handmade purse

Woven by hand, beautiful textiles attest to the skill of Naga women, a tribal people from northeastern India and parts of Burma. The weavings are incorporated in this lovely bohemian black handbag from Chirada. Brown leather forms the straps and reinforces the bottom while red, white, purple, yellow and blue define the motifs. Inside, the bag is lined in brown faux suede fabric and features three inner pockets, one with a zipper.

Because each bag is a handmade work of art, the colors and motifs will vary slightly but the theme remains the same.

Meticulously woven on a backstrap loom, multi-colored vertical stripes form an even pattern across this hand crafted shoulder bag. Women from the Cojolya Association along the shores of Lake Atitlán in Guatemala create the tote with wide straps for comfort. The purse has an inner pouch with a Velcro closure and fastens with a ceramic bead and loop.

Hours upon hours of hand stitching goes into each creation from the talented Gulnora Odilova. The designer proudly hails from Shahrisabz, Uzbekistan, where thisunique cross-stitch embroidery style originated. Called iroki or dolma locally, vibrant silk threads combine in centuries old symbolic motifs. The sling bag is embroidered on both sides, and features a zip closure, hand woven strap, and golden yellow silk beaded tassels at the corners. The inside is meticulously lined and includes a zippered pocket. The bag is a standout accessory paired with any outfit.

Artisan Paatey Caleb of Ghana combines leather and cotton prints to design this unique handbag. Named after the artist's daughter, floral earthtone prints give this bag a classic, feminine look. The bag features a leaf patterned front with a leather base and straps finished with stainless steel fastenings. The interior is cotton-lined and includes an interior pocket.

Using handwoven cotton textiles from the Naga ethnic group, Thai artisan Chirada creates this unique bohemian shoulder bag. The Naga people inhabit northeastern India and northwestern Burma, and weaving colorful shawls and garments is the central activity for Naga women. The leather-trimmed purse is fully lined, and the interior features a zipped pocket and two open pockets to help keep things organized. The handbag closes with a zipper.

Please note: The handwoven textiles will vary in color and pattern, but the overall style and color scheme will remain the same.

This colorful shoulder bag carries an ecological message as Francis Oliveira recycles magazines to create the bright beads. She joins the handmade beads to form a novel handbag. Fully lined, it features glass bead trim and macramé on the shoulder strap.