Bird on a Branch Handbag

[funkensteins]

I have an amazing friend. She has helped me so much during the past few weeks. My financial struggles have been huge due to a string of bad luck.

First my sewing machine broke. I had orders to fill, and I had to have it. Then, my iron broke. Followed by the microwave, the oven, the furnace and the van.. I got the van fixed, and 2 days later hit a deer.

This friend and her husband have helped so much with these things. First, her husband came over and fixed the oven and the furnace! AND the broken outlets in my sewing room!

Then, she brought my children a bunch of new clothes, and filled my freezer with food. Now, she has been driving me to the van fixing places I need to go to and helping me emotionally as well. She even took me to my bank 20 miles away, and took me out to lunch!

I make handbags, and she likes them, but they are usually not "Her style" They tend to be whimsical and patchworky, and she is more of a classy rocker (Does that even make sense?) She likes grown up things like gold jewelry and oriental rugs...
I have wanted to make her a purse, but could not figure out how to make it match her. I know that a purse cannot make up for all she has done (I plan to do that by being a good frind to her as well!) But, this purse is just more of a thank you....
It took me about 6 hours from deisign to completion, and I really hope she likes it.  I am pretty proud of it, and I would love to read your comments and words of encouragement! Thank you for getting through my long-winded post! On to the pictures!

[tabzilla]

That is absolutely gorgeous!  It sounds like you have a great friend in her, and she is lucky to have such a thoughtful friend as you.  I hope that things get better for you!

[ElizabethsMom]

That is such a beautiful bag! I am sure she'll love it!  I'm not a purse person and I do As for all your recent problems, just remember that true friends come through when we need them most.

[batgirl]

This is beautiful! I love the way the bird looks on the background fabric. You and your friend are BOTh lucky to have each other!

[stellou]

I can only with the other poster this is really beautiful and a very thoughtful way to say thanks. i'm sure she will appreciate

[alwaysinmyroom]

Your friend would have done it all for you no matter what, so I am sure your generous gift will be much appreciated and quite a surprise!

It is gorgeous and so nicely made...

[raennn]

Absolutely amazing~!!!!!! Now THAT's the kind of purse people should pay hundreds of dollars for. Keep up the good work!

[Juaniece]

That is a gorgeous bag!  God bless you and I wish things improve for you.... I certainly the "string" of bad luck! Thank you for sharing your story with us and you and your friend are lucky to have each other!
Thanks for sharing!
MiMi!

[sylrpt]

Such a nice story of friendship AND an absolutely GORGEOUS BAG!   Hope things are starting to look up for you and keep up the beautiful bag making!

[funkensteins]

Thank you all for your kind words! I got my van back today, I am hoping it is all over now! Nothing has broken in the last week or so, so I am keeping my fingers crossed! I wanted to give her the bag today, but never got a chance... She is coming over on Sunday, and I am so excited to share it with her now that I have recieved such positive feedback! Thank you!!
-Casey