Sapphorium is all about handmade bags that are practical, hardwearing, comfortable and beautiful. But I want to do more. I want to create items that give you confidence. Confidence that you look good. Confidence that you are organised. Confidence that you know where you are heading in life. What better way to do it than with a handmade bag that is built to your needs.
Sapphorium bags are practical – they have a purpose. Whether it’s a small bag to carry just your phone and keys to go to the shops or a large tote to carry your laptop and lunch to work. There is a bag to suit the many facets of your life.
They are hardwearing. Denim, canvas and drill is commonly used in Sapphorium bags because they are tough and resilient to knocks and bumps that they may encounter. All items have some form of stabiliser to make them sturdy and last for a long time. Anything designed to hold iPads, Laptops or eReaders will have extra padding to provide even more protection.
Bags need to be carried, so comfort is paramount. I can’t always make it easy to carry heavy items but I do my best to make it as comfortable as possible. I use handles made from materials that are soft to the touch, and when necessary I add padding to increase that comfort.
Finally, they need to be beautiful. I want to put a smile on your face every time you pick up your Sapphorium bag. So you’ll see contrasting zips, colourful prints or topstitching, but all in a coordinating classic style.
Meet the Maker
I’m Carmen Grantham, and I make everything you see on Sapphorium. I live in Adelaide, South Australia with my husband, son and our dog Spot, a Beagle Mix.
I love to sew clothes and have done so since home economic classes in high school. I have had guidance from my grandmothers as well as from in-person classes and distant education.
In my mid-twenties I joined the Australian Sewing Guild so that I could be around other sewists, as none of my friends sewed. That was one of the best decisions I ever made. I have learnt so much from those more experienced than me, and those that have just started on their sewing journey.
I have been a Computer Programmer for many years but after companies I worked for shutdown and having a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder I found that holding down such a job difficult as my son needs to attend weekly appointments and then there is school avoidance to deal with.
So it was time to take my love for sewing to the next level and start a business.
I chose bags because the first bag I designed in 2015 was to fulfill a personal need – an everyday bag to hold my iPad and other essentials – water bottle, wallet, sunglasses, etc. I could only find a boring black bag and I wanted a bit of colour. It was also quite expensive for what it was. Little did I know how many different materials are required to construct a fabric bag with structure to stand up to every day use and padding to protect an iPad. In the end it cost more to make (not including my labour) but I loved the process.
I learnt a lot of lessons from that bag and the ones that I’ve designed and made since. So I understand that everyone’s needs for a bag differ and I want to create a variety to choose from.
I love to work with cotton fabric as it’s so hard wearing, affordable, washable and I only ever use cotton that has a soft touch. Prints are a favourite of mine as they add interest and colour to life.
