Cigar Box Purses - A Smokin' Fashion Statement
Mushu Treasures is the fun and clever alter ego of Seattle handbag designer Marlene Wong-Doutaz (aka "Mushu").
Wong-Doutaz creates genuine Cigar Box Purses that will add a splash of fun to jeans or an extra spark to ignite a little black dress.
Heck, it'll even brighten up a trip to the grocery store.
Her handcrafted, custom designed Cigar Box Purses are wearable, one-of-a-kind accessories that incorporate everything from beads and tassels to paints and papers.Mushu's colorful wooden throwaways are transformed into dazzling handbags that turn heads wherever you go. "I make one of the few women's accessories that men think are cool," Wong-Doutaz says with a chuckle.
"Men are not afraid to stop by, pick up a cigar box purse, look inside, and even comment 'this is great!'
I love it."
In fact, Mushu Treasures has more male customers now than she did when she was a commercial retailer in women's accessories.THE PROCESSThere is a meticulous process to create each piece. First, Wong-Doutaz finds colorful and rare wood cigar boxes, all authentic and in excellent condition.
She then uses beautiful designer fabrics, handmade papers, 3-dimensional artwork, beautiful trims, and many other items to make each purse a unique and timeless piece of art.
When prep and design are complete, the box is ready for new hardware ... usually brass clasp, hinges and corners, and a sturdy handle, usually beaded or bamboo.
All boxes are lined and have a pocketsize mirror attached on the inside. The finishing touch includes a decorative piece attached to the clasp.
She also has more custom orders now than ever before.
"I have many customers who want to incorporate different themes, or pictures of their children or pets.
I love adding that personal touch!"WHO IS 'MUSHU'?Based in Seattle, WA., Mushu Treasures' home-based accessories business has grown to offer other lines of beautiful handmade products, such as 'Mushu Chic' Feathered Handbags and 'Mushu Style' Reversible Totes.
"Like many women, I love shopping and fashion.
So, what could be more fun than creating and selling accessories?"Wong-Doutaz became interested in cigar box purses after seeing one about 2 years ago.
"Initially, I was going to offer other artists' cigar box purses to my customers, but I wasn't satisfied with the quality.
So I decided I would design and produce my own."
Customers cannot get enough ? it's taken off across the country.Mushu's inventive Cigar Box Purses have received press in "SEATTLE" Magazine, MSNBC.com and the SEATTLE TIMES.
Prices range from $135-$200, based primarily on the value of the box and the complexity of design.Mushu product line is known for innovative and creative styles and is a recognized name in the Pacific NW.
Cigar box purses and other Mushu products are available at specialty boutiques across the country as well as selected local art shows.
For a complete list of shops and events, visit http://mushutreasures.com..
Sequin Purses
Purses, popularly known as handbags, evolved several centuries ago. What first began as simple pouches made of hide, soon developed into status symbols, adorned with lavish embroidery and precious stones. The earliest purses were simple animal skin pouches that were used during religious ceremonies by the Egyptians and Babylonians. In course of time, they evolved into the expensive designer bags made by fashion houses, that we see today. Although the functionality factor is important, of recent, more emphasis is laid on the style statement.
A purse has essentially been used as an object to carry money, keys, makeup kits and important documents. There are several different types of purses available in the market. Each type has its own unique design and style. Sequin purses are one of the popular styles of purses available. Sequins are shiny, disk shaped beads used for decorative purposes.
These come in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes. Previously, sequins...
Sequin Purses
Purses > Sequin Purses
Handcrafted Cigar Box Purses
A cigar box purse is not just a purse; it is a piece of art. A real conversation piece, a cigar box purse has a charm and beauty all its own! Made from authentic cigar boxes, these purses can even feature photos and collages of your family and pets. Many even pay homage to a bygone era with vintage images of advertisements, ladies, dancers and animals.Most cigar box purses still display the wood burned logos on the sides to serve as a reminder of the roots of your beautiful purse. They can also be lined with luxurious fabrics. You can find them with tassels, beads and all sorts of embellishments.
The handles are also numerous in design: beads, bamboo, brass and so much more. These purses are as diverse as the artists that create them!If you would like more information about cigar box purses (http://cigar-box-purses.crazyaboutscrapbooks.com/), be sure...
Handcrafted Cigar Box Purses
Purses > Handcrafted Cigar Box Purses
Cigar Box Purse Making Made Easy
(ContentDesk) August 28, 2004 -- They're baaaack! Cigar box purses are popping up everywhere but now you don't have to pay expensive designer store prices to own one.In his new video series, "How To Make Cigar Box Purses for Fun and Profit," James Jones shows us how to create original cigar box purses using a simple step-by-step process that anyone can follow.
Now even beginners can create beautiful one-of-a-kind cigar box purses for a fraction of the price they would pay for a mass produced designer purse.
"How To Make Cigar Box Purses for Fun and Profit" takes you by the hand and shows you exactly how to make these beautiful designer purses. No stone is left unturned in teaching you this fun and profitable craft.
According to James you can quickly and easily create your own beautiful cigar box purses using materials you can get locally for less then ten dollars.
James said, "Why pay designer store prices when you can make your own original...
Purses > Cigar Box Purse Making Made Easy
Lucite Purses - Brief History and Buying Guide
Lucite purses got their start in the early 1950's, when post war technology came up with the idea for a higher class of plastic called "lucite". This material was ideal for use in boxy style handbags and could be manufactured in opaque or translucent color. Decorations were easy to add and included confetti, shells, flowers, or just about anything else you could stick on a handbag! These purses became all the rage of bigger cities such as Miami and New York City. It was love at first site between handbag companies and lucite purses because they could be made into unusual shapes easily. The most expensive lucite purses were made by Wilardy of New York and were showcased in major department stores throughout the country.
Of course with popularity came replication and many cheaper versions were made. Do you think you have found a genuine vintage high quality lucite purse? The best of the designers were Rialto, Llewllyn, Gilli Originals, Patricia of Miami, Evans, and Myles and Maxim....
Lucite Purses - Brief History and Buying Guide
Purses > Lucite Purses - Brief History and Buying Guide