Handmade Bags from Etsy?

[skimilk]

One of my latest obsessions is Kate Spade Chinese Takeout Bag, and one of the kind ladies at Kate Spade forum directed me to Etsy, which had several handmade bags in similar shape for sale (not the exact same design, just the same takeout box shape.) That led me to searching for bags made in exotic leather (python, croc, etc) on Etsy since that's another of my recent obsession- and there are lots of beautiful handmade bags in exotic leather, especially in python, on Etsy! And many of them seem to be good quality, at least according to the reviews...

So I was wondering- has anyone purchased handmade bags or even other handmade things from Etsy? I freely admit to being a bag snob (handbags and sunglasses are only things that I stick to high-end designer though, clothes, shoes, etc I couldn't care less) but I definitely am intrigued. I kind of like the idea of having a gorgeous handmade python bag that not many people would recognize or have, and for $200...

Please share your experiences, ladies! Any contribution is much appreciated

 

[lenie]

One of my latest obsessions is Kate Spade Chinese Takeout Bag, and one of the kind ladies at Kate Spade forum directed me to Etsy, which had several handmade bags in similar shape for sale (not the exact same design, just the same takeout box shape.) That led me to searching for bags made in exotic leather (python, croc, etc) on Etsy since that's another of my recent obsession- and there are lots of beautiful handmade bags in exotic leather, especially in python, on Etsy! And many of them seem to be good quality, at least according to the reviews...



So I was wondering- has anyone purchased handmade bags or even other handmade things from Etsy? I freely admit to being a bag snob (handbags and sunglasses are only things that I stick to high-end designer though, clothes, shoes, etc I couldn't care less) but I definitely am intrigued. I kind of like the idea of having a gorgeous handmade python bag that not many people would recognize or have, and for $200...



Please share your experiences, ladies! Any contribution is much appreciated

I have bought several leather bags from Laurel Dasso. She has beautiful quality leather, excellent workmanship, and is so wonderful to work with. I love that no one else has the exact same bag because you can choose the type and color of leather, liner, and hardware.
Which store did you get your Chinese takeout bag from Etsy?

 

[soramillay]

One of my latest obsessions is Kate Spade Chinese Takeout Bag, and one of the kind ladies at Kate Spade forum directed me to Etsy, which had several handmade bags in similar shape for sale (not the exact same design, just the same takeout box shape.) That led me to searching for bags made in exotic leather (python, croc, etc) on Etsy since that's another of my recent obsession- and there are lots of beautiful handmade bags in exotic leather, especially in python, on Etsy! And many of them seem to be good quality, at least according to the reviews...



So I was wondering- has anyone purchased handmade bags or even other handmade things from Etsy? I freely admit to being a bag snob (handbags and sunglasses are only things that I stick to high-end designer though, clothes, shoes, etc I couldn't care less) but I definitely am intrigued. I kind of like the idea of having a gorgeous handmade python bag that not many people would recognize or have, and for $200...



Please share your experiences, ladies! Any contribution is much appreciated

Just be careful that like eBay, Etsy has its fair share of scammers. A lot of the products on it claim to be "handmade" but are mass produced in China. If you are looking at a python bag, do verify its origins and maker... I would be suspicious of a $200 price for a new bag in exotic leather, but it's vintage, then it's probably fine.

 

[papertiger]

Just be careful that like eBay, Etsy has its fair share of scammers. A lot of the products on it claim to be "handmade" but are mass produced in China. If you are looking at a python bag, do verify its origins and maker... I would be suspicious of a $200 price for a new bag in exotic leather, but it's vintage, then it's probably fine.

I'm all for handmade and small independent producers but one thing to watch is that all exotics should be verifiable and regulated (that on the endangered list skin items but not banned in accordance to CITES). It's one of the reasons that exotics cost so much more

 

[missemily]

I have several bags from Laurel Dasso as well- mostly tote bags. I love them and think they are well made. I also have two from Rough and Tumble- a 3 in 1 hobo and another hobo. They are made really well also. Those are the two shops I have repeat purchased bags from.

 

[chessmont]

I have quite a few bags from Laurel Dasso, the workmanship is absolutely marvelous. I am waiting on 3 right now in fact, one being a special order she is working out for me.

 

[Amazona]

I'm all for handmade and small independent producers but one thing to watch is that all exotics should be verifiable and regulated (that on the endangered list skin items but not banned in accordance to CITES). It's one of the reasons that exotics cost so much more

This. You should always make sure the exotics - feathers, leathers, bone etc - on anything you buy have certificates and/or are traceable. There are species that are so endangered, no part of them are allowed to be sold without a license from the authorities and a certificate of origin (CITES I). If the paperwork isn't in order, skip the item. There's a chance it's been made using materials that have been obtained illegally. Please note that if you travel with such an item, the customs may well confiscate it.

I own parrots that are CITES II and the only thing that's required is a certificate of origin from their breeder if I ever decide to sell them (never gonna happen) or their feathers. My friends have birds that are CITES I so if they were f.e. give their birds' feathers to a friend that makes jewelry of them, they'd have to apply for the license from the ministry of agriculture before they'd be allowed to give or sell the feathers, and the certificate and license would have to be passed on to anyone who buys the jewelry. IF the buyer knows and/or cares enough to make sure the feather used in their new earrings/necklace/anything else are from a legal source and no wild animals were hurt or killed in the process.

 

[papertiger]

This. You should always make sure the exotics - feathers, leathers, bone etc - on anything you buy have certificates and/or are traceable. There are species that are so endangered, no part of them are allowed to be sold without a license from the authorities and a certificate of origin (CITES I). If the paperwork isn't in order, skip the item. There's a chance it's been made using materials that have been obtained illegally. Please note that if you travel with such an item, the customs may well confiscate it.

I own parrots that are CITES II and the only thing that's required is a certificate of origin from their breeder if I ever decide to sell them (never gonna happen) or their feathers. My friends have birds that are CITES I so if they were f.e. give their birds' feathers to a friend that makes jewelry of them, they'd have to apply for the license from the ministry of agriculture before they'd be allowed to give or sell the feathers, and the certificate and license would have to be passed on to anyone who buys the jewelry. IF the buyer knows and/or cares enough to make sure the feather used in their new earrings/necklace/anything else are from a legal source and no wild animals were hurt or killed in the process.

Thank you so much for this info, I had no idea about the feathers, even if a single one, of course it makes sense.

 

[Amazona]

Thank you so much for this info, I had no idea about the feathers, even if a single one, of course it makes sense.

No problem, happy to share. This is a topic very close to my heart, because I'm very much dedicated to preserving wildlife - especially parrots. Most of the time it's just a matter of people being uninformed or misinformed, so spreading the word is my way of helping.

There was a case a few years ago of a fishing equipment store that got in serious trouble for selling unlicensed feathers that turned out to be CITES I. Needless to say, that was an expensive mistake for them...even professionals have trouble getting it right.

 

[skimilk]

I have bought several leather bags from Laurel Dasso. She has beautiful quality leather, excellent workmanship, and is so wonderful to work with. I love that no one else has the exact same bag because you can choose the type and color of leather, liner, and hardware.
Which store did you get your Chinese takeout bag from Etsy?

I will have to check out Laurel Dasso- especially seeing that more than one tPF ladies recommend her!

I have not gotten a Chinese takeout bag yet- still looking. But there are a couple cute bags like...

https://www.etsy.com/listing/201878120/chinese-takeout-box-wristlet-purse-one?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=chinese%20takeout%20bag&ref=sr_gallery_1

https://www.etsy.com/listing/201745217/hello-shanghai-blue-silk-takeout-box?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=chinese%20takeout%20bag&ref=sr_gallery_13

 

[skimilk]

Just be careful that like eBay, Etsy has its fair share of scammers. A lot of the products on it claim to be "handmade" but are mass produced in China. If you are looking at a python bag, do verify its origins and maker... I would be suspicious of a $200 price for a new bag in exotic leather, but it's vintage, then it's probably fine.

Ah- I did see that a lot of vendors who had many beautiful pictures of python bags had very few sales and no reviews... but this one seems relatively solid, despite cheap prices- though like you said, who knows about the provenance of the goods...

https://www.etsy.com/shop/IndoPython?ref=s2-header-shopname

 

[skimilk]

I have quite a few bags from Laurel Dasso, the workmanship is absolutely marvelous. I am waiting on 3 right now in fact, one being a special order she is working out for me.

I saw that she had some gorgeous bags made from ostrich leather- I favorited her shop since I am banned atm, but I will be buying from her in future for sure since workmanship is guaranteed. And she's from New York so I would be supporting local craftperson

 

[Sparkletastic]

This is a great thread! I have been interested in getting some handmade items - particularly exotics but didn't know where to start to avoid being scammed and to get great quality.

And WOW! I hadn't thought of making sure the skins are sourced appropriately. Thanks for the info on that. I absolutely don't want to buy endangered or improperly sourced skins. What are the questions we should ask and how do we know the certificates, etc. aren't faked?

Anyone buy from an etsy seller that sells exotics and follows the rules / protocols? If so, please share info!!