YellowBird Bags: A Treasure From Down Under

At the top of my bucket list is a trip to Australia. I was supposed to go in October for my 60th birthday, but, well you know what happened then. Since I can’t get there (yet!) I’m bringing a little bit of Australia here. 

I love when I come across unique items and talented designers and I’m so excited to feature Lynley, the amazing owner and designer of YellowBird, handmade clutches and bags that are the perfect statement piece for any and every outfit!

How did you begin creating bags?

I was asked by my then 22 year old daughter to make her and her friend a clutch and it really went from there. I started experimenting with different designs and fabric weights to achieve the different styles. (DOABH: YellowBird was established in 2010.)

What is your background and how did you learn the techniques/skills to make your bags?

I have only had a little formal training in sewing processes but from a very young age I was taught to sew by my mother, making my own clothes and then my children’s clothes over the years. I was never really afraid to experiment with patterns to achieve the design I was looking for so it helped me to understand how design works. 

Making bags is certainly very different than clothing but having the ability to problem solve a structural issue is the same. I spent a large amount of time designing and working with designs to gain the look I was after. Research on originality of the design was a major priority for me as I wanted to make sure the design was mine and not influenced by another designer. 

Where do you get your inspiration from?

I’m inspired by fashion and colour, I usually wear block colours and very little pattern so to add a gorgeous statement piece to your outfit like a YellowBird is what I love to do. I like to think that we need to stay true to our own style. There is so much noise out there about what we should be wearing and fashion trends but I think if you stay with pieces that  make you feel good you can’t lose. (DOABH: I so agree!!)

Where do you get the materials used in creating your bags?

I get fabrics from around the world, as well as having artwork printed on fabrics to maintain my unique limited edition approach. I have a few favourite artists including indigenous Australian artists from the Northern Territory of Australia, emerging Australian artist and then the very well known, like Marimekko fabric. 

Do you have a favorite material to work with?

I love working with leather, although it’s unforgiving it has a beautiful luxurious feel and has so many natural elements to it. 

Do you have a favorite piece you’ve created?

Recently I released the Signature Range which has really been in the planning for so long. The frames I use are handmade by a local father and daughter business here in Adelaide using the highest quality timber. The fabrics and leather are chosen specifically for their rarity, the first release fabric was of a beautiful fabric from indigenous artist Deborah Wurrkidj. I had wanted to find something that was truly special for our first release and this I love. Your leather clutch is part of our signature range as it will grow and change with time and use and really become a staple wardrobe piece. (DOABH: My leather clutch is gorgeous. I know I will use it on repeat and it will remain in my wardrobe forever!)

What does a day look like for you as a designer?

My days are usually very busy. I work mostly by myself and I’m a jack of all trades. I’m the designer, maker, marketer, accountant, graphic designer, website designer, it’s hard trying to spread myself across all areas. I’m really lucky to have the support of my husband who does all of my photography and helps out where he can and I have three lovely friends that help me when I’m super busy and need extra hands. 

I’m also a mum to two older children and a twelve year old girl who certainly takes up my time. 

No day is ever the same I have to say. 

What is the meaning of the name of your business?

My older daughter, my “Yellow Bird’ started me on my crazy business journey in the one small request; “Mum can you make me a clutch”. She was always very determined but also very timid and really struggled to leave home so I have always thought of her as my little bird that was afraid to leave the nest. One day she headed off to university in another state of Australia and that was it. She gained her confidence and her life path all in one go. I love watching my children grow and become who they are. (DOABH: I feel the same with my children. It’s wonderful to see them spread their wings and accomplish their goals!)

I am loving both of my YellowBird clutches and can’t recommend them enough! If you’re looking to add a statement bag to your wardrobe you absolutely need a YellowBird bag. The choices are endless-from leather to florals to solids to the most gorgeous prints-it’ll be hard to choose just one, but when you do you’ll wear it on repeat! Let me know which you choose!

Use the code BOREDHOUSEWIFE for 5% off your first order!