noellehamlyn

Pocket Books Purses of Vintage Books and Magazines

A pocket book is a 1930’s term for a women’s handbag. Pocket Books grew out of this play on words, for indeed they are pockets made out of books. Each Pocket Book began as a vintage book. The covers are sprayed with water resistant varnish, and the insides of the books are removed and replaced with fabric linings. These linings are created individually using a pattern drawn and fabric selected specifically for that book. Like the books, many of the linings have stories as the fabric used is often repurposed from vintage ties and shirts, recycled upholstery fabric, and fine found silks. The handles too have lived former lives as reclaimed belts. The belts are fitted with snaps so as to be flexible and covert from the double strap to a longer single shoulder strap, to no strap at all. The books are then fitted with a custom zipper, and everything is glued into place by hand.
Pocket Books are like the stories they once contained - unique, and waiting again to be filled with new adventures. A Pocket Book can hold many things – a cell phone, business cards, or a few coins and a credit card. The small books are perfect as a clutch or wallet. Some of the larger books can hold all the treasures of a regular purse … perfect for a vintage outfit or a special night on the town … a one of a kind gift for a birthday or special celebration.