Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Crystalyn Kae Interview & Giveaway

Crystalyn Kae creates limited batches of handbags in her Seattle studio with details that are not only unique but also functional! Crystalyn is being so kind as to provide a tweed Matinee hobo bag in green as a giveaway! Be sure to comment before Midnight on Thursday to be entered to win!!

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UCU: Pick a song that gets you in creative mood or you think would make a great addition to a "UCU Winter 2010 Soundtrack".
Crystalyn Kae:
I have an embarrassing genius mix of cheesy british pop that gets me in good mood while working in my studio. . .but I wouldn't want to subject UCU shoppers to that. But I would suggest "No one does it" by Department of Eagles. Does that give me better street cred? :)

UCU: What’s one thing you wish you had known at your first craft show?
CK:
My first big 'show' was as a vendor at Pike Place market. . nearly 10 years ago. The best bit of advice I was given is to not worry about extra props and booth decor. Your merchandise that should speak for itself. This advice has stuck with me, I still pack light, (especially since I don't own a car) and allows me to put my focused on helping customers shop for the perfect bag.

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UCU: What item are you most excited to be offering at UCU Winter 2010?
CK:
I will be introducing a collection of new medium-size tweed hobos that are truly One of a Kind - with unique freeform stitching on the outside and fun patterned pockets inside.

UCU: If you could sum up your work in one word, what would that be?
CK:
fabulous

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UCU: What gift are you most excited to give this year?
CK:
my grandmother has carried the same leather purse for nearly 20 years, and she has commissioned me (finally!) to make her a completely custom bag. It will have exactly what she asked for, plus a little bit of extra fun that she isn't expecting. I can't wait to see her face when I give it to her.

UCU: What are you nibbling on as the snow falls this winter?
CK:
walnuts from my parent's 100 year old tree in central oregon. there's always an overwhelming plethora of them available and I'm finding creative ways to use them in recipes. . .like rosemary walnut chex mix!

UCU: Favorite handmade item you have? It could be made by you, gifted to you or something you picked up.
CK:
On our first Valentine's day as a couple, my husband made me a HUGE amazing 3D collage of a heart, created from bits of my fashion magazines that he'd cut up.

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(Photos by Tonhya Kae)

66 comments:

  1. These bags are amazing! Can't wait to she them this weekend.

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  2. Love all of them!!!!

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  3. Ooh- that medium sized tweed hobo bag is nice! Love the fabrics.

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  4. I love these bags!! They are so gorgeous and unique!!

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  5. I just spent quite some time looking through bags at Macy's and I have to say, your's are far more original and unique. Beautiful!

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  6. Such a beautiful bag! And a great size too, love it!

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  7. I love the ones with a printed fabric peeking through, what a great idea!

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  8. I love the contrasting fabric pleats! The bags are so wonderfully made.

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  9. These seem like the next "it" bags! Can't wait to see them at the show

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  10. I love the "tweed" look to your bags, a touch of vintage look I always look for!

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  11. So awesome! Thanks for sharing!
    bridgestranslation at yahoo dot com

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  12. I love Chrystalyn Kae's bags, can't wait to see the new bags!

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  13. Oh my - I love the bags! My dad was a pike place market vendor when I was a baby and he would barter with other folks for some of my baby clothes and toys. (also - you have a sweet hook up with the walnuts!)

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  14. I see these bags her bags all over Seattle. I beg you..I need one.

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  15. Rosemary walnut chex mix sounds amazing!! I love your bags, good luck at the show this weekend. :)

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  16. Love the fabric and leather combo!

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  17. The new tweed bags are fabulous Crystalyn!

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  18. I never win anything!! My gf would adore this.

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  19. I met her at UCU last year. Was amazed to know that what I thought was a leather bag was actually fabric! Love it!

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  20. Really like the unique designs and great construction.

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  21. Those bags are awesome! I have a few ladies on my list who could use one.

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  22. The colours on these bags really pop out. The photographer really knows how to make them shine. I bet they are as gorgous in person too! I wish you much success this weekend.

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  23. I am in love with the green. It's the exact kind of bag I've been looking for. And how fantastic that you are desinging a bag for your grandmother!

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  24. Wow looks like I will be stopping by for the perfect Girlfriend gift this weekend!

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  25. Great bags! I'm a return customer and currently own 4 of her bags!

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  26. I got one of the red ones for my birthday this year and it's the best bag I've ever owned. It's the perfect size for just about any situation, extremely well made and beautiful!

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  27. I'd totally rock a new C.K. bag. Just sayin'...

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  28. Super cute bags...will be checking them out this weekend!

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  29. Your bags are AMAZING! You inspire me to start sewing again and start creating more things :) hope to see you this weekend at the show!

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  30. I'm a huge CK fan! I spent years looking for the perfect bag--something classy, durable, comfortable to carry, and that would be perfect in any situation from running errands downtown to a night at the opera. I am so glad I found Crystalyn Kae! I absolutely love her bags and it's a plus that most are vegan friendly and a super plus that she makes them herself locally in Seattle and you can chat with her at local events like the Urban Craft Uprising. The cross body/shoulder strap interchangeable option on her hobos is pure genius and the answer to all of my purse-falling-off-my-shoulder-but-both-hands-are-carrying-something problems! I'm in the middle of a mid-life career change and when I graduate from medical school (in the distant future, sigh), I'm hoping I can talk Crystalyn into making me an awesome modern doctor's bag.

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  31. I love the colors on the green bag :-)

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  32. Love the freeform stitching on the tweed bags - so cute and whimsical! Your bags ARE fabulous Crystalyn!

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  33. I love the colors you chose for the stitching!

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  34. I love these bags...I know someone that has one and it is gorgeous!

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  35. Crystalyn creates my favorite bags, I own many, but could always use more!!

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  36. The color choices in fabric are superb.

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  37. those are gorgeous! I am moving to central Oregon soon, maybe I will be near your parents walnut tree!

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  38. Olliemae- yes I do make baby bags, usually as custom orders - here's more info: http://www.crystalynkae.com/blog/category/bags/baby-bags/

    thanks everyone for your sweet comments! I can't wait to meet all of you at UCU this weekend.

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  39. Gosh, Crystalyn, looks like Merry Christmas already with so many comments! I plan to be there at 11 on Sunday and since my phony leather bag finally went to it's grave (do bags have Heaven too?) I am ready for one of your bags. See you then.........Teresa

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  40. Your fabric and color combinations are great. Love it!

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  41. sweet shoulder bags. tweed!!! might have to get one...

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  42. Awesome bags. My sister bought one and I'm so envious.

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  43. Oh I love, love, love your bags, and someday I hope to own one. I love that they are made in the USA by a fabulous artist whom I oh so admire.

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  44. I love how functional Crystalyn's bags are! I have two and my favorite is the custom diaper bag! It's great for packing around the kids' things or just being a really big purse!

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  45. I just adore these bags. Fabulous is indeed the perfect descriptor.

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  46. always a sucker for a cute handbag. <3

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  47. ooo la la, these are amazing! My bag addiction is flaring up again! ;)

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  48. I absolutely LOVE bags/purses! I adore these!

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