New Viewpoints in Economic Geography

Okay folks, this is a blog to give you some idea about the bookbags and other trinkets I make...

I'll be updating it as soon as new ones are made, so email me at doublebookeddesigns@gmail.com if any of them tickle your fancy and we can sort out a purchase -- first in, best dressed (well, best accessorised, I guess). I've also put up a selection of ones that have already sold, to give you an idea of bags that can be made from our pre-loved friends. See the 'tailor-made bags' section at right for a rundown on the process for personalised handbags.

Apologies, I'm obviously yet to find the key to open that ol' e-commerce gateway... coming to a handbag-maker-near-you-soon -- fingers crossed!

Also, due to unexpected demand, most of the handbags here have sold in the past week, but don't fear, there'll be more up soon!

Tailor-made bookbags

I also make tailor-made bookbags from pretty much any hardcover book, provided I can find it, the bindings are still in good condition, and the book is no thinner that two-and-a-half centimetres (otherwise it's usually too thin to fit anything inside). It's also a good idea to think if there's of a favourite books/author/interest/ colour when planning a tailor-made bookbag.

Preferably, it's sometimes best for people to supply a book if they're after a specific title, because it can take me quite a while to find specific second-hand books -- it's often a matter of luck, and popular books (like Pride and Prejudice!) can be difficult to find, and may take me a while to find a copy and make it into a bag.

Price depends on the size of the books/bags, but if you supply your own book, the price starts from A$70, depending on materials, plus postage and handling.

Please note, tailor-made bags can take several weeks to put together, because it can take a me while to find books and match fabric and handles.

Sunday Life write up, September 2007

"Library Bag: Take a leaf out of your favourite book and turn it into a handbag.

Philosopher Henry David Thoreau claimed, "Books are the carriers of civilisation." Well, now they can also carry your money, lipstick and keys. For the past few years Sydney artist Rebecca Whalen has been recycling old hardcover books into handbags for the literary-minded. "I've always admired the beauty of designs on book covers. It seems such a waste that they get tucked away on dusty bookshelves," she says. Her bags, which start at A$75, have been exhibited in galleries and bookstores and can be tailor-made if you want a particular book."

- James Cottam

doublebooked designs