my grandma Suzuki gave me this Japanese children’s book called “The Tale of the Shining Princess” when I was little. This lotus bag reminds me alot of the beautiful illustrations in that book. there’s something about them that’s both rugged and delicate at the same time. I love it!

when I found this asian-y (that IS a word, no?) fabric at a local craft store, I was instantly inspired.
on the rest of the bag, I used two shades of brown felt. the felt lotus petals are embroidered with a burnt orange floss and pearl white floss.

lotus detail…

the fabric for the handle tabs is absolutely adorable. an off white background with a stark-white “cheerio-like” print on top. it reminds me of the cherry blossoms in some of the Japanese paintings, only a monochromatic version. the tabs wrap over two black lacquered bamboo handles and the bag is tied shut with a satin gold ribbon I recycled from one of my daughter’s belts.

more detail…

the lining really sets off the burnt orange color of the floss in the lotus flower. I really liked the way the whole bag turned out. I definitely think this is one of my favorites! did I say that about my last bag???