Info on new bags, holiday shipping, & a Fall photo shoot with Megan Saul Photography.

Hey friends! I figure I should give you a little update on what I've been up to. Sometimes blogging just doesn't fit into my life, design, & work so I apologize if I've been leaving anyone hanging. I can assure you though that there are good things coming. Real good things.

I've been sewing a lot since my last update to build stock for a large shop update. I'm hoping this update will be mid November. I plan on being around to ship items Priority mail every day for anyone who needs holiday gifts. Since the new items will be Ready To Ship, you'll be receiving your purchase really fast - depending on if you live out of the States, you should still give yourself enough time for shipment.  I have a bunch of pouches just dyed, some dyed+studded, and some new shoulder bags in a few textiles I showed here previously. 

Next month on the 4th and on the 11th, I have two photo shoots booked with Megan Saul who lives here in Chicago with me. She's a sweet girl and a wonderful photographer and I can't wait to see our visions come together into one. A few weeks ago, we took a trip out to the Northwest suburbs of Chicago to find our location and stopped in my neighbor home-town, Schaumburg. We found a forest preserve that we frolicked in, beat up cat-tails for some release, and climbed some trees. It's going to such a nostalgic and meaningful shoot to me. I grew up in forest preserves and corn fields out here. I'm not going to say much more about the shoot because I want it to be a surprise, but I will be back soon to show you some inspiration photos for our shoot. I can assure you that it will be beautiful.

Today, I leave with you with a few of my favorite fall Bird Trouble bags that are currently Ready-To-Ship.

I hope everyone has a wonderful Halloween celebratory weekend. I am going to be an elephant bandit!

xox, Alexz

Shop Update // New Bird Trouble bags now available.

Hey guys. I've been a busy girl today. 

But first, have I mentioned that I got a haircut from work {Sine Qua Non Salon in Chicago, IL} by my boss, and owner, Laura and was given some bangin' bangs?

Now onto business. 

This is what the Bird Trouble Etsy shop looks like after a 6 bag shop update. I'm really enjoying the bare white wall in my studio recently, and my new pictures give the shop a fresh look.

Here are the bags that are for sale. I know you're going to love these. Did you know that Bird Trouble bags are on Pinterest? You can add them to your style boards and share with your friends. 

Start pinning here!

THE FREE BIRD COLLECTION

Handmade bags in four unique styles made from a recycled navy bohemian tapestry. 

Only two of each are able to be made due to the limited supply of textile.

Large Structured Tote Bag

Carry All Shoulder Bag

Clutch w/ your choice of strap

Short Clutch

NAVAJO BLANKET BAG

More on the Navajo Bags can be found here. 

Handmade with a recycled vintage south western style blanket.

Possibly the last bag (unless I have enough hidden material for one more bag). 

Find here

RUG SATCHEL

Handmade satchel by transforming a recycled rug to a wearable piece. I'm obsessed with this one.

There will be more made in the near future in a few different designs.

Feel free to email me to inquire about a custom order or pre-ordering. Alexz {!at} BirdTrouble.com

Find here

Find these bags in the Bird Trouble Etsy shop.

Pin these bags from the Bird Trouble pinterest.

And always, thank you for your support!

Alexz

DRIFT AWAY : Small Collections of Zipper Pouches

Every material I use has a little bit of story behind it. It's something that's always on my mind while I'm sewing my bags. The Navajo Southwestern Blanket Bags were my favorite because I purchased them off of a lady from a garage sale in the suburbs, who purchased them when she was traveling years and years prior. It was a collector of hers. She had so much more than what I had purchased, and to this day I wish I had cleared her out of them. While I thought about her, I pictured a free-like, happy and young of life, woman who drives her truck, or car, with either one road partner, or herself. There's obviously Bob Dylan playing on the static radio (way before iPods were invented - and because I only ever want to listen to Bob driving), but maybe she was playing with a tape deck. She has one blanket piled in the back seat that she just purchased from a little old lady off the side of the road 40 miles ago. She spots another one, and another one, and soon enough... they reach to the Bird Trouble shop, and are almost all sold out.

The following clutches or pouches use the following materials:

1) A cotton material from the 1970's found antiquing. 

2) Material I drowned in dye in my parents kitchen, staining their countertops.

3) Material I purchased from a city yard sale, from a upholsterer. He said it was designer.

4) From the same upholsterer, he sold me a very large hide of leather for $10. I'd like to shake that man's hand again if I could.

5) A black and grayscale thicker weaved material that relate to the following: 1970's-looking, tribal, abstract.

The following are the pouches currently available. With more to be added soon! 

Have a cheerful Monday and safe travels to those traveling for the 4th of July.

Alexz

Currently Bird Trouble pouches that are available.

Based on the photos, from top the bottom, and from left to right.
Kaleidoscope and Leather Pouch
Narrow Tapestry and Leather Pouch
Bright Sienna Leather Pouch

Wrinkled and Dyed Turquoise Zipper Clutch
Peacock and Leather Zipper Clutch
Wild Flower Oversized Clutch

Two new bags : Navajo & Valentina

I´m excited to introduce these two new bags into the Bird Trouble shop! The first one, which may look similar to you, is another navajo bag. It´s actually the 10th one I´ve created to date! They have all been made out of vintage actual navajo blankets. I purchased these blankets from a woman who collected them through her ¨traveling years¨, so she called it. Quite inspiring if you ask me. There will be 15 total. That is only 15 like bags, with different colors and placements, ever made.

Read about the previous NAVAJO BAGS here.

SHOP for the navajo bag here.

That adorable red, black, pink, and white bag right there is called The Valentina. Remember the Valentina that I handed off to a lucky winner? This is... it´s cousin! Not it´s brother because this bag right here has a stabilized base, and is a shoulder satchel. I´m pretty smitten by this bag because of the colors, and those triangles! 

SHOP for the Valentina bag here.

Interested in seeing the whole shoot of photos? Take a look below!

In the shop - a NEW Navajo Blanket Bag Pouch!

The Navajo Blanket Bag Pouch 

- only two of this blanket will be made -

My very own keeps the following items to the right together. I was very upset that I lost my favorite pen... it should very well be in that photo. And the hunt continues...

New photos of the Navajo Blanket Bag Collection 3.

New close up product photos on thePre-Released Navajo Blanket Bag from the 3rd collection, and then some I attempted to model with a self timer- cool! I should really get a friend to do that for me. Either way, these are a lot more refreshing to me than the old ones.

You may click on the photos to enlarge them. 

          

Now Avail. PRE.RELEASED South Western Navajo Blanket Bags

New COLLECTION NO. 3 - PRE.RELEASED BAGS 

I've decided to pre-release two blanket bags from the LAST South Western [aka Navajo bags] Bag Collection! One is already on reserve, so there is only one from this collection. The bag that is available is the first bag in the photos and is available here. There is also another bag left from the second collection that can be purchased here.

There will be a total of 5 bags in the last collection. Two are being put into the shop pre-maturely merely because I'm anxious to show them, and I'm doing this with my outside full-time work schedule. Keep an eye out for the next three bags in the next week or two. If you'd like me to hold a bag, please email me at birdtroublefashion [@] yahoo .com

A little note from me:

Thank you everyone for really making these blanket bags successful, and a huge hit. I'm taken bag by how many comments and love through my blog, and even in real life, I've received. It's wild to think there are 8 of these bags all around the country, and even out of the country! Thank you for helping me with making my dreams come true... and for the support you'll give me in the future.

-Alexz

Now available at:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/BirdTrouble?section_id=10564432

Farewell my favorite :: New looks

I'm pretty stoked to be sending Sally Ann this blanket bag today. I have to admit, it's my favorite one as of yet. I think it's because I really like going nuts with the studs... and this one has been affected by this habit of mine the most. Other than that, the colors are most vibrant and I really, really, really like the blending. Sally actually requested a sturdy base bottom through instagram, and I experimented a bit and decided to add a cardboard base.
Now it stands!

It's so fancy. So fancy.

So yes, there is my excitement on sending this to Sally. I'm also going to sneak in a few surprises. Almost a month ago, she sent me two medium sized priority mail boxes FULL of vintage zippers, wooden handles ( I have been having the MOST fun with these ), lovely fabric ( remember these pouches? Thanks to Sally ), and a bunch of bag hardware. Metal hardware. A lot of it is BRASS. It was so rad because it was right when I moved into this new apartment, when a lot of my stuff was still in the suburbs, so she pretty much saved the feature premier of the second bag collection.
Oh yeah, Sally's a sweetheart for sure. You should check out her crafty blog and all the lovely things she makes.

I worked on my online shop for a little today too. I've been changing so many things around me, including the furniture and walls of my apartment. I am definitely in one of those weeks where I need a refreshin'. Re-freakin'-freshin'.

I really like the new banner. It was taken at this bar in Lakeview, and instead of being busy drinking, I was being busy admiring the Christmas lights. Typical Friday night.

Adios! Time for me to explore the misty Chicago day.
Alexz

Collection No. 2 ::: Blanket Bags

softy structured, cardboard base (besides one), silver studded, hugs open,

butter silk golden leather goodness; a vintage wool blanket is made into the perfect bag.

four one of a kind bags for every day, travel, and a very roomy textured shoulder bag.

Available now on my ONLINE SHOP for a limited time.

The Second Collection :: Navajo Bags

COLLECTION NO. 2 WOOL BLANKET BAGS

I finished the second collection of the vintage wool Navajo blankets. This was made given the materials by the 2nd out of 3 blankets that I found at a garage sale. The original owner was a traveler. She collected these blankets from her travels, thrift stores, and garage sales she went to over years. There were other styles, that I regret not buying today. I even drove to her house to see if she had any left.... and none.

There should be 5 out of each blanket, but you'll notice only 4 here. The last one may be kept by myself, because I should be able to give myself something fancy once in a while, or I'll end up making it and putting it in the shop late.

These will be available to purchase at
some point tomorrow, Nov. 19th, on my online shop.
Be sure to follow my Twitter @BirdTrouble because I know I am not a good person with deadlines, especially when a day job comes into place. Plus you can read all about my random thoughts about pigeon ladies, food, and things such as the wool blanket shop updates.

Today, I found a wool skirt that has weaved stripes. You might see that turn into something pretty soon. I'm pretty excited for any future ideas that I sketch out. I found corkwall insulation, from what looks like the 60's, at the Brown Elephant Thrift Store in Andersonville. It was $5 and I got 4 panels that I stuck onto my wall with a good adhesive, and started already pinning junk to it... such as lace, studs, squirrel tails, clay puppy faces, pictures of cat owners... and you know, the usual. 

TTIF!

Alexz

& Then there was ONE :: Navajo Bags

I've been so blown away by the responses and the quick purchases made from the first navajo blanket collection. I also realized that I never made a blog post when they were actually available to purchase... but that's how fast they went! Thank you to everyone and my kind customers for making my little bag dream come true. 

There is one more bag left from the first collection. It was originally a custom design and held on reserve, but 

now that the reserve fell through, it's available for anyone. The original bags are not said to be messenger style, unless you are shorter and can wear it with comfort. The last bag standing is one that was custom made specifically for a messenger style! The straps are not only longer, but wider so it sits comfortable!

So here it is ::: THE LAST NAVAJO
[bag. hehe] 

Buy it from the shop: HERE.

Follow the progress of the Navajo bags HERE.

Buy before November 13, 2011 &
be the FIRST to receive a FREE fleece Southwest Cup Sleeve!

I love this little guy! These cup sleeves are super limited. Made from repurposed fleece, not only will you be eco-friendly, but your hands love the feel of it. Take it off the cup and wear it as a wrist cuff too!

As always, feel free to email me at birdtroublefashion[at]yahoo[dot]com. with any questions about orderings or a custom order. Or just say to me! I love emails!

xoxo,

Alexz

Studio Saturday :: Lace dresses, fabric, blanket bags.

STUDIO SATURDAY

• Remember this picture from the other day? That little yellow lace dress is the result.
• Found this at the thrift store today. I'm thinking about another standing tote? I really want to include the tassles some how.
• Process of the second blanket collection. I did the leather differently on these. Plus, this leather is a lot easier to manage. I'm digging the color combination of these! Maybe enough to keep one for myself!
• Last, the four blanket pouches while they were just cut. I love that fringe!
  

Tomorrow is moving day!!! See ya'll soon!
xoxo,

Alexz

NEW Blanket Pouches!

NEW! AH! AH!

I decided to make some zipper pouches from the last of the scrap on the second blanket.
I think they turned out pretty darn cute! There's only 4 right now. Two small, two big, yadda yadda. I've been sewing, munching on food, and watching That 70's Show since 10:30am. It's 8:30pm! *going crazy*

Check out the pouches in the shop here.

I'm still working on the second collection of blanket bags (which I mind you, are looking awesome). They're actually come along really fast. I went a little faster with the studding and the leather sewing, which saved a lot of time and also the amounts of mochas and coffees I've had in the past few days. I've also had way too many ham and cheese sub sandwiches. 

I should be moving into my new apartment this Monday! I'm super excited.
This weekend is just going to be cleaning and slight packing.

Anyone have any big plans for this weekend?

xoxo,
Alexz

Huge THANKS! :: & a DIY

The first collection of Navajo bags were a huge success.

                    So, a million kitten kisses

in thanks to everyone for all the compliments, the encouragement, and support! There's only one more for sale. Here's a photo of my mother's package that is going to be shipped out to Mexico for her. Lucky parents, they're hiding out from the rain and fierce winds that so rudely flipped my vintage umbrella tonight. Good thing I'm comfortable laughing at myself, and I laugh easily.

Despite this weather, I try to remain cheerful and that means I'm going to start busting out obnoxious color clothing and my very exciting polyester dresses. Yay! I spruced up a cute lace dress with a dip at the hem from the front to the back, giving a re-birth to this once before table cloth! I bought it at the flea market this past time I went, for only $3.00. I can make one more, or I can save the rest of the material for bags.
What do you guys think?

If you're my IG friend, you've already seen the finished product. I just need to take a photo with a proper camera and a proper self-timed angle. haha. I feel lame posting iPhone photos all the time!

I HOPE EVERYONE TRIES THE SALTED CARAMEL MOCHA FROM STARBUCKS.

K, thanks.

Alexz.

In the Process of the Navajo Bags :: Photo Entry.

I made sure to capture a lot of pictures of the Navajo bags in the process so that everyone can see how I make each bag at a time. You can see in these pictures the little pretty details I like to add! I had a blast making these bags and I can't wait to make the next 10. I've designed two different styles for the next two mini collections and I think you guys will fall in love!

And then they were done!

xoxo,

Alexz