I love when a customer likes my work so much that she orders gift for others! My super customer, Lisa, ordered these two "Ellen" handbags for a sister and friend. 

The photos above and right were taken in my basement sewing studio. The nice lighting was created by only a flourescent light on the ceiling and a fabulous BlueMax floor light. I didn't use my camera's flash.

I like having the dress form/mannequin to hold my purses! She gives good perspective for size and style. 

But I am always experimenting with my product photos, which sometimes could look more professional. Some articles I've been reading gave me the idea to try a new location today. So I headed up to my dining room, where a set of patio doors allows a lot of  light in. Today in Wisconsin, it's overcast and snowing, but the snow provided enough bright light for my photo shoot.

Here's my super-fancy (ha!) setup. Two white posterboards served as backdrops and reflectors. 

Look at all that light coming in!

I didn't turn on any other lights, and I used my Canon Rebel XT without the flash.

The results, which I edited with Photoshop Elements (to crop, brighten, add a bit of saturation where the light washed the colors out)...

Not bad, huh? I'm not sure I like the table showing on the first two shots. Like I said, I'm experimenting. Here are the inside pics, which I truly thought wouldn't turn out. It looked so dark in there when I was shooting!

Even with my big ol' hand holding it open, I think it's a decent shot, even sort of professional.  

I don't really mind where the light gets super-bright. It's kind of artsy.

The front of the bag is washed out, but that's OK, because it's not the focus of this picture.

I'm amazed that the pockets and business label are in focus.

Here's the other side of the interior, with the zippered pocket and key fob. 

Nice, natural light that shows the fabric's true colors. 

Here's the purse hanging from my chandelier with a posterboard behind it!

If this bird purse looks familiar, it's because the original "Ellen" handbag was made of the same fabric! See the original one at left, which I photographed in my basement studio.

It looks good, but I have many problems with shadows when shooting with a single lamp.

I had two natural-light lamps for a while, but one broke.

Thanks for reading and viewing! I appreciate any comments, questions or suggestions! -- Rene

This is the second purse I've made with this beautiful embroidered teal fabric. Sadly, it will be my last because I have none left! So I'm going to celebrate it here. This is an "Ellen" style of purse.

I collect fabric from all over, so I often forget where it came from.

While I'm a bit sad that it's gone, I'm also excited for the two people who now own purses made from it!

You can see the other purse I made with this fabric here.

One of the very cool things about Sew Much Cuteness is that most of my items are one of a kind (OOAK). No cookie cutter stuff here!

Look at this gorgeous closeup:

How about this lining? It's a quilting cotton in natural with aqua and teal. The darker teal flowers match the exterior of the bag. 

I like the splash of "earthy" this fabric gives to this purse.

The interior has 2 slip pockets, a pen slot, a YKK zippered pocket and a magnetic snap closure. 

This bag is super roomy because I gave the bottom a 5-inch gusset. I think of this purse as a tote bag with handbag features. 

The double straps are also double-sided with both fabrics. I just think that looks neato.





Here's each side of the interior:

Thanks for looking & reading! If you're interested in your own custom "Ellen" purse, please check out this Etsy listing. Thanks & have a super day! -- Rene

My repeat customer Laila is an owl lover...apparently a lover of birds in general! She has chosen a lot of bird fabrics for her creations. Here's her latest purse -- a custom "Ellen" handbag with concealed top zip and extra interior pockets. She requested a matching zip pouch. 

I'm too exhausted to type a lot of details! So I'll share a slide show of photos with you.  A standard "Ellen" purse is $45 (although Laila ordered it when it was on sale for $37). Additional features like a top zipper and extra pockets cost a little more. Zippered pouches like these are $21. Hope you enjoy and let me know if you have any questions!  -- Rene

Only through January, when you order an "Ellen" purse from me, the price is $37 instead of $45. Current turnaround time is 1-2 weeks. 

To catch the eyes of different people, I've created a few different Etsy listings for my January featured purse, the "Ellen!" They each have different sample photos of purses I've made for other customers. You and I will work together to pick your perfect fabrics from my stash! Or, purchase your own fabric and mail to me, and I will discount your price. 

Here's the original "Ellen" purse, as requested by my friend and customer (bet you can't guess her name!). 

Etsy listing is HERE. 

This one was made for my friend/customer, Lisa, who was IN LOVE with this bird fabric! I don't have anymore, unfortunately, and it was extremely difficult to find. But it's a gorgeous example of the "Ellen" purse! 

Etsy listing is HERE. 

This listing features Pam's bee-themed purse! I don't have any more of this adorable fabric either. But I have plenty of amazing fabrics -- some new, some vintage, some ready to be repurposed -- so that YOU can have a one-of-a-kind bag, too!

Etsy listing is HERE. 

I am planning on photographing my available fabrics soon, to make it easier for you to make your choices. Thank you and have a glorious Tuesday! -- Rene

I hope you're not getting tired of seeing "Ellen" purses in different fabrics! I've gotten quite a few orders for them since announcing the January special! I am definitely not getting tired of making them -- they are quite fun. Here's a bee-utiful purse for my customer, Pam! 

I really enjoy the lining of this purse, although it was a bit difficult to photograph. It's a rayon blend (I think) from my stash. It was stretchy and difficult to work with until I interfaced it with Pellon Shape-Flex. Gosh, I love that stuff! It gives such a wonderful feel to any fabric. It's woven so fabrics keep their natural draping and softness, but they become stronger and more structured. I use this interfacing in nearly every sewing project.

Another thing you DON'T see is my soft batting. I prefer Pellon Nature's Touch, which is natural cotton and very plush! The combination of the interfacing and batting give my purses the perfect amount of thickness and structure. They are simply wonderful to touch, too. I can't capture the tactile experience in photos, unfortunately!

Would you believe the purse's exterior is made from 2 new cotton napkins? I'm so glad I picked up that set of 4 napkins -- I also made an insulated lunch tote out of them. It's currently for sale in my Etsy shop, if you are interested. Here's a look:

As a reminder, my "Ellen" style purse is on special this month for only $37! 

Here's another example of this purse to hopefully spark your interest. Lisa ordered her "Ellen" in this rich, vibrant bird fabric! She also wanted a small coordinating pouch. (This style of pouch is $18). 

Check out more photos of Lisa's purse 'n pouch below!

SPECIAL! January's item of the month is the "Ellen" everyday casual purse. Instead of its regular $45 price, it will be only $37 this month! 

"Ellen" purse is shaped like a small tote bag with a flat bottom and lots of storage. Lovely interior has a deep, large zip pocket, 2 cell phone pockets and a pen pocket. There's also a lobster clasp key fob for your keys. Closes with a strong magnetic snap. You can choose exterior piping detail or criss-cross binding. 

Approx. measurements: 10" H / 13" W (top) / 11" W (bottom) / 5" bottom depth (flat bottom) / 13" strap drop length. 

TO ORDER: Send me a message through Facebook or this blog, and I will help you select your fabrics from my huge stash! 

Your own CUSTOM purse for only $37! Feel free to share this special.