Bags With Paper And Stitch: Innovative Surface Techniques for Embellishing Bags

Explore the art of papermaking and how to transform these distinctive papers into unique, one-of-a-kind handbags embellished using modern techniques. Fiber artist Isobel Hall showcases dozens of exquisite handmade bags and her methods for achieving success in Bags with Paper and Stitch.

Beginners in the art of papermaking will revel in Hall's ideas and use of materials. The author shares her secrets for creating bags from various types of papers and materials, including silk cocoon strippings, linen, flax, merino, paper clay, Translucent Liquid Sculpey, and much more. Learn how to personalize bags with brooches, charms, trinkets and other found objects, how to use embossing enamels and metals on paper fabric, embellishing bags with stump work, crewel work, embossed metals, and where to find various types of handles to finish off your bag.

Photos of these beautiful bags are followed by thorough recipe lists and step-by-step instructions. Examples of bags include the Rustic Newspaper Bag created from layers of newspaper and furnishing fabric, aged and distressed to give an organic feel; the Malachite and Azurite Shoulder Bag created from a brown paper bag embellished with metallic thread, beads, wool, thread and ribbons; and the Primitive Clutch Bag, made from felt-finish paper, coffee granules, shoe polish, sewing thread, and dye.

Bags with Paper and Stitch is intended as a starting point and guide to experimentation-learn new techniques and take them in a new direction. Soon you'll be creating new bags all on your own!

Reviews: "Every time I thought I had picked a favorite bag, I turned the page and changed my mind! With the growing popularity of going green... the bags in this book are a recycler’s dream."-BellaOnline PaperCrafts

"An ideal book for both beginners and seasoned crafters alike. These bags are truly works of art!"-Kliatt

Introduction- For centuries embroiderers have been working at their craft producing decorative but useful things. I have always wanted to produce items I have made from scratch and that are useful but also involve modern techniques. This is a book for beginners in the art of papermaking as well as a beginner's guide on how to utilize the paper that is all around us.

Tags for Bags- Personalizing bags can be really good fun. Tags, badges, brooches, trinkets, and charms can all make a contribution to the character of the bag.

Paper from Fibers- This method can be used with a selection of fibers to make a variety of papers. Try silk, linen, flax, merino tops, and rayon floss. Although the resulting fabric is referred to as paper, it really is a strong fabric that doesn't tear.

Textured Papers- The exciting thing about working with pulp papers is that you never really know how each batch will work out! The overriding rule is that you only get out what you put in! The secret, therefore, is to put a good mixture of textures in so that something unique comes out.

Color and Pattern- This section covers various step-by-step projects for working with various materials to achieve desired effects, including layered fabrics, trapping leaves and petals with fusible webbing, using acrylic paint, crackle, varnish, gold interference and alcohol paints, machine lace, working with bookbinder's tissue, creating pattern from stamps, and more.

Evenweave Fabric and Applique- Embroidery stitches that require an evenweave fabric in order to count the spaces can be worked successfully on papers. Cross-stitch, blackwork stitches, and canvaswork can all be worked on evenweave fabric from the back.

Paper made from Liquid Clay- The translucent paper made from polymer liquid clay can be stitched into and colored and it is both challenging and rewarding to work with.

Transferring Images- When you are transferring images remember not to infringe copyrights. There are a lot of materials available for these techniques and most of them give a plasticized appearance and texture, which is very useful for shopping bags.