Wednesday, November 10, 2010

A TALE OF TWO PURSES...

It all started about eight months ago, with my purchase of an unused, vintage, hand tooled leather wallet.  Never mind that it had "BETTY" emblazoned across the front flap - it was beautiful and it was destined for ME.  I actually had a moment, fleeting though it was, where I thought of giving it to a friend who is NAMED Betty - that was, until it arrived and I got my hands on it.  Yes, it was love at first sight, and I figured what Betty didn't know, wouldn't hurt her.  At a friend's suggestion, when people ask me now if my name is Betty, I just answer with, "No, Betty is my wallet's name".
Heavy leather with beautiful black suede inside...this had never been used - it is pristine.  What appear to be hibiscus flowers have been hand painted in blues and greens.  I thought I could never be happier with a purse, until last week, when I came across this on Etsy.  She arrived last evening, and is she ever a beauty!
This is either the coolest vintage purchase I have ever made, or the most obnoxious, if you are talking to my husband (who knows absolutely NOTHING, I might add).  With a definite "Rockabilly" flair, the leather in this is HEAVY, and so beautiful.  The carvings go deep, and the reds and greens are vibrant.  Another old purse that has never seen the light of day.  She's a big girl, measuring 12" across at the widest part; 10" tall; 4" bottom gusset; and an adjustable strap that goes from shoulder length to handbag, in a snap.
As an added bonus, and in keeping with the tradition of purchasing items that have nothing whatsoever to do with my own given name, this one has the initials CR carved into the front flap.  "Can't Remember", it is, though my daughter is pulling for our hometown Colorado Rockies, in honor of her Troy Tulowitski!  I believe Betty cried when I showed her her new 'digs'.  I love the "Lucky Brand" bag I carry, and it is more of an everyday bag, so this will be reserved for those special rock n' roll occasions.
"A rose by any other name would smell as sweet".  A quick 'shout out' to Sunnywood Vintage at Etsy, which is where I found this fabulous, life-altering, accessory!

6 comments:

The Primitive Bucket said...

It's a beauty!!! Just like "Betty" and their owner!!! It's your "CASH RESERVE" bag!!! Whatever you call it, it's a keeper!!!!
Hugs

Ahl Cooped Up said...

Betty is my Mother's name!
I love your new bag and wallet.
Etsy has some cool stuff. I need to go Christmas shopping there.
Pat

Colleen Mcgraw said...

very cool Betty ...I mean Tanya

Jackie said...

Wow, I can't wait to see it in person!!
Nice find!

Hopewell Creek Designs said...

I found you from a comment on a blog:curtains in my trees,and was thrilled to see a bag similar to one that belonged to my grandmother. I was born in San Antonio in the 1950's and I have inherited so many items from the years they were out west.Nice to see someone else who enjoys the same things.I will have to drag them out and put them to use again. I so enjoyed my visit here and will visit again often-Rebecca

Hopewell Creek Designs said...

Thank you so much for visiting my blog and leaving comments, that sure means a lot to me. I will certainly check out your friends blog, thank you for suggesting it.I am such a "newbie" I can use all the advice you can give.I look forward to future visits, and little chats-Rebecca