Noni Labels. . . The Perfect Finishing Touch For Your Bags

A tiny red felted purse by Nora Bellows of Noni Designs sits on a wooden background. Centered on its front is a metal "A Noni Design" label.

Noni’s lead-free, pewter labels are made in the USA so they support our homegrown industries and American jobs. I’ve kept the price as reasonable as I could to make them affordable. 

A pile of A Noni Design labels are arranged on a wooden surface.

What you’ll need to attach the label to your bag or purse:

A sharp, medium-gauge sewing needle, nylon beading thread or some other really sturdy thread (you wouldn’t want them to come off), and 4 little size 8 seed beads in silver, silver-lined clear (my favorite for an all-purpose bead), or the color of your choice.

Here’s how to attach them:

  1. Place the label where you want it. Measure to make sure it is centered or exactly as you want it.
  2. Place a tiny drop of super glue on the back and stick it down in place.
  3. Bring a threaded needle up from underneath through the felted fabric and through a label hole.
  4. Catch a size 8 seed bead on the needle and pull the needle through the bead.
  5. Then return the needle to the same hole out of which it just came. This creates a thread “loop” around the bead.
  6. Pull the needle through the whole and pull snug. The bead is now secure on the front and positioned in one of holes on the label.
  7. Make a knot on the back to secure the bead. Do not break or cut the thread. Instead, travel through the felt across the inside to the next hole and repeat steps 3 – 7.
  8. Finish off.
  9. Admire!
Three felted bags with Noni labels are displayed on a bed of leaves.

Questions? Suggestions? Please write to me in the comment below.

Why are Circular Bags Less Popular?

I’ve noticed over the years that circular bags are not as popular as rectangular and square ones.  And this perplexes me . . . Perhaps you can help.

My Favorite Bags are All Circular

All of my favorite bags are circular by construction.  Some of you may know my trademark red bag with 3 big red camellias.  This was the first Noni bag ever, and when it first came out of the wash I was convinced it was a failure, but as I worked on it, stood inside it and pulled up as though trying to wear it, put my fists inside and pulled and pushed outward I started to see how terrific it was.  A vase in felt.  I fell in love with it and have been carrying (and treating it badly) ever since.  It’s been my almost constant companion for almost 10 years.  It still looks fabulous.

My red bag:  the first Noni

My red bag: the first Noni

And one of my other all time  favorites:  the majollica bag.  A completely under loved bag!  Why is this?  Is it because of the color work?  Do the carries scare people?

Help me out here, folks.  I need some feedback.  PLEASE comment and tell me what you think, or what you know.  For example, if you didn’t buy this pattern, why not?

The Beautiful Majollica

I think if you saw me wearing my pink majollica bag, you’d want one.  I could be wrong (and if I am, please tell me), but when I wear this bag, I feel like royalty.  With huge, over the top camellias on one side, the smooth curves of the bags on the opposite side fitting nicely with my own, it’s the best bag in the world.  The single knitted strap is comfortable and never cuts me.  I LOVE this bag.  Mine is unlined and that has never bothered me.  As I put more things in the bag it changes shape, becoming more leek-like.  I love this.

My favorite bag. . . today

My favorite bag. . . today

One of the first times I wore this bag I was standing in a line and the woman in front of me kept turning her head to look at the bag only to turn away in a funny way every time she thought I might have glanced her way.  It was hilarious to watch her look as though she wasn’t looking.  Finally she couldn’t keep it up, turned all the way around and said, “I love this bag-I’ve never seen anything like it.  Can I touch it?”  I was over the moon.

Circular Bags are Often Easier to Make than Angular Ones

Circular bags are easy to make, and easy to wear.  They fit our bodies . . . so why are they not sufficiently appreciated?  Other circular bags I have loved but have not been as loved as their more angular counterparts:  Garden Party, Tube Baguettes, Dr. Seuss, Harlequin Pill Box, Spring Basket . . .

What do YOU think?