About
My name is Alissa Valdenassi and since 2007 I've been making handbags in my spare time, and on occasion, instead of sleeping. The bag making began back home in Canada, and has since moved with me to England. I do my best to make each item from local materials and natural fibres; cottons, linens, cork, wools, and reclaimed fabrics like band Tshirts or old curtains. With the hand-made wooden accents, these bags sustain wear while remaining sustainably made.
My goal has always been to create the perfect handbag for myself, and so this website is to share the best bags with others. Each item is made-to-order and stocked fabric is purchased in minimal amounts locally and during my travels, guaranteeing only a handful of handbags in a variety of shapes and sizes are made.
Hand Stitched
All wooden accents; handles, tags, corners, and buttons are all hand stitched securely onto the bag.
Sustainable Fabrics
These handbags use materials that have a low impact on the environment; cork, linen, wool, wood. Minimal to no leather use. The wood used has been FSC certified sustainable and dyed with a low impact water based dye.
Colours
While the exterior can be a variety of colours or patterns. The inside lining will either be teal, hot pink, school bus yellow, or black cotton. For custom bags, you can select which you prefer.
Pockets
The lining of all Framed Handbags have one zippered pocket lined with a hand-stamped AV logo print. No two pocket prints are the same. On the opposite side, there are four open pockets perfectly sized for a smartphone, standard business card, and lipstick.
Durability
The durable wooden corners prevent wear and tear to the bag, and raises the base from resting on any surface. Another feature on the Framed Handbag is the brass feet. Fastened securely onto the bottom of each corner, the brass feet keep the bag lifted off the ground.