Say Hello to Our New Totally Tote Bags
One of my favorite products, and one that I have been very eager to launch this year is the multi-functional tote/drawstring bag. My inspiration was essentially the tote bag, taken up a notch to add more functionality and security while maintaining simplicity and sustainability.
When I was in Sri Lanka, I bought a tote bag made out of cloth which became my go-to hold-all bag whenever I traveled through the country. I loved the ease of using this bag. However, it wasn’t very secure - the contents would fall out if the bag ever fell on its side. But I still loved the idea of just throwing what I needed in there and going. A little drawstring pouch I had, doubled as my handbag and held my wallet, glasses, and anything else I could fit in there.
Both bags are great in their own way but could be so much better together. I know this has been done already, but I wanted something originally Sri Lankan and I had not come across one. A bag that is very simple, safe, and holds everything.
I worked with an artisan who owns a small home-based business that manufactures promotional bags to create the design that I wanted. I chose neutral-colored canvas cotton for the material and jute for the base to ensure the bag would be durable and washable. The canvas cotton and the jute were both dipped in wax for added strength. The neutral color gave the bag a feeling of weightlessness.
Tote bag prototype
The design went through many experiments until we settled on something we thought was functional, sustainable, and stylish. I added small details like wooden beads to create a tassel-like effect; an inner pocket for valuables; and a large outer pocket with a hidden zipper for extra storage. The drawstring makes the bag more secure and keeps everything inside the bag.
The batik designs used on some of the bags are from scrap material I bought from a local batik maker. He was going to throw them away, but rather than wasting them, I knew that I could make some use of them.
What I love most about these bags is the artwork on the pockets. After the bag was made, I wanted to give it more depth and identity. Two of my aunts hand paint cushion covers. I thought their art would look beautiful on the bag as the neutral color acts as a canvas for their paintings. Each painting is unique and I still remember the amazing time I had with them, deciding what to paint and then watching them bring it to life. We had tea, they told stories, some that made us laugh and others that made us sigh.
My aunts, the artists hard at work :)
I love these creations because they not only highlight the Sri Lankan identity through their designs, but I also feel like they are a part of me and my family. I hope you love using them as much as we loved creating them.