Saturday 22 March 2014

Bag Lady

I loved making the first collaged and embroidered bag so much...
 
 
that I made myself another one, slightly smaller and more handbag sized. (The first one is in our exhibition and for sale at Art Van Go)


It has got a brightly coloured lining and a pocket for my phone

 
As well as a holder for my pen.

 
I even added a label.
There is a story to the labels. I had them printed many years ago, probably about fifteen years ago if I think about it. I was just dipping my toes into the world of making and selling and thought that it would add a nice finishing touch to my items. I made some children's clothes which I then sold at a fair at my children's primary school (which shows just how long ago it is). A fellow Mum, a "friend" in fact, bought one of my tiny waistcoats for her son but her reaction when she saw my label at the neck completely floored me. I can't remember what she actually said but her words accompanied by load guffaws were along the lines of "Who was I trying to kid... textile artist???"

 
I must have been feeling fragile because as a result those labels have remained wound up in the back of a drawer ever since... but no longer. They are coming out and will grace more of these bags... because I'm already working on my third one as well as the pattern for the bag.

 
Yesterday I wore my bag to the Fashion Embroidery and Stitch show at the NEC. It was a wonderful show with much to see...  purchases were made, opportunities discussed and I have come home buzzing. But all that will have to wait for another day... I've got a bag to finish and a skirt to make!

24 comments:

  1. A few little words can cause so much damage... I am so glad those labels are out and gracing your wares. you are my favourite textile artist.

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  2. Well, if "Textile Artist" doesn't describe you perfectly then I certainly don't know any !!! Your bags are such luscious colours - I love them. x Jo

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  3. You are absolutely a textile artist! People have so little understanding sometimes. Glad you are finally showing the labels the light of day. Your bag is gorgeous.xx

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  4. I had just thought how elegant those labels are when I read the strange reaction from that woman. Sour grapes methinks. The bags are beautiful and very covetable.

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  5. Love that bag and those labels are the perfect finishing touch. I remember my gran always advising, 'If you can't say something nice, keep your trap shut'.

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  6. And that mum did what exactly with her life?? You shout it from the rooftops! Mind you I am very uncomfortable using the expression myself as yet. I'll grow into It one day.

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  7. I think the labels add the perfect finishing touch to a beautiful bag.

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  8. Lovely bag and lovely labels. It's sad isn't it how a few words can hurt us so much and stop us from doing things. Good for you for getting them out now, because that's what you are - a textile artist and a flippin good one to boot!

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  9. Well, I think of you as 'a textile artist'! Glad you enjoyed the show and came away, inspired.

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  10. High time those labels came out, they're great and your bag I love! Maybe you'll become 'the bag lady', I think it's an interesting new direction - exciting!

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  11. Ha! Just shows how much your 'friend' knew!!
    Well you're just the right kind of bag lady, aren't you!
    Your bag is gorgeous and I can tell how much you are enjoying making them! :)
    V xxx

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  12. It never ceases to amaze me how rude some people can be and what a great deal of damage they can do to a person's confidence. I'm so glad you didn't let it stop you enjoying your love of textiles and that you're finally using your lovely labels.
    Your bag is wonderful.

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  13. Little did she know what a fabulous textile artist you have become, and I'll bet you were very good even then! Has she done anything much with her life? She is not worth bothering about. The label looks the perfect finishing touch to a gorgeous bag. Cheers

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  14. I was just admiring your smart label so was shocked to hear about your so-called friend! Your bag is gorgeous! Xx

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  15. Gina, I think that your stylish label gives a perfect touch to your beautifully designed and made handbag! I have never had the slightest doubt that you are a textile artist.

    This has been a busy time for me, and I have just now been able to take a long look at the pictures you posted of the Spectrum opening. Everything looks so well displayed with quite a variety of beautiful creations in many styles.

    Might I add that the tea table looks rather impressive, too.

    Bravo to all involved. xo

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  16. Blimey Gina, what a bitch. And to think you say I'M mean to you xx

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  17. well you can wear your fabric label with pride Gina. certainly no doubts there. hope you had a lovely at the NEC too.

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  18. Goes to prove the old maxim 'Never throw anything away'

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  19. VERY nice bag, and the label just makes it look so pro! Which of course you are, no doubt about that!

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  20. Forget the skirt - get on with the bag pattern. You know how much I want to make one too. Use those labels, get pushy, sell the pattern as a PDF, do whatever it takes to show me how to do it.... sorry if that sounds needy but every time I look at pictures of it I want to have a go! Opportunities from the NEC sounds intriguing. Thank you Gina Ferrari, Textile Artist, for another interesting post!

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  21. Fabulous bag and you are most definitely a textile artist.

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  22. What a rude person that was. I think your textile art is superb, as you know. Use those labels at every opportunity!

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  23. I love this bag, Gina! You have done an amazing job.

    Stephanie

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  24. Glad you've dusted them off Gina and popped them in their rightful place.

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