How do you make 'upscale' bags?

[arrhythmia]

Hey, (y')all. I am wondering how to make my bags more 'upscale'. I have an opportunity to put my stuff in a local 'consignment' type mall, with really good terms and very little investment on my part. The only problem is that I have to pass muster. It is going to be a 'fine art' or upscale type setting. There are painters, sculptors, clay/pottery type things, etc.

I, on the other hand, tend to like and make more retro-vintagey-comfy cotton print type bags in bright colors, etc. Now, most of the buyers would be touristy type folk, maybe more along the 40-60 year old age range. They don't like vintagey stuff as much and definitely not reconstructed stuff. I am thinking that it is more like the moo roo type bags that would work there. I like that stuff fine, but I doubt I could make the more structured, heavily embellished 'evening purse' look.

What could I do with my fabric purses to make them 'classy' in a more mainstream way? What type of 'artsy' touches would set a bag apart. Just wondering if anyone has any ideas that might work. I am willing to try to do this, because there is a definite market here if I can catch the 'vision' of what it might look like. Also, I believe I could get more for the work involved in each bag than other outlets available to me right now. Then I could do my own style stuff on my own website(when I am able to get that all fiured out.) When you think artistic bags, what comes into your mind? Please, please, pretty please....:)

[ilovepaper]

I just visited a place almost like you described 
http://www.handcraftcenter.org/
and there were lot's of really nice bags for sale. The things they seemed to have in common were really nice closures, [fancy zippers and snaps] and really nice upholstry type fabrics and most had metal feet. The shapes were all like Amy Butler designs and that's what made them look 'upscale'. The least expensive bag  saw was 65.00 and I figured it would probably cost me at least 25.00 to make it myself.
Hope this was a little helpful.
Good luck and make sure you show us what you come up with.

[arrhythmia]

ilovepaper - Thanks for the link. I went there and couldn't get into the part where they had handbags. They had a page for the shop with hours, etc. but no pics. In the gallery section, all I could find were paintings, clay and jewelry. Am I missing something? How do you get there?

I appreciate you providing the description. I'd like to see it because I'm a visual learner,(smile)! I worked on some tapestry and velvet stuff last night, but I could sure use some clues....

[ilovepaper]

hmmmm, you are right, you can't see any bags there. I 'physically' went to the place, I wasn't very clear in saying that, sorry.
I am also a visual learner, I'll try to post a link here if I come across anything similar. In the meantime, just think elegant, sturdy and simple, using materials that 'look' like they cost a ton of money.

[A Little Hut]

I agree with Ilovepaper - it's all about closures and materials. I just found the following site - maybe it'll give you some ideas...

http://www.glaucia.com

Good luck!!   

[arrhythmia]

Thanks, ilovepaper. Now I understand, you 'went there' literally, lol. I spent some time trying to find some links for artistic/craft sites that do more of a fine arts thing, but wound up studying fabric painting, (smile). I had fun, though. I'll keep looking.

Hey, ALittleHut, I can't get anything to pull up on that link. Is the spelling correct? Just wondering.What type of closures would be good? I get the material part, though.

[rachelyra]

frog closures always look super-classy to me - if you were really good, you could make 'em yourself (mine always come out lopsided).

Also, you could troll antique stores, flea markets, and thrift shops for old brooches.  don't forget that you can usually haggle with the antique store guy, and the flea market guy.

[A Little Hut]

I don't know why it's not working. Sometimes I find that I can't just click on links but actually have to copy/paste the address in my browser - have not idea why... I just clicked on the link in my previous message and it worked fine. Why don't you try to the copy/paste thing? Can't hurt to try...  :-)

[arrhythmia]

Hey, A Little Hut, I was able to pull up the site and it looks good. I love the shape of some of the bags. I'm off to study that site some more and maybe check out the Amy Butler site, as well. I forgot what her bags look like.

Thanks to both A Little Hut, ilovepaper and rachelyra for your replies. I think I'll look around and pay specal attention to closures and things.

rachelyra - I am pretty sure my frogs would be lopsided, too. I'd have to buy mine for sure!, lol. I haven't got access to any flea markets or antique places that are any good in my area, but maybe if I can get out of town soon, I can check some out. Thanks for the ideas. Abot haggling with the vendors, I think I'll let my DH do that, he is good at it!

[ilovepaper]

I'm sure this goes without saying......
you will post pictures when you are finished, right [insert question mark my shift key is dead]
Good luck arrhythmia