A new gallery, and a new theme

Well, I didn't complete my bag for my own frickin' challenge.
I considered postponing the gallery,
but that's really not fair to the rest of you.
I'll submit my bag late.

I'm a bit disappointed that so few people decided to make a beach bag.
I hope this is due to vacations away from your sewing machines, versus lack of interest in this blog.

Anyway, here's the current gallery of submissions.

And yes, there's also a new theme, due September 30.
Are you ready?

The next theme may make some of you uncomfortable.
Ah, that's where creativity is at its best.

The gallery posts October 1st, so in honor of that month's holiday, I've decided I would like you to make an amulet bag.

Now, stay with me here.
To those of you who may be religious, do not assume this is of the occult.
If magical or spiritual references disturb you, then steer in the direction of your own beliefs if you so desire.
As with all areas of life, take the parts that make sense...and go with it.

Perhaps make a bag for prayer requests, for family wishes, for goals and inspirations, for art projects....
The theme just needs to encompass some sort of token, be it an embroidered cross, to a pouch filled with herbs.

In other words, create a significance.
Or work around dreams, prayers, wishes, good fortunes....

I'd like to challenge your boundaries, and force (if you will) you to put some thought behind your creation.
If you're going to create art (and that is what sewing and crafting is), make it mean something.

Consider both if and how you're going to embellish the exterior, and what you will place within.

Here's a small knitted pouch by Mag Knits (tutorial here).


*Consider symbolism and folklore, and incorporate these into your design, such as a drawing of the life line on a palm, coins for wealth, etc
*include objects or talismans representing luck (rabbit's foot, four-leafed clover, horseshoe, etc),
*or traditional tokens of affection or luck (red roses, rose quartz, hearts, etc)
*Cultural symbols such as Chinese letter characters that represent luck, fortune, long life, health, or things like Maneki Neko.
*herbs and crystals and remedies (for health, etc)
*spells, wishes, prayers (in the form of objects, words, symbols)

Maybe try a new material or technique.
Ideas of how-to's:
*a pouch embellished with ribbons
*made from suede or leather
*made from metal or wrapped wire
*embroidered with a symbol of good fortune
*knitted or crocheted
*beaded
*or a bag with objects under vinyl or organza
*or (hidden?) pockets with good luck trinkets
*purse with dangling charms or covered in milagros
*seashells, stones, crystals
*painted silk
*felted
*needle punch
*ribbon flowers
*hand-stitched wool felt
*velvet
*yo-yos

See what I mean?

Don't worry, I'll be posting lots of ideas to get you started,
so keep checking back.