I'm in the mood for bags: Willywaw and 4U2ReUSE
I have to share these finds with you, and they go in one post because they're both bag-related even though they're so very different. First, I've been using the Ridley veggie/bulk foods bag carrier from 4U2ReUSE for the last few months, and it's made my shopping easier. The Ridley is a little triangle-shaped fabric storage container, very well made, that holds a good bunch of bags (they say 10-15, but I've never bothered counting) -- more than enough for my typical farmer's market or grocery store trip. When I empty a bag at home, I simply stuff it back in my Ridley and I'm good to go for the next time. I keep the Ridley attached to my shopping basket, which I never go shopping without (I empty it as soon as I get home and stick it by the door, and it's a matter of habit to grab and stick it in the car when I next leave the house), so I always have bags with me. There's a mix of biodegradable plastic and fabric bags in my Ridley -- sometimes fabric ones just don't work as well, as for things like flour, but I don't feel as bad using plastic when I know I'll be reusing them again and again and again, and the Ridley makes doing so much, much easier. So two thumbs up on the Ridley, which just might make for a good gift for people you know who have difficulties remembering to reuse their bags.
My second bag-related love these days? Willywaw Studios. Ashley Van Etten's work is absolutely amazing. I want her bags, all of them, but especially the Turtle Tote. Isn't that an amazing turtle? It makes me think of the Northwest Haida designs. The leatherback turtle is also available as a T-shirt, as are several of Ashley's other designs, but I prefer the bags because (a) they're organic and (b) they're simply more functional in my life. :)
I love her HomeGrown bag, too; it goes along well with the Tractor Socks that I still can't find anyone to make for me! Isn't that bag just the perfect one to carry to the farmer's market, or to use to wrap homemade gifts? The bag is made from Natural Rich Canvas and the straps from Lighter Webbing, should you want to attempt to duplicate Ashley's efforts ... but it's the tractor print that makes it so perfect, and that is what I covet. And yes, I know that it's a bad thing to covet, but isn't it at least bit better when you're coveting something that's organic and homemade?
Ashley named Willywaw Studio after the "ferocious arctic winds that sweep down coastal mountains and slam onto the ocean," and her line is inspired by nature's energy. You can read a bit more about her and her work in a profile at Etsy's Organic Team Blog. It was difficult for me to choose only two pictures for this post, as all of her products are so gorgeous, but I strongly encourage you to check them out for yourself. You can see Ashley's design sensibility in everything she does -- I'm really inspired by her work and it makes me smile. And, yes, covet.