Most handbag designers create their accessories from traditional materials like leather, exotic skins, canvas, and polyester. But not Karla Staley. With her quirky fashion line Bagitude! Handbags with Attitude she’s turning everyday items into wearable pieces of arm candy.
Staley began turning cigar boxes into purses in her living room some 11 years ago. Since that time the business has grown to recycle all kinds of items, including magazines, VHS cases, board games, crossword puzzles, and most famously, Harry Potter books.
Staley uses a heat gun to remove each book’s pages to ensure they stay intact. That allows her to donate the uncovered book to a needy school or shelter. She laminates the cover and assembles the purse, adding a twist lock or magnetic catch for security and a bead or seatbelt carry strap. Each book bag takes around two hours to assemble.
With the boy wizard wrapping up his adventures Staley must look to new items for inspiration. She’s just started to make purses out of old wedding invitations, the ideal keepsake for your special day. She’s also planning to create man bags, file folders, and jewelry boxes.
If you want to own one of Staley’s unique creations it couldn’t be easier. The Bagitude! Handbags with Attitude website has images of bags currently available, and a simple order form. Each is affordably priced at less than $75, a bargain considering the hours of work in each one.
