - it is terrific - perfect for mountain goats (it's ALL hill!) 3rd June 2018 |
On the orders shelf...
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Currently working on all these beauties! (Not at the same time!)
Thank you, thank you for all your orders :) 15th May 2018 |
And the winner is!...
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*Does swirly dance waving slip of paper* Congratulations, @Jannines! You win a purse made out of 'Grimms fairy Tales' all lined with the fabric of your choice!
Winner has been contacted and is also, I'm sure, dancing a swirly dance :) 5th May 2018 |
Purse giveaway! Free draw! Come see!
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*Eeek!* I totally forgot to add my giveaway here! It ends today (so there's still time to enter) all you need to do, to be in with a chance of nabbing yourself one of my purses - for free - is to head over to my facebook, Twitter and/or Instagram pages.
Comment which book you'd like and - go on - give my page a like or a follow :) GOOD LUCK! First name out of the hat will be the winner. 3rd May 2018 |
Probably?! Did it :)
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The London Marathon was epic, emotional and very bloody hard! Too hot for words (how can there be no shade in London?) and loud (so, so loud!) The support was incredible and seeing my eldest daughter and her fiance with their fab sign ('probably do it?' I'll show them!) at mile 11, and getting a hug from Steph at mile 25 spurred me on... 26.2 miles is a looong way!
First marathon done! Mum would've loved it. 23rd April 2018 |
Hobbity wallet
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The inside of a butter-soft leatherette 'Hobbit' wallet - all lined in Hobbity 'Middle Earth' fabric...
15th April 2018 |
London Marathon!!!
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With less than three weeks to go, I am definitely not ready for a marathon - a sewing marathon, maybe - but not a running one. I don't even like running that much. But that's what I'll be doing at the London Marathon, raising funds for Bowel cancer and MS research. Jus' sharing that with you so you can donate if you feel inclined (thank you, thank you) - or so you can cheer at the telly on April 22nd. Please holler so I can hear you! I'll be the one not in a hot dog outfit, puffing and cursing at the back. Here's me putting in 13.1miles on Good Friday, with my littlest :)
£5 donation to Bowel cancer and MS Research 5th April 2018 |
Neat surprise
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"Awe, what a neat surprise: I... found a shiny lucky penny in my coin purse!" joannebh
There's a shiny penny in every purse for luck :) 2nd April 2018 |
Current open orders... Busy, busy, busy!
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The orders shelf is fit to busting with all your lovely books-soon-to-be-bags! Two literary wedding orders comprising bride and bridesmaids clutch bags and lots of best friends and birthday gifts on their way!
15th March 2018 |
Bags of bags in the Old Hall Bookshop, Brackley
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If you're in and around Brackley, it goes without saying that you'll pop into The Old Hall Bookshop - and while you're there, you may spy some of my bags for sale! Do have a look-see and say 'Hi!' to Chris while you're browsing. This is such a fab shop - hundreds of new children's and adult's books and a terrific secondhand selection. Mmmnn, books :)
27th February 2018 |
Beatrix Potter giveaway with Quaintly & Co
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The quintessentially British Lifestyle peeps at Quaintly & Co are giving away one of my cute-as-cute Peter Rabbit coin purses in a free draw. Click quick! It ends on 7th February (or earlier when sold out.)
No need to go into Mr Mc Gregor's garden, just Click here to enter - good luck! 15th January 2018 |
New stuff coming soooon!
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Soooo excited to reveal my specially printed fabric!!!
For making new stuff and new sewing adventures! Make up bags; pencil cases; oh-so-useful zipped pouches for all sorts of stuff and stuff coming soon :) (Can you tell I'm excited?!) 13th January 2018 |
Belated Happy New Year greetings!
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Where did the first couple of weeks of 2018 disappear to? Can't believe we're almost halfway through January! Happy New Year, everyone - here's to a great 2018! '2018' has a good ring to it, doesn't it?
This year I plan to spend more time in Bag End and more time out running, as I got a ballot place in the London Marathon! 12th January 2018 |
It's a Wonderful Life
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Merry Christmas, everyone! Hooray! It's time for curling up with a Christmas-y film and a tin of Quality Street - oh, yes - I'll be making the most of some precious time off before hitting the sewing room (21 open orders as I type!) (*Eeek!*) and training for the London Marathon in April. I hope you have a lovely break, too.
Thank you for being so supportive and lovely - and here's to a fab-U-lous 2018 for us all! 2018. It's got a nice ring to it. It's gonna be awesome :) Kate xxx 21st December 2017 |
Happy Suffragettes!
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"What the Dickens?!"
It must be Olney's 'Dickens of a Christmas Market!' It was such a fab day - so many happy people and happy sales! See you all again next year :) 4th December 2107 |
Roll up! Roll up! See you on the 3rd Dec!
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This is the only craft fair I'm doing this year - so do roll up! Roll up!
Olney - MK46 4EF - with park and ride all day. Got my outfit sorted (it's a Victorian-theme fair); dodgy blouse and long skirt from the charity shop, 'Votes for Women' sash, lace-up boots boots, and a big smile for the day! 29th November 2017 |
A Dickens of a Christmas Market
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The 'Dickens of a Christmas Market' brings a taste of Victorian England to Olney every December. This popular event attracts many thousands of visitors each year to stalls that fill the Market Place and the High Street as well as indoor venues. The Farmers Market is held on the same day offering many opportunities to purchase Christmas presents.
This will be the 3rd time I've had a stall at this event - and it's a goodie. Be great to see you there! Stallholders dress in outfits from the period (can't wait) (!) come and visit up to 50 stalls including Bagsy me first! There is a £1 entrance fee and park and ride to the event available. Find out more here 15th November 2017 |
Happy customer
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"I absolutely love this beautiful bag! And even the way it was packaged was lovely - thank you very much to Kate, who also let me know how she was getting along with making it and when it was ready to send!"
I hope you enjoy using your fun bag! Thank you so much for sharing xxx 1st November 2017 |
It's an unwrap!
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Your bag or purse will come wrapped in tissue paper and ribbon - all nestled in shredded book pages packed in a sturdy white box and tucked in a grey plastic mailing bag.
Just so you know what to look out for. The happiest of happy mail! 13th October 2017 |
Book covers turned into handbags made for literature lovers
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"These clever handbags will awaken the inner bookworm in you. From popular classics to recent best sellers - maker and bibliophile Kate Lowe transforms the covers of books into practical everyday bags. She even saves the inside text and rebinds them so they can be read."
It's all true :) Thank you for the feature, My Modern Met! 21st September 2017 |
Boots or shoes?
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Linda Hobden's 'Boots, Shoes and Fashion' blog featues Q&A's with 'Bagsy me first (that's me!) this week.
Boots or shoes? (clue: I like stomping) 20th September 2017 |
It's all in the details...
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Book wallets built with love.
That's all. 29th August 2017 |
Iced Gems and Jammie Dodgers
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"...Oh yes, did you know that there was a packet of Iced Gems in with the packaging? How did you know I'm a big kid & these are my favourit? Warm wishes luv Hels xbbx"
Iced Gems in every order. Or sometimes Jammie Dodgers. Little things. But lovely :) 15th August 2017 |
In this weather?
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Wrap up warm and read a good book.
Better than being in a bikini in weather like this! 9th August 2017 |
Bag joy
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"Thank you for my bag, I love it! x"
Thank you for sharing, Kelly - I love your montage of bag joy! x 26th July 2017 |
Being effortlessly bookish
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Today is a deducing kinda day.
A 'Sherlock Holmes' clutch bag is just the ticket :) 19th July |
Shipping area
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Need more space! Make way! Orders being ticked off, wrapped up and posted off... busy, busy, busy!
Just how I likes it :) 3rd July 2017 (How did it get to be July already?!) |
Uniqueness & general coolness - oh, yes!
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"Hello...you made my bag for my wedding, which was a few weeks ago, and I just wanted to say thank you. There were many complimentary comments about it's uniqueness and general coolness, so I just wanted to say thank you again!
Kim x Thank you for sharing this pic from your special day, Kim! 'Good Omens' and best wishes x 22nd June 2017 |
Happy customer :)
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"Lots of interest in my purse while on holiday. Here we were enjoying the view at Sunsets in Rockingham, Western Australia. Perfect size to fit phone, cash & cards, as well as some sunscreen for the lips.😎"
Thank you for sharing, Suzanne! Happy holibobs! 16th June 2017 |
Books, bags and running (slowly)
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Pictures of books, bags, and me running (slowly!) See what it's all about on Instagram :)
See you there! 2nd June 2017 |
Vintage pocket book treasures
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Look what turned up in my lovely local Oxfam bookshop yesterday. Vintage (but not rare, I promise) pocket books that will look oh so cute on my bookshelves - until someone wants one as a wallet or purse. Just ask if you'd like details - they'll be in the region of £50, and they'll be oh so cute in your bag!
1st June 2017 |
Another happy customer :)
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"I like to show you, how mutch I love my Clutch. I've be invited by my friend to diner, in the Château du Maréchal de Saxe. My clutch is perfect in this place, I say! Friendly yours, Déborah"
Thank you for sharing, Déborah - I love your pic! Bon appetit! XXX 26th May 2017 |
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Let's get together on Instagram - I love to see your photos, so do share #Bagsymefirst, #Sharethelove
19th May 2017 |
Work in progress...
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Matching books and fabrics (two of my favourite things) is always a joy. The moment when you find the perfect partners - happy, happy, happy!
8th May 2017 |
Today I am mostly wearing Jane Austen
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So wearable, and not just for high-days and holibobs. Jane Austen book bags are for the office, too.
25th April 2017 |
Work in progress...
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...on my sewing table *right now* is the 'piecing it together' stage of a Charlie Brown purse. I think this is my favourite part of the the process. Looking neat, almost done :)
20th April 2017 |
Világunk és Értékeink Magazin
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It's not everyday you appear in a Hungarian magazine, so I'm delighted to reveal Bagsy me first! features in the April edition of 'Világunk és Értékeink Magazin'. It may be a long way to go to get a copy, but it's out now!
28th March 2017 |
Jane Austen giveaway with Quaintly & Co
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The quintessentially British Lifestyle peeps at Quaintly & Co are giving away one of my most lover-ly Jane Austen clutch bags in a free draw. (Click quick! It ends on 27th March.)
Sounds good?! Click here to enter - and the best of British! ;) 22nd March 2017 |
And the winner was *drumroll*... Jessica!
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Congratulations go to Jessica from Illinois, who had the best guess in 'The Observer's Book of....' giveaway in February (see below) (too late to enter now!) (Where were you?!)
Jessica guessed $7 (Cathy counted $2.75 in her purse at the time of the photo) and she picked 'The Observer's Book of Architecture' for her purse. And it's on it's way to Illinois as I type :) 7th March 2017 |
Harry Potter was here
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It only seemed right and proper to carry a 'Harry Potter' bag when we paid a visit to Aunt Petunia on Saturday.
This very bag is in my shop and ready to gift-wrap :) 28th February 2017 |
***Purse giveaway!!!***
