Cork and Cotton February 13, 2008

WOW!  I thought I had seen just about everything -cork shoes, cork floors and cork bulletin boards-but imagine my pleasure when I found these cork handbags on etsy.  I  am so thankful one of my readers gave me a tip about Cork and Cotton.  The artist uses cork fabric made of bark from the cork oak tree that is applied to a cotton backgroundand then sealed.  The cork will not peel or disintegrate.  It is soft and flexible (some have said it feels like leather) and can even go into the washing machine.  Besides being stylish, this fabric is sustainable because the tree is not damaged by the harvest and will regrow its bark within 10 years.   Since cork is waterproof, it could even be used to schelp your suntan lotion, trash novel (on recycled paper, of course) and beverage of choice (in a reusable metal water bottle) to the beach.  I love the variety of colors and textures in this bag! 

And for those evenings out or days when you have a lighter load, this cork wristlet is the perfect size! Cork and Cotton does feature other adorable hand sewn purses made from bright, whimsical cotton fabric.  I couldn’t resist adding a picture because I thought they are so perfect for Spring!