FAQs
Where are your handcrafted items made?
All items are handcrafted in my home studio in Kingston, Ontario. My studio is dog friendly. Although my dog is hypoallergenic, and I do my best to keep him out of my studio, he does enter from time to time.
Where do you get your materials for bag making?
As much as possible I try to source the materials I use from local and Canadian suppliers.
What materials do you use for your handcrafted items?
I use a variety of materials for each bag, and it will vary! Below is a brief description of the primary materials I use:
Cotton – I often use cotton for the lining of my bags. Sometimes for the outside too! It is a very common fabric for bag making. It has a soft hand feel but when interfaced properly it can easily hold shape and structure.
Canvas – this is similar to cotton although has a heavier feel and is more textured. I use different weights of canvas.
Waxed Canvas – this is a treated mid-weight canvas with a waxed coating. It is water repellent and over time will have a noticeable patina/rugged look.
Faux Leather Vinyl – this material can have a smooth or slight texture finish and made to resemble leather. It holds structure and shape well and can easily be wiped off.
Clear Vinyl – Clear vinyl is either made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). This is a pliable material that won’t crack over time.
Cork – cork is a natural product that mostly comes Portugal. It is durable and has a smooth to slightly textured finish. You can see the texture throughout the product.
Leather – genuine leather is sometimes used for the connectors, and accents of the bag. It is a durable material that holds its structure and shape well and can be easily wiped off. Should you see a bag constructed with leather, and you prefer it to be leather free, please reach out to me for a custom order request.
Harris Tweed ® - this is a 100% pure, new wool material that is manufactured by weavers in Scotland.
The bag I want is out of stock, will another become available?
If you love a bag that is no longer available, or you saw something on my Instagram or Facebook, please reach out to me by email, using the Contact Form on the Custom Order Page, or through one of the Social Media platforms (Instagram or Facebook) to discuss whether a similar bag can be created for you. While I remake bags of the same style, some fabrics and/or hardware finishes may no longer be available.
How do I care for my new bag?
Minor marks can generally be removed by hand using a light detergent/water and a light dabbing action. Test a small area first. I do not recommend putting bags in the washing machine or submerging them in water for hand washing. Do not dry clean.
Leather and vinyl on your bag can be wiped clean with a lightly dampened soft cloth. Use leather cleaning products with care and always test a small area first.
Waxed Canvas - The waxed canvas will have noticeable craze or crack marks with use. It will show lines and marks as it is used creating the rustic and worn patina that is part of the character of waxed cotton. To clean, use a soft damp cloth or brush to spot clean as needed. Never dry clean or use detergent.
If waterproof canvas was used in the making of your bag, your bag is not waterproof. The seams are not waterproofed therefore water can still penetrate the bag. If you have a spill inside the bag, you can turn it inside out to give it a wipe with a damp cloth and let it dry. Do not soak or immerse bag in water.
I am not responsible for damage caused to your bag due to cleaning products and/or excessive water.
How do I care for my new quilt?
Quilts are made with high quality cotton along with a cotton/polyester batting.
Although I do my best to trim any loose strings, sometimes I may miss the odd one. If you find a string, carefully trim it. This does not impact the quality of your quilt.
Your quilt has never been washed. I recommend you use a colour catcher for the first couple of washes. I recommend washing your quilt separately or with like colours in cold water. It is machine washable. Hang to dry. If you must put it in the dryer, use the tumble dry on the low heat/no heat setting.
Once washed, your quilt will have the textured and crinkle that adds to the character and handmade nature of this one-of-a-kind product.
I am not responsible for damage caused to your quilt due to washing or drying.
My bag is not the colour that I was expecting.
Colour, brightness and saturation can vary greatly on different electronic devices. I have tried my best to capture the true colours of the products by taking photographs in natural light. I am not responsible for screen to screen differences. If you are unsure of a product, or would like additional photographs, please contact me by email or one of the social media platforms PRIOR to ordering.
I want a custom bag but am having trouble deciding.
I am happy to help and love designing custom pieces! Please reach out to me via email, Instagram or Facebook if you need help deciding on which bag might be right for your needs.
I want to order something custom that you do not have listed on your website.
That sounds interesting! I am always open to trying a new pattern or designing a new type of bag. Please reach out to me to discuss. Depending on the complexity of the item, additional design fees may apply as many hours to into perfecting designs and sewing it. Additional design fees will be discussed early in the design process once I’ve heard your ideas.
Although I love to try new patterns or bag/quilt designs, I want to feel confident that I can construct a high-quality item for you. If your request is complex, or outside of my sewing comfort zone, I reserve the right to decline your custom request.
What is the best way to stay up to date on new items and product launches?
The best way to stay in the loop with Beam Creative Designs is through Instagram and Facebook! Follow me at @beam_creative_designs (IG) or look up Beam Creative Designs on Facebook. You can also sign up to be on my mailing list, but I will only be sending out occasional updates as I don’t want to spam people with too many emails.
How are handmade items priced?
Pricing is time consuming and complex. Prices for handmade items are determined using a specific calculation of time spent on each piece and square inches of fabric used, and additional supply costs (zippers, hardware, etc.).
Do you offer wholesale for handmade items?
I will consider selling handmade items for wholesale prices on a case-by-case basis. Please reach out to me at beamcreativedesigns@gmail.com to discuss.