Bags and purses handcrafted out of books
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Announcement
Last updated on Nov 17, 2025
Reviews
5.0
(1220)
Average item review
We calculate this number using a recency-weighted average of all ratings, with a rating's value decreasing by half each year to best reflect the current experience.
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A on Jul 22, 2026
5 out of 5 starsExcellent communication with the seller. beautiful vase that was given as a wedding present, the happy couple love it. Thank you again
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EJ on Jun 30, 2026
5 out of 5 starsLoved the final result! It was a great birthday gift, they were incredibly happy with it!
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Imogen on Jun 20, 2026
5 out of 5 starsThese were fantastic - beautifully painted and arrived right on time! Kate was so kind and painted a brilliant portrait of Gandalf on the bottom as well :)
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Hannah on Apr 23, 2026
5 out of 5 starsAbsolutely blown away by this item! I bought it for myself to hold a keepsake flower and it is incredible. The attention to detail & craft is unbelievable.
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Susan on Apr 14, 2026
5 out of 5 starsI could not have been more pleased with my mug. Seller was most helpful with all my questions until I finally figured out want I wanted. I could not believe how FAST this arrived from the UK also. I had an item I was waiting on shipped within the US before the mug was shipped from the UK and the mug arrived days before the other item I was waiting for. I HIGHLY recommend!! If I didn’t already have the mug wrapped (birthday gift) I would have posted photos. Colors were very bright and vibrant and the artwork was absolutely amazing. Don’t let the fact that the seller is in another country. I had zero problems receiving it in plenty of time!!!
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Charly on Mar 30, 2026
5 out of 5 starsQuality was amazing! It turned out perfectly and my best friend loved it and now uses it daily! Thank you so much for creating such an excellent gift 🩵
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djlusc on Mar 25, 2026
5 out of 5 starsFantastic job. Was so helpful in asking for specifics on the vase and the quality is sublime!
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Alex on Mar 4, 2026
5 out of 5 starsThis person is amazing you should get one of their products yourself and see
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About BagsyMeFirst
Sales
3,691
On Etsy since 2013
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Where I like to be :) -
Welcome to Bag End! -
Introducing Norbert, who has proper taken over our spare room... -
Painting books around mugs... -
Items in 39 countries (so far!) Woo hoo!!! :)
Shop about video description
Shop members
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Kate Lowe
Owner
Happiest when barefoot and making things
Production partners
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Ceramic bisqueware made in the UK
Basingstoke, England
Beautifully handmade unglazed white earthenware.
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Ceramic bisqueware
Sudbury, England
Bisqueware and ceramic goods
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Bisqueware supplier
Stoke-on-Trent, England
Suppliers of unglazed ceramic blanks ready to be transformed through the magic of pottery painting :)
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Local print shop
Milton Keynes, England
Quality local printers
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Packaging supplier
Coventry, England
Packaging supplier
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Printers
London, England
Quality printing on high quality 'feel good' stock
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Scruffy Dog Silver
Northampton, England
Hand stamps sterling silver name tag
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Print shop
United Kingdom
Printed by a carbon-neutral company using an organic and vegan-friendly process.
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Print shop
Dagenham, England
Quality printers
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Fabric printers
Ilkeston, England
Lovely, quality fabric printers who print my designs.
Shop policies
Last updated on
December 17, 2025
Please bear in mind that these are (well made) handmade bags and purses that are constructed out of (usually) old/vintage books that weren't originally designed to be, well, bags and purses! So please be gentle and don't expect them to be as robust as a mass-produced handbag. (They ARE much nicer than a mass-produced handbag, though!)
I don't use rare books and the innards/stories can be rebound in fabric. Please let me know if you would like your rebound story included with your bag.
I don't use rare books and the innards/stories can be rebound in fabric. Please let me know if you would like your rebound story included with your bag.
Accepted payment methods
Accepts Etsy Gift Cards and Etsy Credits
Returns & exchanges
See item details for return and exchange eligibility.
Cancellations
Cancellations: not accepted
Please contact the seller if you have any problems with your order.
Payment
PayPal & Etsy Direct Checkout
Shipping
My book bags, purses, mugs and tees are sent tracked second class 'to sign for' via Royal Mail within the UK and standard delivery via the Royal Mail overseas. UK deliveries should be with you in 5 working days, and overseas between 10 days to three weeks.
You can upgrade the method of posting at checkout to first class or tracked delivery.
Your bag or purse will arrive wrapped in white tissue paper and nestled in recycled shredded paper inside a cardboard box manufactured using a high percentage of recycled materials within a grey poly wrapper for protection.
Buyers will be responsible for any customs and import taxes that may apply and I cannot be responsible for delays through customs.
You can upgrade the method of posting at checkout to first class or tracked delivery.
Your bag or purse will arrive wrapped in white tissue paper and nestled in recycled shredded paper inside a cardboard box manufactured using a high percentage of recycled materials within a grey poly wrapper for protection.
Buyers will be responsible for any customs and import taxes that may apply and I cannot be responsible for delays through customs.
Additional policies and FAQs
If you'd like your item for a particular date let me know, and I'll see what I can do 😊
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