I know it's now December and this summer's flood is hopefully becoming a distant memory, but I wanted to say a little something in closing. Our final total was $7420 in pure profit that went to 2008 Iowa flood victims via the Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity and the Johnson County Crisis Center.

This project, and I'm sure I speak for everyone who contributed, was a beautiful thing to be a part of. The amount of time, effort and enthusiasm put forth by this amazing team was truly inspiring.

Thanks to Elizabeth for her creativity in inventing the concept. A huge thank you to the Iowa Artisans Gallery, The Soap Opera and Home Ec, for donating seed money, materials and for letting us sell the Sandbag Handbag in their stores, and to the City of Iowa City for donating their stores of unused sandbags. Also, thank you to the journalists and reporters who helped spread the news of our cause.

Most of all, my/our sincerest thanks to the long list of people who spent hours upon hours, tirelessly sewing straps & buttons, folding, beading, gluing, embroidering, enduring bloody fingertips, and not to forget DESIGNING these beautiful bags. It's been an honor to be a part of this endeavor and to see so many people working together passionately for a cause.

With love and gratitude,

The Sandbag Hangbag team...and Steph

The Willowwind School Sandbag TREATbag project!

From Sarah Hamilton at the Willowwind Elementary school:

"The Willowwind grade school students worked with their partners (each year, the younger students are paired up with older students in a mentor role) to plan the design of their bags and list needed supplies on Monday; then I gathered and prepped the materials, and the teachers and I worked with the children to create the bags on Wednesday. They worked so diligently on the designs and closures; some of the students even took their bags home to add some finishing touches.

Kate Richey, our 7th and 8th grade teacher, made three bags on her own -- one clutch, one messenger-style bag, and another with a stylish flap (and the word "Patience"). She is so creative and talented! Other Willowwind teachers who helped students create bags include: Michelle Beninga (Kindergarten), Brooke Orrell (1st and 2nd grade), Debbie Wilson (3rd and 4th grade), and Kevin Black (5th and 6th grade)."

For safety reasons we cannot release the names of all the children that contributed, but the Sandbag Handbaggers would like to extend a huge thanks to all their creative efforts! Keep up the good work kids!

Students, parents and teachers from the Willowwind Elementary School have designed Sandbag TREATbags for Halloween this year!

Come down to the Iowa Artisans Gallery to pick up one for your little one. They hold a TON of candy!

Pictures coming soon!

by Anonymous
Claim This Bag!!

by Katrina Martin

by Stacey Van Gorp

by Leah Garris

by Erin Chambers

by Jessica Ahrendt

by Stephanie Peet

by Amy Dobrian

by Britt Hill

Just wanted to give a big thanks to all our bag designers and contributers! Everyone's hard work is really paying off.

In other news...
Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity will be selling the handbags at the Johnson County Fair and in their Ragbrai booth. Go check 'em out.

Also, if anyone is interested in designing their own handbags for the cause, we have blank sandbags available at the Iowa Artisans Gallery and the Soap Opera. New designers are always welcome!

email questions to stephanie.peet@gmail.com

by Anonymous

by Britt Hill

by Cristina Wood

by Elizabeth Toal

by Alok Shah

by Nick Meister

by Nicole Mathes

by Emily Schulz

by Cristina Wood

by Nick Meister

by Stephanie Peet

by Britt Hill

by Emerson Andrishok

by Jennette Maier

by Elizabeth Toal

by Astrid Hilger Bennett

We're currently working a list of contributers and artists and PHOTOS for some of our favorite Handbag designs. Please check back soon, as we'll be making updates daily!