Ballard's favorite handbag studio turns five

On Nov. 10 from 5 to 9 p.m., Laura Bee Designs will celebrate half a decade of churning out crafty purses, wallets, wristlets and whatnots from a studio and shop in Ballard.

Originally a 100-square-foot workshop, Laura Bee Designs now fills 600 square feet, with accessories fashioned from a combination of faux leather and boldly patterned fabrics. The studio offers customers the opportunity to design their own custom handbags by choosing from a dozen different designs, fabrics and trims. One of the staff artisans then brings the handbag to life. The studio also serves as a retail shop for the full line of Laura Bee Designs accessories.

For the anniversary celebration, owner Laura Buzard will provide friends and fans of the store with hors d'oeuvres, door prizes and Bee Bucks good toward future purchases. Jewelry designer Heather Lewis will also be on hand to display her line of accessories.

The event presents a great opportunity to kick off your holiday shopping. Wristlets ($28) and clutches ($48) make great gifts for your friends, while the slouchy bags ($108) are perfect for schlepping your own holiday purchases around town.

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