Nice Twice with a Side of Rice

This is my Asian/Indian Fusion handbag.
Specially created for the recycled challenge for Whiplash for February.
( Category #1: Recycled standard household goods... and click on the photos.. they look better full sized.)



Burlap Basmati rice bag and bamboo chopsticks team up for a fashion accessory tribute to the food staple of billions.
"The perfect thing to carry when you scurry, for some curry."



I saved the burlap sack from a 10 lb bag of rice that it took us over 3 years to finish.
We bought the rice partially because we thought the bag was cool. I have long been a sucker for packaging , both lowbrow and high.
I have held onto the bag for 2 additional years after we polished of the grain. Apparently printed burlap holds a strong appeal for me... and clearly I won't be finishing off another bag of rice anytime soon.
I used a bit of it for a vest for a doll and I had the idea that it would also make a great handbag.




The handles are the chopsticks from my younger sister's Chinese themed bridal shower. Her home-made bridal dress was red, as are the bridal dresses of traditional Chinese brides .. hence our shower theme.



I have lots of scrap fabrics that I stripped off of backdrops while I worked on the display team of a department store.
The red velveteen used here was from a cosmetics display, stapled to cover a table top that held fragrance gift sets..
In fact, about 60% of my fabric stash has been previously stapled to something. Seasonal store displays can be a source of great riches that otherwise end up in the dumpster. Make friends with a display person. If you can work around small holes and some smudges, you can reap great recycled rewards.

The hinged keyrings, previously used as shower curtain rings, make this bag easily convertible to a sassy clutch bag. Just unhook the rings slide off the handles and you are good to go.

What was Recycled?

basmati rice burlap sack
post consumer department store holiday display velveteen
Chopsticks from a Chinese take-out Bridal Shower
hinged key rings previously used as used a shower curtain rings
express mail envelopes were used as a stiffener



What was New?

The thread and the grommets.

This was the first time I had ever made a handbag from my own pattern.
I really couldn't have been more excited, then flabbergasted,
then concerned, then excited, then proud.

Recycling rules.




PS: I wish this lovely item could be consider for the Reform School... but there is NO WAY I could eat enough rice to produce 10 of these bad boys.