Check out the adorable bags and purses from Queen Bee in Portland. Functional, fun, and handmade. And enter to win a Queen Bee purse!
From my ramblings and chatter, you may have cottoned on to the fact that I love my adopted city of Portland, Oregon. It suits me in so many ways, from its foodie aspirations to its conservationist tendencies to its love of artisans and craftsmen. I even find I love the weather. I love the cool rainy mornings that lead into warmer, sometimes sunny afternoons. Yes, it rains a lot, especially in the winter. But it’s a welcome trade off for the pounding snowstorms of New England, as far as I am concerned.
One of the endearing qualities is how Portlanders truly appreciate and support locally made and owned business. Big chains and box stores are not very popular and you usually have to hit the suburbs to find them. Whereas people with talent and a little entrepreneurial spirit are nurtured and thriving here in ways that you wouldn’t see in too many other cities. Everything is “craft”. Craft beer, craft wine, craft liquor, craft food, craft coffee, craft meats and cheeses, craft chocolate, craft salt, craft olive oil. And maybe even “craft” clothing and accessories. Locally sources, locally made, locally appreciated.
I decided I wanted to highlight my love of the local Portland “craft scene” and do a series of reviews and giveaways. First up are the delightful creations of Queen Bee by Rebecca Pearcy, maker of adorable and stylish bags, purses, and wallets. This store is only about half a mile from my house, on the very up-and-coming-probably-already-arrived Williams Ave. When I first moved here, I kept seeing these cute and somewhat whimsical items carried by local Portland woman. They always caught my eye and it took a while before I realized that the store was practically down the street.
My Queen Bee computer bag
They aren’t inexpensive but they are handmade out of durable faux leather or canvas that holds up wonderfully. I was in need of a new computer bag and their messenger bags were the perfect size for a laptop, phone, wallet and a few other bits and pieces. So I treated myself to one and I love it. They don’t sell my pattern anymore, as they constantly change their patterns. But that’s a nice thing, as you know you’re purchasing something rather unique.
So I am treating one of YOU to these gorgeous bags and offering up a Queen Bee purse from either the Vinni cross-body bag or the Penelope purse collection. This giveaway is open to my North American readers, both Canadian and American. I will purchase and send this myself so I am willing to pay the postage to those north of the border!
