Summer Bags 2013 Sneak Peek

I'v been making bags! It's feels great to be in the studio again and to see the fruit of my labor taking form. I'm in love with the color orange, lately. No, always. I'm also in love with the Paris figure ground map. I'm especially excited because this collection features even more brights than before.

Ok, your turn. Which is your favorite?

The MESSENGER has Finally Arrived!!

We are thrilled about our new ROCKIN' MESSENGER bag! 

This large bag is great for carrying all your gadgets and holds lots of essentials for city life. The messenger bag is the best for those who go by way of bike or those who are just done with the old backpack!! 

This bag has an orange strap and stenciled with the latitude and longitude of Boston, which gives it a bold personality!!

Check out our new Messenger bag on Etsy and keep an eye out for our new collection of Over-the-shoulder bags to come in various sizes and colors!! 

 Charles...modeling!!!

Winter 2012 collection

It's here...and I'm glad to be back! Fewww, I thought for a while there I was in a permanent creative dry spell. As it turns out, it was just the break I needed.
I am so in love with the latest collection. It's feminine with an edge. It's super stylish without sacrificing function, and it draws intensely on my architectural background.

They are all in the shop along with many new winter color combinations of the classic designs.
Find there right here!
Which is your favorite?

CRAFTOPIA!

This Sunday, April 10th is CRAFTOPIA! It promises to be a great event.
Of course, having a show means making many new things! Here's a peak at what you'll see in the MAKE.GOOD shop at CRAFTOPIA! Did I mention it's in Pawtucket Rhode Island?
You gotta go!

Summer stripes

It is with much anticipation that we await warmer weather. Yet, here we are in full winter still with only our imagination to keep us warm.
Luckily, in my studio, I can dream with fabric and color. I've been turning these lovely striped summer fabrics into pretty little pouches for your iPad!! Can't you just see the ocean, a sail boat, and you in cute little blue and white striped bikini! I can. Ahhh, the power of imagination!

Napkins everywhere!

The title of this post says it all. There are, literally, napkins all over the studio. They make great christmas gifts, so I'm making as many as I can to have at the SOWA Holiday Market in a couple of weeks. Thought I would try some new bold colors to brighten up the collection a bit. They still need the finishing touches, but do you have a favorite?

Is that me in the window?

A couple of days ago, strolling down Center Street, window shopping my favorite spots, I look up and see my Saddle Bag perched on a "man"-equin's hip, peeking out from under a very cool jacket! Of course, I know my bags are at Salmagundi, my favorite shop in JP, but seeing one there in the window was unexpected and so exciting!

If your wondering, 02130 is the zip code in JP! Fun and graphically cool too.

open.market

Big news! 
MAKE.GOOD studio will be at SOWA Open Market next weekend September 25+26!!! This is a great weekend outdoor market that features many handmade wears, music and food. What makes this weekend even more exciting is that it's also South End Open Studios! You can stop in artist's studios and see their work, meet them and buy art.
I am over the mood about having been chosen to participate. It's a big step for my little operation and a great way to get my handmade bags and home collection to a broader audience.
I'm working extra hard this week to have lots of new bags in great winter colors. I'm also planning a great GIVEAWAY that weekend so don't miss it... I look forward to seeing you there!

First.Thursday.3

The countdown has begun! Officially, three days till First Thursday, September 2nd and the MAKE.GOOD studio Trunk Show at Salmagundi!
If your curious as to what great MALA handmade bags you'll see...here is a sneak peak.

photo.shoot

As fun as it is making handbags, it's the moment you put them out into the world that really gets me excited! Yesterday my lovely and talented friend Kennan and I styled a photo shoot in Boston's Back Bay. We had bikes and gray sweaters, beautiful wrought iron and lots of old Boston brick to set the mood. It was the perfect spot to showcase the Hip Bag and the Saddle Bag. Both are so practical for when you are ridding in the city, but stylish when you lock up the bike and stop for an Americano. So when will these be out in the world, you ask? Stay tuned...MALA handbags will be featured at a great event in September! 
More details to come...

yay.weddings!

I have been asked a few times by friends to make an extra special clutch for their extra big day, the Wedding! The latest is one of my favorites. The grass stencil is so perfect for summer and the lovely gray interior compliments the wedding colors beautifully. Stay tuned to see it on the 'real' bride.

summer.handbags.3

A few days ago I posted a peak of new summer clutches in the works. They are finished and I'm loving the new color combinations, white, blue, green, and salmon! There is also a new size, the MINI CLUTCH! Hurry to the online shop, these won't last!

summer.handbags.2

I always have requests for the signature MALA clutch! Usually from friends of friends looking for a special color combination, something unexpected, or a unique handbag that no one else has. I love commissions because they inspire new designs and are usually unique to the person I'm make it for.
Here are a few in the works...
I have been working with bright summer colors lately, so this is a departure for sure. The beautiful muted tones of deep blues and gray can be stunning for summer...and who know, there is always the opportunity to add a splash of color with the lining!

sneak.peak.3

Where do the long days of summer go?...away too quickly, it seems.
Thought I'd share a few things that have been in the works while I've been away from blogging.

Hip.ster

I have been hard at work developing a line of MALA handbags for a little shop in JP!! Can't reveal all the details yet, but here is a little peak... The design is based on the ARMY MARKET COLLECTION I recently released for Summer 2010.

just.tuesday

A few things in the works...on a Tuesday.

side.saddle

I've been searching so long for a good "hip" bag...(aka fanny pack). I confess that my girl crush on Fiona from Burn Notice may have something to do with my recent obsession with the super cool satchel that sits on the hip and carries just what you need. (no guns please!)
With no luck finding one that blew me away, I decided to tackle the challenge using my own sewing machine.
I started with reclaimed leather parts from this gray leather bag that was waaaaaay past it's prime.

The Summer 2010 MALA handbag collection ARMY MARKET is all about contradictions, lush linen with masculine details and, in this case, a burst of unexpected color.

The result is a soft, compact little satchel that rides along on your hip as you go about your daily activities. I'm in love with this little bag and have been wearing it everywhere. Of course, the prototype is mine, but visit the ON LINE SHOP soon for more ARMY HIP-STER satchels!