Sounds like an old fashioned tongue twister! Well there most certainly is an old fashioned element to this story, wedded, in the best way, to a modern concept. I was in my local bookstore, Barrett Books, the other day and as I stood at the cash register, trying to ignore the endless temptation, did a double take. There hanging unassumingly on the wall behind me was a grouping of vintage books – but wait – they weren’t exactly books. Upon closer inspection, I was delighted to discover that they were actually the most charming handbags. Fashioned from old books, with coordinating fabrics and playful handles, I was immediately smitten. I of course contacted the designerand we met later in the week for coffee.
Britta Bell (the name alone is charming) is a lovely articulate young woman, who is taking her passion for reading, and eye for beauty to create a unique entrepreneurial niche. The daughter of independent booksellers, Britta had been studying creative writing in college. But with the downturn in the economy, she could no longer afford to stay in school and had to move home. As a Christmas present, her mother, an interior decorator, made her a purse from an antique book. Britta loved it, and, recognizing the possibilities, decided to design and make her own version. She tweeked her mother’s prototype and began scouring local book sales and libraries for more potential volumes. Her first sale was to The Workshop, a stylish boutique in Litchfield, CT, followed by a feature in Connecticut Magazine. From there, she was picked up by Barrett, a bookstore in Fairfield and will soon be carried in R.J. Julia in Madison, CT. In addition, she has been selling enough bags from her online Etsy shop, that just last week she was able to quit her job at the local library to devote herself full time to the business. And all of this, by the way, has happened since October!
Almost all the books Britta uses are from the early to mid 1900’s and occasionally the 1800’s. She has a particular love for romantic novels from the 20s and 30s but also pays close attention to the feedback she gets. Many customers seem to love old childhood titles like the Bobbsey Twins (one of my personal favorites), Five Little Peppers, or Heidi as well as the classics like Pride and Prejudice. She tries to balance her selections to offer a broad spectrum of titles and has been including cookbooks (see her bag in the photo above) as well as gardening books.
The interiors of the purses are given special consideration. The coordination of covers, material and handles is of course crucial aesthetically. All bags, even the clutches, include a pocket and the larger variety include a cell phone pocket as well.
Part of the appeal for both Britta and the customer is that each purse is individual. Unlike the Olympia Le Tan or Kate Spade bags based on book titles, no two are alike. She currently has about 73 bags for sale and they are all different. She rarely comes across two of the same books, and when it happens, she takes care to use different material and beads for each. Britta also takes custom orders – she can search for titles or use a book you already own.
One of the most satisfying aspects of Britta’s new venture has been the feedback from her customers. She frequently receives notes of appreciation or advice for future titles. And because books evoke such emotional responses, there is frequently a bond between buyer and title. As Britta says, she designs purses, but they are purses people can connect with. One customer bought a bag entitled “Days Off” as a gift for a dear friend. She explained that as girls in high school, she and her friend used to spend their days off looking for old books and getting into all sorts of mischief. She knew the title would have special meaning and remind her of precious time shared together. Perhaps Pippa should have bought this title for her sister as a wedding present!
Britta feels that many people buy her repurposed books as a way of showing their love of both literature and fashion. I think many of us can relate to that! Can’t you just picture Oprah or Natalie Portman sporting one of these?! And for those of you who wonder what happens to the insides, the guts of the books – well Britta reads each and every one. Wonder how long it took her to get through this volume! The perfect bag for the opera!!
Although Britta would ultimately like to go back to school to study design (she has her eyes set on SCAD in Savannah), for now she wants to explore how far this new venture can take her. And we can enjoy come along for the ride!!
What a fun idea, especially for someone like me who loves books.
Fabulous and entreprenurial…love them!
So creative and adorable. :)
OMG, what a wonderful idea! I have never seen this before!
xx
Greet
I have a rule, I always say yes to books and entrepreneurs too.
Looks like Bella has her story in the bag so to speak! Love hearing about young creative go getters.
pve
I think these are adorable..what a fun and wimsical idea! I love it…also a great idea for that insatiable reader….and I have a few of those friends who this would make a really great gift for. Thank you for the introduction (and for btw for your kind words about Teddy yesterday) I was so touched by the outpouring of kindness yesterday……really touching! So happy there was a happy ending! I am bookmarking this, no pun intended…these are really fun!
What a great idea!
These are really clever; and the two titles that had gorgeous art nouveau covers are stunning!
These are great! Haven’t I seen some major gals using them, like the Olsen twins? I’m not surprised they are jumping for them in CT…perfect shopper for something so interesting and one of a kind.
So creative! Love the story behind the idea and love that she quit her job to focus on this craft full time.
How fun are these! While Britta may have her sights on college, I think she’ll have her hands busy for quite some time – bookworms the world over will want one of these darling purses!
xxoo
Oooh, I’ve seen a few of these around. I was thinking of making one for myself. Maybe this’ll be the spur I need! Aren’t they cute!!?
It sounds as though the business has taken off unbelievably well. I wish her all the luck in the world.
Sarahx
These are beyond cool! I love the Windsor Castle! xo
Oh my goodness..this is totally brilliant! I love creative designs like this:) Have a lovely Tuesday, my dear
Kisses
What a delightful tale! I love seeing someone turning their creativity and passion into a success story. My favorite part? That she reads every one of the books! Thanks for introducing us to the charming and talented Britta Bell!
Wow.. really unique!
Have a great day!
xo
Luciane at HomeBunch.com
Love them!
She does lovely work, I adore reading entrepreneurial stories, and hope the success continues. And may she be able to get back to school, a place like SCAD would be ideal.
tp
Absolutely delightful!! We must have 2 for our household. This is RIGHT up my daughter’s alley. I’m going right back to look for an etsy account or some way to lay my hands on these. Yay!
I just love stories
of talented people
who chase their
dreams….And she
would LOVE SCAD;
my daughter spent a
week there at a program
for H.S. students last
summer, taking classes
and living in the dorms.
A super cool place.
xx Suzanne
What a clever, clever girl! Great conversation pieces and a perfect gift for your favorite bookworm!
SCAD is such a great school – I think she will love it!
xo E
cute idea…perfect for us bibliophiles…
maureen
Beyond adorable. Sent the link to my friend Maureen who owns a speciality boutique here in Manhattan Beach. Love the idea of the Opera one. How about a wine bag LOL!
Such a cute and creative idea! xx
How can a gal with that name not become successful? I’m truly sad that Britta had to leave college but with her creative genius and drive this brilliant diversion will prove to be a mixed blessing. I see going to SCAD in her future. She got me with Pollyanna Grows Up (my mom’s book now in my attic) and you mentioning the Heidi, and the Bobbsey Twin books (I think we are kindred spirits I swear). I can truly see what that dose of nostalgic turned into a useful piece of art is a win/win. Bravo Britta Bell, when you’re beautiful bags and face are featured in the New York Times or the Today Show, we’ll say, ‘hey, I remember reading about her’!!
xx Deb
Creative and lovely! I am a little rough on purses but these would be treated specially.
Love, love these bags. Smart young lady!
It is refreshing to hear learn of such pizazz.
Have a great evening.
Teresa
xoxo
A very creative idea. The books that are clutches appeal to me because they appear all the more like books, And when people find out otherwise, I’m sure the surprise is even greater and more delightful.
Oh my gosh, these are just fabulous! I want one. How creative of her to come up with this concept. I am so impressed. These are going to be very popular.
Now THAT is cool! Those are the kind of books I’d like to pop open :) What an awesome feature today!! XO, Kelly
So adorable. I love to meet creative people who just go for it. I wish Btitta much success!
Oh wow these are absolutely amazing!!! Just like the Kate Spade clutches :)
<3 Belly B
I love these!! They remind me of a similar looking clutch by Kate Spade…adorable!
I think they’re fantastic and very original. Love them! xx
These are a fun mesh of fantasy and whimsy. Nice.