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Bag Of Whimsy

Hand Painted Vintage Handbags

ABOUT ME

Every bag is my canvas.

Hi from Texas! I'm Lisa Blackwell and Bag Of Whimsy is my business. My passion is spending hours browsing antique shops looking for the next, perfect, vintage handbag. My joy is imagining the life she once led, and giving her a new personality and makeover. I hand paint whimsical designs on pristine condition, classic vintage styles from circa 1950's to 1970's. These handbags are rare which means you won't see your bag carried by anyone else. Unless requested, I don't repeat designs, and even then, each one will have its own uniqueness. Every handbag is signed by me, LisaB, and dated with the year and design number painted that year.

When you enter the room with a Bag Of Whimsy on your arm, you get ALL the attention. Contact me for information about carrying my ladies in your store or to purchase online. And let the ruckus begin!

ALWAYS VINTAGE

IT'S ALL IN THE SEARCH.

There are many sides to the fun in collecting vintage handbags. From the hunt, to giving the bag a personality, to researching the original designer. I love knowing that my purse was made in New York during the most glamorous eras or in California when Hollywood starlets were gracing magazine covers and movie screens. Who knows? Maybe one of those stars carried my bag.

Vintage handbags come in two extremes - worn out and pristine. I search antique shop after antique shop to sort through purse after purse, to find the one special bag with barely a blemish. I will buy nothing less than the best and it is a true treasure hunt. Unlike styles of today, 1940's to 1970's handbags generally come in variations of four basic styles: Kelly bags (named after Grace Kelly, who was said to hide her pregnancy from the camera with a handbag strategically placed over her bump), box bags, clutches and shoulder bags. The nicest handbags were made out of leather skins, vinyl, wood and beaded fabrics. Because bags from yester year were rarely coated in heavy glazes, they readily accept paints for designs.

I find that dressing for a night out on the town is an opportunity to drop the extra large day-to-day purse in favor of an accessory for only the most necessary of items. The cuter the better, the more artsy the more exciting. My designs range from peaceful scenes to wild at heart. There's a purse for everyone!

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TREAT HER GENTLY

She's a lady.

Bag of Whimsy are vintage handbags. They are old and not intended to be carried for everyday use. I limit my inventory to handbags that are in pristine, exceptional condition, however, there may be an occasional blemish which is quite normal given the age. To keep the interior of the bag from additional wear and tear, I suggest using cosmetic bags for your few accessories. I use special leather and vinyl preparers with acrylic paints. Once a design is complete, I use a sealer to set and protect the paint. Occasionally, older materials painted may feel sticky (remember patent leather?). This can be easily addressed with a light dusting of baby powder with a soft cloth. You may also use a clear shoe shine sponge to buff up the painted finish. Store her in the linen bag provided. You are purchasing a wearable piece of art and history - treat her gently!