For Panda Lovers

This is the cutest fabric ever.  When I saw this, I knew it could find its home in the arms of a Panda Lover.  

I found this wonderful fabric at my favorite supplier, Silk Road, where the owner Karen, never ceases to amaze me in the beautiful fabrics that she provides.  She dyes the fabric and machine washes it for this wonderfully silky and smooth texture, and did I mention that the fabric is now machine washable after she treats it?  Left untreated, you'd have to dry clean it!

Moreover, the totes, however, are dry-clean only because of the microsuede.  But no worries, I will be switching to Karen's synthetic suede that is completely machine washable and you'll be able to wash your totes in the machine in a cold gentle cycle.  In due time, my friends, in due time.  I am slowly striving to support local businesses in Austin, and doing so it a bit more expensive, and will take a little more time (and I have to use up my other fabrics).  Stay tuned, though!

In the mean time, enjoy this beautiful Panda tote.  This is the perfect gift for a Panda Lover (is it you?).

So cute!

Made by Recycling

I co-taught a Biomedical Engineering senior elective this past semester called Social Entrepreneurship and Engineering, where we explored entrepreneurial and engineering solutions to local, domestic, and international issues. We discussed a lot of social entrepreneurs (i.e. Amy Smith and Jacqueline Novogratz to name a few) and their efforts to help alleviate the conditions of various social issues.

Moreover, as an end-of-semester project the students formed groups and picked a topic they were most interested and then proposed possible methods for creating awareness, and then a proposal to help "solve" the problem.

One group did their project on recycling, namely recycling at UT Austin. They prepared this wonderful video that will be presented to freshmen during orientation. This is a great way to get the message across about promoting recycling on campus and to get students active in participating in something to make change. Get people motivated! You can see other projects here.

In lieu of this, I decided to start making purses and accessories that support recycling. I know many Etsy-ans have made many beautiful creations using recycled products, and I'd like to join in this movement!

Here is a tote that I created from repurposed cordoruy pants. You'll definitely see more bags like this. I just sketched a pretty neat yoga-bag that I'll make with recycled pants, too. You'll just LOVE it. Just you wait!

p.s. That's the Threadless shirt that I know some of you love so much. :) Just for giggles.

Francesca Messenger

Well, messenger-styled bags. These beauties have extra long handles for slinging across your chest or just let it sit as a long shoulder bag. New feature in all purses - interfacing for added strength and durability. So pile in your laptop, books, wallet, and other accessories, because these will hold it all without sacrificing that elegant style. :)

When in doubt...

I was feeling doubtful last night about my business. It may have been the residual side effects of taking a Quantitative Physiology final that took 40 minutes to complete and 10 hours to prepare. When I say "prepare," I actually mean "memorize." That's besides the point.

I was feeling insecure about whether I was providing the right product in this market. Comparing myself to other purse shops, I realize that I am providing a very different product: various fabrics assembled together in a simple design to create a cohesive look with wonderful texture (how many purse makers do you know that think about varying textures?). As I was thinking about moving to a more "typical" look with those typical fabrics (you know what I'm talking about) and adding those magnetic clasps (that always scratch up my laptop), I made 3 sales, and all became clear.

I must have faith in my work.

These are high-quality, beautiful products that take time to discover. But I learned this: We understand confidence by experiencing doubt.


Moreover, since finals are nearing an end, I've had some time to create new, delicious designs for the summer. Notice that handle placement. You can wear this across the chest OR over the shoulders! Yum!

I made a trip to my favorite fabric supplier, Silk Road, and found this great Asian print fabric. Owner Karen overdyes these fabrics and machine washes them for a wonderfully soft and silky feel with a slinky bounce. I'm a huge fan of her fabrics, I must say. Not to mention I love supporting the local shops here in Austin, TX!