I went to a craft fair on Friday. I love craft fairs. I grew up around them, as my mum made teddy bears (and later table linens and Christmas ornaments) and I got to go with her. This fair was one of the big ones, the one held in a huge conference centre, with vendors from all over the country. Some of the people I remember from my childhood are still going, which I find gives a great full-circle feeling to the whole thing.

I bought two things for myself while I was out there, and I am so happy with them, I want to point you guys to the online stores. Today’s item has been used every day since I bought it.

I bought this handbag from mined reCreations. I absolutely love it! All the handbags at this booth were made from recycled materials. Mine is an old wool blanket (complete with label!), an old leather jacket, and a tooled leather belt for the strap. The belt is still functional, so you can lengthen and shorten the strap! With it on the biggest size I can wear the bag across my body, which I like doing.

Seeing the amazing work this lady has done made me think about the pitiful attempts I made at felted sweater purses. I really need to get better at that whole sewing machine thing. I think I donated all those purses to the Goodwill earlier this year when I was having a simplifying fit.

I am going to love this purse a lot. It feels just right for the winters here too, being a wool blanket. I love that patch pocket on the front, and the leather bottom. Oh, and this lovely detail:

A gorgeous vintage button on the back! The link way up at the top of post goes to the website, so you can order online. I highly recommend it, this bag feels so well made, and I feel like I’ll have it a long time. This style is the Shearer style.

One of these pictures contains a hint as to what the next post will be about. Another one of my newest favourite things.