Blooming cactus

Autumn arrived, but I am still catching traces of summer.

To make this bag, I combined a waterproof fabric with a lovely blooming cactus print and a turquoise Corko fabric/leather.
I would like cork to be more popular as it is a sustainable and eco-friendly material. It actually grows as a bark/cortex of the cork oat tree and is being harvested every 9-13 years as it needs that much time to regrow. Cork bonded with the fabric creates a leather-like vegan-friendly material.

The bottom of the bag is round and I added five big studs (bag feet) to protect its surface.

I also tried a different design for the logo tag with the tassel.

I couldn't decide what kind of fastening to use. I really wanted to use a turn-lock clasp, but then a flap would cover the beautiful flower that is in the centre of the bag. So I used a zip, just to help keep the bag more secure. As a lining, I used the same blooming cactus fabric, so it looks like a little secret cactus garden inside :)

I made a pattern for this bag, and it was actually a prototype, but I think it turned out really nice - just a cute, small summer handbag.