mamie and mable

A Holiday Gift Boutique

2009-10-18T18:17:00.003-06:00

Visit us this week at:

A Holiday Gift Boutique

Tuesday October 20, 2009
9-4 & 6-9

1157 North 1190East, American Fork

Purple Rain

2009-10-18T18:13:00.001-06:00

From

Spotted Zebra Boutique

2009-09-06T12:56:00.002-06:00

We will be at the Spotted Zebra Boutique this next weekend, September 11 & 12. Check out their blog for details and directions. Hope to see you there!

Bags to Believe In

2009-09-01T09:32:00.014-06:00

On our recent trip to India my sisters and I had the opportunity to meet with Mrs Anita Ahuja, her husband and staff, at the Conserve offices in East Delhi. Our afternoon with them was a highlight in our trip in Delhi. Conserve is exactly the kind of company Mamie and Mable wants to support, women helping women. Mrs Ahuja started conserve with the specific goal of helping the impoverished women of Delhi, and she creates an totally unique product in the process. This video clip explains the process used to create these extraordinary bags.

The result of our afternoon at Conserve was me lugging stacks of bags out to our hired car to bring back with me. The first style we're adding to the Mamie and Mable collection, is the Aditi, pictured at the top of this blog post, and it's one of my favorites. In addition to plastic bags, newspaper is added to give this bag an extra visual dimension. Snatches of words or pieces of pictures can be seen through the color and no two bags are the same, a feature that I love! It has a zipper top and the straps are long so they're comfortable when they're over your shoulder. This bag is awesome!

Our second bag is the Devi. This is a small messenger style that sports an adjustable nylon strap and magnetic closure, so it can be worn as a messenger or a shoulder bag. It's the perfect little bag and it's great if you're looking for something more casual but fun. The Devi is slightly lighter in color than the Aditi, it reminds me of washed denim, and also has the newsprint peeking through the color.

So far response to these bags has been terrific, and stock is actually getting a little low, so order quick if you're interested. Below is one more link about Conserve, it's a bit longer but worth watching. Enjoy!

Clearance Sale Success

2009-09-01T09:03:00.006-06:00

Thanks to everyone that helped make our clearance sale a great success, as you can see we had a awesome selection of bags, scarves and jewelry, and it was great fun to see some of our regular customers again. There are still some clearance items available on the Mamie and Mable website if you missed it. Now stay tuned for some great new additions to our collection over the next few weeks.

Warehouse Clearance Sale

2009-08-19T21:54:00.008-06:00

August 22, 2009
8am - 2pm

Mamie and Mable Warehouse
1035 Murdock Drive, American Fork, UT

We will be having a fabulous sale this weekend, clearancing out some of our older and discontinued stock and showcasing our new fabulous finds from India, Guatemala, Turkey and Cambodia. All clearance merchandise will be marked down at least 50% off, with many items reduced 70% or more. This is a great opportunity to get one of those bags you've had your eye on but haven't yet purchased. All of the clearance bags are lovely...not junky stuff.

And, all of our new handbags and jewelry will be 20% off for the event. We have some really lovely silver from India, and some beaded jewelry from Guatemala that is not only beautiful but inexpensive. This is a great opportunity to see what's new at Mamie and Mable.

Our warehouse location is 1035 Murdock Drive, actually my garage, but don't tell. For those of you that don't know American Fork well, Murdock Drive is the 3rd street on the right north of the LDS Temple and American Heritage School, easy to find.

And just for fun we'll have $.50 jewelry grab bags, because who doesn't love a good grab bag, I ask you? Hope to see you on Saturday!

Trip to India

2009-06-18T11:26:00.005-06:00

I spent the last few weeks in India, touring and of course shopping!! Prep for this trip got the best of me, and I fell behind with Mamie and Mable business. Good news is, I'm back with a ton a fabulous inventory, so check back over the next few weeks to see what's new! And I promise to catch up on the giveaways and blog posts!

Giveaways

2009-05-03T23:44:00.002-06:00

Coming soon, the winner of the April Giveaway and the details for May's Giveaway!

Passion to Create

2009-04-12T18:35:00.003-06:00

April Giveaway

2009-04-09T09:59:00.005-06:00

I think the April Giveaway for Mamie and Mable is the best yet! What is it? Well, thank you for asking! This month each person will get to pick their own giveaway!

Step 1, Go to www.mamieandmable.com, take a look around and pick your favorite item.

Step 2, Return to this blog post and write a comment telling me what your favorite item is and why.

Step 3, On April 30th if I draw your name, you win the item you listed!

Good luck everyone and I look forward to your comments!

March Giveaway Winner

2009-04-09T09:25:00.004-06:00

It took a little doing, but I finally got in touch with the March Giveaway winner! Yay! Congratulations to Janice Smith, from Canada, I hope you love your necklace! Having a winner in Canada makes me feel so international.

Candy Wrapper Purse Video

2009-04-04T22:33:00.004-06:00

Tlamacazapa Artesanias from Artesanas on Vimeo.

This is a great video showing the process for making candy wrapper purses. It's a little long, so if you don't want to watch it all fast forward to the 7 minute mark I am not associated in any way with the group making these bags or doing the demonstration, but it is a good example of the process. While beautiful these bags are incredibly labor intensive, something to remember when looking at the price tag.

There are days when I am so tired and frustrated I wonder why I bother with my business....and then I see things like this video and remember. As consumers we have a voice, our money talks....and it talks loudly. When we make the choice to support cottage industries, artisans, handicrafts and especially fair trade, we ensure income and opportunity for a group of people that may have no other way to support their families. We give them pride of place, validate their skills and in some cases ensure the survival of centuries old artistic traditions. A choice worth every penny!

The Spotted Zebra Boutique

2009-04-03T15:48:00.006-06:00

Come see at this great boutique if you are in the Salt Lake area over the next couple of days! It full of cool fun items your family will love!

Two March Giveaways Time is Running Out

2009-03-26T12:05:00.004-06:00

We have two great giveaways for March, if you get a chance, register for both!

Mamie and Mable Blog Giveaway

and

Wasatch Woman Giveaway

Celebrating Our First Year

2009-03-26T12:00:00.001-06:00

Hard to believe it's been almost a whole year since Mamie and Mable opened for business and all I can say is, "What a Ride!" I have learned so much, met some amazing people and expanded my horizons more than I thought possible. Every moment of work has been worth it and I am grateful to everyone that has contributed to our success, customers, suppliers, artists, peers, mentors, friends, the list goes on and on! Thank you, thank you, thank you! I hope we will all be together for many more years!

Thank you Wasatch Woman

2009-03-26T11:24:00.006-06:00

Yesterday, I saw the write up on Mamie and Mable in Wasatch Women Magazine and I'll admit it, I got a little thrill. Many times over this year I have been amazed by how closely creating and running a business parallels parenthood, it may sound strange, but it's true. Consider for a moment. in business you conceive of and idea, nourish it, sacrifice for it and hope that one day it will '"grow up" and be viable on it's own, sound familiar? And there are those moments with your kids that you get little glimpses of success or insights into their futures, it is the same with a business. The first time I saw my logo, I got goosebumps, suddenly I had a business, it immediately felt more tangible.....more real. My ultrasound had the same effect on my first pregnancy, when I heard the little wurring heartbeat of my son and saw his tiny body, my pregnancy became more real to me, more exciting. So keeping my analogy going, yesterday when I saw Mamie and Mable in the editors pick section of Wasatch Woman Magazine, it was like getting a good report card and I felt the same swelling pride I feel when my kids succeed. Thank you to Pamela and the whole crew at Wasatch Woman, for your kind words, you have a loyal fan in Mamie and Mable!

Beautiful Bamboo

2009-03-20T08:06:00.002-06:00

Our Website

2009-03-19T09:37:00.004-06:00

Don't forget to check out Mamie and Mable's website.
New bags arriving daily. Free shipping.

Extra March Giveaway

2009-03-19T07:10:00.000-06:00

Feeling slightly guilty because we aren't doing our own giveaway this month, I've decided to run a small quick one from our blog in addition to the Wasatch Women giveaway (Dont' forget to register with them for the purse and goodies!). So, leave a comment on our blog before March 31st and you will be entered to win this green crystal necklace, handmade by women in Guatemala.

Wasatch Woman

2009-03-12T08:26:00.001-06:00

One of Mamie and Mable's fair trade Cambodia purses is being featured in the Editor's Pick section of the March/April issue of Wasatch Women Magazine. Now available on newstands, so if you get a chance pick up a copy today and check us out!

March Giveaway

2009-03-12T08:10:00.000-06:00

We are doing our March Giveaway with Wasatch Women Magazine. Giveaway includes the pink carry-all show above, a multi-colored beaded necklace and bracelet made in Guatemala, and a copy of Three Cups of Tea, written by Greg Mortensen. Click on the link below to enter.

Enter Giveaway

March Giveaway

2009-03-01T19:37:00.000-07:00

We will be doing our March Giveaway in conjunction with Wasatch Women Magazine. Details coming soon!

February Giveaway Winner

2009-03-01T19:08:00.000-07:00

Only Four More Days

2009-02-24T08:38:00.000-07:00

There's only four more days to register for the February Giveaway, that beautiful cherry red purse, see picture below. It's the perfect purse to brighten the waning days of winter. To be eligible for the drawing all you have to do is leave a comment anywhere on the Mamie and Mable blog. I will contact the winner on Sunday March 1st.

East Meets West

2009-02-16T18:44:00.000-07:00

Some of my favorites, these unusual purses are made in Cambodia from grass that grows naturally along the Mekong River. The grass is harvested, dried, dyed and then woven into these beautiful original patterns. It also has a slight sheen and natural stain resistant quality. They are also surprisingly tough and will take a lot of abuse. Okay, I did learn the hard way that you can't sit a 40 pound tent on one and expect it to survive, but they hold up well to everyday use. Inside each bag is a cream twill lining for visibility and an unexpected number of pockets, so you can locate your important items quickly.

The company that produces these bags started in the 90s with one woman and her 8 children, now it employs more that 200 people, providing opportunity for many to better their lives in such a depressed country. Fair wages and benefits are a cornerstone of their business philosophy and every bag is certified fair trade. Unlike purses purchased at the big box stores, you can use these bags with confidence, knowing that integrity and fairness were part of their production, without compromising beauty and functionality.

We carry a variety of these bags and will be adding more to the website over the coming days.

Giveaway Update

2009-02-03T07:02:00.000-07:00

Our February Giveaway is made in China, one the few bags we carry from that country. The company that imports this bag works with small workshops in China to bring trendy designs to the American market. Every effort is made to ensure good working conditions and fair pay are part of the creation process. At Mamie and Mable we are committed to selling bags with individuality and of course good karma, to help our customers express their own unique style.

Once again to qualify to win February's bag, all you have to do is leave a comment on our blog before February 28th, feel free to leave it anywhere on any post. We will post the winner on March 1st.

February Giveaway

2009-02-01T21:03:00.001-07:00

February's Giveaway is this beautiful cherry red purse. Moc croc with faux leopard trim, it is the perfect giveaway for February. To qualify, all you have to do is leave a comment on my blog before February 28th. Good Luck!

January Giveaway Winner

2009-02-01T19:45:00.000-07:00

Congrats! I hope you love it!

Free Shipping Extended

2009-02-01T19:28:00.001-07:00

We've extended free shipping indefinitely.
Regardless of order size we'll send it to you for free.
Offer applies to domestic shipping only, Alaska and Hawaii included.

Almost Over

2009-01-24T09:49:00.000-07:00

Only a week left to register for the Mamie and Mable January Giveaway. Subscribe to our blog before January 31st and you are automatically entered to win. This month the winner will receive this fabulous candy wrapper purse handmade by women in Mexico, retail value $150.

Tell your friends! Anyone can enter!

January Giveaway

2009-01-03T23:07:00.000-07:00

Subscribe to our blog before January 31 and you will automatically be entered to win this fabulous bag. Constructed entirely of repurposed candy wrappers and handmade by women in Mexico, this purse is a beautiful conversation piece you will be proud to carry everywhere.

Hostess Thank You

2009-01-02T19:34:00.001-07:00

We want to say thank you to all our amazing hostesses, so in January we are doubling our hostess commissions. Book a party for January and receive:

$20 in credit to use the night of your party when more than 10 friends attend
20% off all your purchases the night of your party
20% of the total sales in credit to use the night of your party.

Hosting is a lot of fun and a great way to earn free bags and jewelry. Interested? Contact Tonni at 592-4553. Additional information can be found on our website at:

Mamie and Mable.Com

FREE SHIPPING

2009-01-02T18:48:00.001-07:00

Introducing free shipping for the month of January! Order a little, order a lot and your shipping will be free! No strings! No minimum! Happy Shopping and Happy New Year!

Final Days of December Sale

2008-12-18T22:21:00.000-07:00

We're down to the final days of our on-line sale, so don't forget to stop by our website and check it out! We still have a great selection of purses and jewelry available for online ordering!

January is bringing a lot of exciting things to Mamie and Mable, for starters, we are doubling our hostess commissions, raising them from 10% to 20%. So in addition to our other great hostess benefits, every hostess in January will receive 20% of their total sales in merchandise credit. This is a great way to get that pricier handbag you've had your eye on, visit our website for more details:

Purse Party Info

We are also going to start a fabulous giveaway program. Every month in 2009, we will give away one unique Mamie and Mable item, sometimes purses, sometimes jewelry. In January we will be giving away a really amazing purse, more details to follow, but you can qualify now by subscribing to our blog, link below:

Subscribe to our blog.

We hope you all have a fabulous holiday season, and we look forward to seeing you in 2009.

Warm Wool Handbags

2008-12-08T21:59:00.000-07:00

When the weather gets cold do you dig that favorite sweater out of the back of your closet? Do you get a small thrill the first time you wear it every winter? Well, we have a line of purses that will feel just like that sweater. Made of soft wool in the highlands of Guatemala these bags are beautiful. The wool is woven then submerged in volcanic hot pots to give the purses a slightly felted look. They are lined with black cotton and most have adjustable straps. You will love the way these bags look and feel year after year! See all our available styles and colors at Mamie and Mable.com

Christmas Sale

2008-12-01T17:45:00.000-07:00

Internet Special

30% Off Everything

All products in our on-line boutique are discounted 30% between December 1st and December 24th. Order today for the best selection and with prices this low, you can shop til you drop!

Thanksgiving

2008-11-29T11:22:00.000-07:00

At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person.
Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.
- Albert Schweitzer

The holidays that are now upon us are always a difficult time for me. I miss my family that lives literally thousands of miles away, my children that spend part of the holidays with their father, and even sometimes my husband, that thanks to the army, can be anywhere in the world on any given holiday. It's around this time every year that my spark goes out, and I struggle. However, this year I've finally come to realize, that during these difficult times I am given the opportunity to see how blessed I am. My life is full of colorful, creative and generous people who leave the world a better place on daily basis, and starting Mamie and Mable has given me the opportunity to meet many more. I am grateful to those that help me rekindle my spark and I hope that Mamie and Mable will become an avenue for me to do the same for others. Happy Holidays!

Jewelry

2008-11-18T23:46:00.001-07:00

Introducing hand-beaded jewelry created by women in Guatemala. These beautiful pieces stand alone as intricate works of art, and are for the discerning customer looking to distance herself from the cookie-cutter jewelry available in many stores. Some pieces are available through our on-line boutique, with the complete collection available for purchase at our home parties. Unique, beautiful, handcrafted, the essence of Mamie and Mable.

They're Here!

2008-10-28T16:45:00.000-06:00

Our collection of new bags have arrived, and they are great! In fact, they're so great we've already had to place a second order.

Hopefully, I'll have them up on the website in the next couple of weeks, but they are available for party purchase immediately. Come to a party and get yours today!

Fabulous New Bags

2008-10-08T09:09:00.000-06:00

Arriving any day are some beautiful new trendy bags made in Vietnam and China. These fabulous bags are made from a variety of materials, but the most exciting include glossy patent leather and moc croc. Some of the styles will even work well as diaper bags, yay, finally! We're very excited to be adding these bags to our already extensive collection of handcrafted handbags from around the world.

New Website

2008-10-07T09:28:00.000-06:00

The Mamie and Mable website has been temporarily taken down, while we work on general upgrades and the incorporation of a new online store.

We've also added subscription links and follower links to the blog, so now you can stay updated on all the new happenings with Mamie and Mable.

Subscribe and be the first to know when we get in new merchandise or add to our collection.

Created by Mom.com

2008-10-02T11:20:00.000-06:00

A new on-line store just opened and they are carrying a selection of Mamie & Mable handbags. Created by Mom.com is a company highlighting the works and products of moms. They carry a variety of products and the site worth checking out. As part of their grand opening they are offering 20% your entire purchase between October 1st and October 18th. The discount code is: IknowQuinn. If you don't see something you like the first visit check back over the next couple of weeks as they will be adding new products almost daily.

http://www.createdbymom.com/

Mamie & Mable Bags at Finders Keepers

2008-09-16T12:43:00.001-06:00

Starting immediately Finders Keepers in American Fork will be carrying Mamie & Mable handbags. The store's location is 63 E Main Street, American Fork, UT, and is open M-F, 10-6. Please stop by and see some of our new fall bags and explore this unique store full of one-of-a-kind treasures. It will be worth the trip.

String Dolls and New Bags

2008-09-12T20:25:00.000-06:00

The string dolls have arrived and they are darling!! They sell for $9.50 and are individual tiny works of art. Come see them and pick your favorite.

Also, some new wool bags from Guatemala have arrived. They were created using 400 year old weaving techniques in the Guatemalan highlands. After weaving, the bags were submerged in volcano heated pools to tighten the weave. They are beautifully embellished with wool embroidery and come in a variety of styles and sizes.

Women's Expo

2008-09-12T20:11:00.000-06:00

Here's a picture of the Mamie & Mable booth at the Women's Expo. Thank you to everyone who stopped by to see me. And of course all my amazing friends for their help! I think it was a huge success.

Handbag Collection

2008-08-28T10:29:00.001-06:00

Come See Us

2008-08-27T22:21:00.000-06:00

Mamie & Mable will be at the Utah Valley Women's Expo, September 5 & 6, at the McKay Events Center in Orem. Show times are 11-8 both days. This expo is a great way see what's new and hot in fashion and accessories, scrapbooking, home organization, meal planning, etc....

Our booth is A16, the first row as you come in the door. Come see us and check out all our new bags! If you are interested in attending and would like free tickets, please contact me at: tonnihamilton@gmail.com

See you soon!

Coming Soon - String Dolls

2008-08-27T21:58:00.000-06:00

Made in Thailand, these key chain dolls will become instant collectibles. Each doll comes with a lobster claw, making attachment to bags and backpacks fast and easy. The tag tells the doll's name and special power. Perfect for gifts or for special treats, everyone will love these darling dolls. Handmade, so each one is a tiny individual. Fair Trade. Small parts, so these are not suitable for small children.

Available in September.

Launch Party

2008-04-28T00:22:00.000-06:00

The Idea

2008-04-22T23:47:00.000-06:00

A cruise to the Caribbean, purchasing a great purse, a conversation with our waiter and...voila...and an idea for a new company is born.

Mamie & Mable, created with the idea of giving artists, mostly female, from developing countries a platform to sell their creations, focusing on handbags and jewelry. Then, taking it one step further, I wanted to help those in need that might not have a ready product to sell, so a portion of the company profits are donated to other charities that focus on women and children.

Simple, creative, purposeful, that's Mamie & Mable, in a nutshell, or should I say handbag?