Designing Women's Handbags - The Classic Firm Bodied Purse

Nice article on handbags

A classic purse generally has a firm or somewhat structured body. The older generation would probably refer to these handbags as a pocketbook. There are many elements that go into the designing and sewing a purse to make its structure firm. Although there are varying types, this does not mean that for the home-based, purse-making enthusiast, these purses cannot be made. Quite the contrary, a firm bodied purse can not only be fun and attractive but also quite simple to sew.

One great example of a classic pocketbook is the timeless styles worn by the Queen of England, Queen Elizabeth. Her choice of purses are firm bodied, well-structured and classic in appearance. Although the materials used in crafting her purses are generally quite simple, they are always constructed of the finest leathers and hardware.

A fashion icon in her own right that made the structured purse a must-have bag is American actress and Princess of Monaco (deceased) Grace Kelly. Whether in her personal life or on the big screen Grace Kelly stirred the fashion sense of women all over the world. Singer Lena Horne turned heads with her sophisticated iconic fashion style and use of purses that were almost always classic in nature.

Though in the past pocketbooks were generally made of leather and solid in color, this does not typically represent the emerging fashion trends. Though there are still a core group of ladies who would not stray away from the single colored purse, there is yet another group of ladies who are bold in their expression; these ladies embrace color and the diversity of fashion style.

Sew at home purse designers many times opt to stiffen the body of their structured purse with interfacing, while others use chipboard or plastic canvas. These are definitely a viable option for those beginning on their purse making journey. Firm bodied purse are not limited to these material however and can get quite technical as in the case of molded purse bodies.

Serious purse designers are always on the look-out for new materials, techniques and findings to take their creations to the next level. These experts glean magazines, tutorials, and take the necessary courses to ensure that their product is always a cut above. While it is not always necessary to enroll in a traditional fashion school for the hands-on designer or craft enthusiast; it is important to stay abreast of the trends and participate in communities where information is available to refine skills and products.

Teri M. Bethel specializes in teaching how to create textured painted purses. Teri has been involved in manufacturing painted garments, handbags and fashion accessories for over two decades. She is the designer of Teri Monique Handbags, a line of custom made art purses for ladies.

Register with Teri today and gain access to her amazing purse making tips as well as her textured painting videos & tutorials. Visit Teri at: http://www.paintwithtexture.com