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Custom made Bag with African patterns

Custom made Bag with African patterns

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Isabell Mathenge crafted a vibrant, spacious bag for Silke, blending elegance and robustness with lively African patterns, meeting every need from shopping to beach outings. What's your wish?

Explore similar items: fashion » bag    african print, fabric, leather
  • Final Outcome
  • The Process
  • The Costs
Customer's rating: ★★★★☆ “Dear Isabell, the handbag has become very beautiful and I like it very much, both qualitatively and…Read more“Dear Isabell, the handbag has become very beautiful and I like it very much, both qualitatively and optically! I've already used it gladly. Thank you very much also for the nice letter, also I found exchange and cooperation very nice! I want to encourage you to bring in more of your own creativity. I had actually deliberately only described one idea, the design was only intended as an example. You're welcome to have more ideas of your own. Best regards, Silke” — Automated Translation (15. March 2019)
Custom made Bag with African patternsCustom made Bag with African patterns - african printCustom made Bag with African patterns - african printCustom made Bag with African patterns - african printCustom made Bag with African patterns - african printCustom made Bag with African patterns - african printCustom made Bag with African patterns - african printCustom made Bag with African patterns - african printCustom made Bag with African patterns - african printCustom made Bag with African patterns - african print

A request by Silke from Germany, Germany

Bag with African patterns:
I am interested in a bag similar to the one presented here – a large, spacious cloth bag, which can be used for shopping as well as for sports/beach. That means a mixture of elegance and robustness, but as light as possible, colors like lively. among others with dark blue, red and brown (like in a small picture). The measurements should be approx. 40 x 50, the belt long enough to carry it well over the shoulder (approx. 60 cm). The bag should be closable (zipper or alternative).
attached photo – shape like this bag, style like in example of Margaret Nyambura Muna

The Journey of Creating Custom made Bag with African patterns

Negotiation & Planning

Custom made Bag with African patterns - design ideas and artisan proposals

Custom made Bag with African patterns - design ideas and artisan proposalsCustom made Bag with African patterns - design ideas and artisan proposalsCustom made Bag with African patterns - design ideas and artisan proposalsCustom made Bag with African patterns - design ideas and artisan proposalsCustom made Bag with African patterns - design ideas and artisan proposalsCustom made Bag with African patterns - design ideas and artisan proposalsCustom made Bag with African patterns - design ideas and artisan proposalsCustom made Bag with African patterns - design ideas and artisan proposalsCustom made Bag with African patterns - design ideas and artisan proposals
Isabell Mathenge (5. January 2019)

Hello Silke I am happy to provide an offer for your idea. I need I few clarification. First on the fabric you want we have African Kitenge/Kanga and printed Canvas. I have attached several for your reference. Also you have said the bag to be 40×50 confirm it is in cms. And specify the Length, Width and the Height. Also do you want it to have a lining inside and some pockets?. Let us know and we will be very happy to do the bag for you.

Automated Translation (6. January 2019)

06 Jan 2019 12:31 pm: Silke
Dear Isabell,
I assume Kitenge/Kanga is more rugged and waterproof in comparison to linen? Then I would prefer Kitenge. As motive I like most something close to the one with the bird, only for the colours I would prefer red instead of orange.
For the size I‘ve measured again, more precisely it should be 45 cm width, 30 cm height and 10 cm depth (base), the shoulder strap should be broad (same tissue) and end at the bags‘ corners - length as for a convenient shoulder bag, roughly 60 cm. For the inner pockets I would like one smaller with a zipper (12w x 8h cm) and two simple, one for a Smartphone (8x15cm wxh), one for a purse (22x12cm wxh). Please consider also an inner lining.
Thanks a lot for working on my idea, I‘m lookink forward to see your proposal.

In general I‘m not that much focussed on a specific design, but also very open to your creative ideas. Intention is to use the bag for shopping, but also sports or as smaller travel bag.

Best regards
Silke

Isabell Mathenge (7. January 2019)

Hi Silke
Thanks for your prompt response and for giving us very precise details.
I think we are almost ready to start on this project just a few clarifications/suggestions. For the fabric you have chosen i may not guarantee it to have red color where we have orange but i will check from my supplier if he has a red version If i don't get red would you be happy to use the fabric as is or i get you more options?. I Also propose to have a leather base matching the straps (propose Tan colour) to make the bag stronger and more long lasting. Apart from this we are happy with all the information you have provided and once you clarify above we will proceed.

Best Regards
Isabel

Automated Translation (14. January 2019)

12 Jan 2019 1:09 pm: Silke
Hello Isabel

I like the suggestion to use a leather base! Please plan accordingly. If you have any other alternatives to fabric samples, I'd like to see them. If nothing fits better, the current one in orange would also be fine.

Many greetings
Silke

Isabell Mathenge (16. January 2019)

Hi Silke
I am happy to proceed with the fabric you chose and with the leather base. I am ready to work on the bag and have it ready the soonest possible.

Best regards
Isabel

Crafting Process

How to make a Custom made Bag with African patterns – work in progress

How to make a Custom made Bag with African patterns – work in progressHow to make a Custom made Bag with African patterns – work in progressHow to make a Custom made Bag with African patterns – work in progressHow to make a Custom made Bag with African patterns – work in progressHow to make a Custom made Bag with African patterns – work in progressHow to make a Custom made Bag with African patterns – work in progressHow to make a Custom made Bag with African patterns – work in progressHow to make a Custom made Bag with African patterns – work in progressHow to make a Custom made Bag with African patterns – work in progressHow to make a Custom made Bag with African patterns – work in progressHow to make a Custom made Bag with African patterns – work in progressHow to make a Custom made Bag with African patterns – work in progress
Isabell Mathenge (23. January 2019)

Hi Silke
Thanks for confirming your order.!I managed to get the materials , started making the bag and finished it. I have tried to incorporate the production process in the photos attached. From the idea stage, to interpretation of the idea, making the patterns, making a prototype, cutting off the patterns , gluing, and stitching it up. I have included few extra ideas out of my creativity of the maasai bead-work, removable tassel and the auxiliary pouch. These will not cost anything extra it is just to add more authenticity to the bag. Hopefully you will like it. Kindly have a look at the photos and let me know what you think.
Best Regards
Isabel

Automated Translation (25. January 2019)

24 Jan 2019 8:04 pm: Silke
Hello, Isabel,
That was quick, thank you very much! The bag, as well as your additional ideas, I like very much!
I'm really looking forward to the bag.
Many greetings, Silke

Isabell Mathenge (25. January 2019)

Thanks Silke
I really enjoyed making your bag. I am ready to dispatch it.

Best regards
Isabel

Automated Translation (27. January 2019)

27 Jan 2019 6:12 pm: Silke
Dear Isabel
herewith I confirm completion for shipment - many thanks and best regards, Silke

The Finished Unique Piece – Individually Handmade

Custom made Bag with African patternsThe Finished Unique Piece – Individually HandmadeThe Finished Unique Piece – Individually HandmadeThe Finished Unique Piece – Individually HandmadeThe Finished Unique Piece – Individually HandmadeThe Finished Unique Piece – Individually HandmadeThe Finished Unique Piece – Individually HandmadeThe Finished Unique Piece – Individually HandmadeThe Finished Unique Piece – Individually HandmadeThe Finished Unique Piece – Individually Handmade

Reference: ON002050E-7237

Detailed Cost Breakdown

Price
Cost of material
39.38
Cost of labour
17.5
Cost of packaging
3.5
Cost of delivery to local operations manager
1.75
Subtotal – payout to artisan
62.13
Customer acquisition costs (advertising etc.)
6.21
Handling fee Urban Change Lab
6.21
Shipping costs from Kenya to Germany*
15
VAT (Germany)*
17.02
Total
47.06

*Shipping costs and VAT vary depending on your location.
Each price shown is based on a unique, custom request. Final prices may vary depending on materials, effort, and delivery location.

Get Yours
Category: Custom madeTag: african print, bag, fabric, fashion, leather
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About Isabell Mathenge

My name is Isabel I work with Leather, handmade jewelry and leather accessories. We source our leather and jewelery materials locally. We also use recycled brass for all our hardwares and fittings. Our workforce is made up of highly skilled artisans with a passion and dedication to their work. High quality is a key feature of all our bags. We work with our customers to design unique and authentic products!

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