Designed and sewn by two Elaines in Iowa City, Iowa
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Flat-rate shipping $6 per order • Local pickup available

Custom orders welcome! Love a purse you see but want a different design or fabric? We can make that style just for you. Contact us to discuss your ideas!

Our Story

Childhood photo of one Elaine outside holding a small dog
Childhood portrait of the other Elaine with a bow in her hair

We’re two Elaines who grew up in Iowa City, Iowa—one a farm girl, the other a city girl. One learned and created through 4-H; the other through Girl Scouts. Those different beginnings give us fresh ideas whenever we sit down to sew together.

Our sewing journey began with clothes for our girls, grew into quilts and baby blankets, and eventually led us to bags of all kinds. We love exploring materials and textures, from Portugal cork and faux leather to canvas, vinyl, and 100% cotton. Some bags begin with a favorite pattern; others start with an idea of our own. Beautiful zippers, distinctive pulls, straps, hardware, and embellishments make the details as much fun as the bags themselves.

As Hawkeye fans, we also enjoy making clear bags and smaller purses for game days, concerts, and other events with bag rules. Check your venue’s requirements before you go. For both of us, sewing is a way to relax, create, and spend time together. We love sharing that joy by teaching others, too.

Shipping, payment & returns

Shipping & local pickup

Shipping is a flat $6 per order. Local pickup is available at the listed product price, with no shipping charge.

How to purchase

Select “Add to Cart” on the items you like, then open your cart and select “Ask to Buy.” Your email app will open with one message listing all your selections. Send that email to request your order. We’ll confirm availability and arrange payment by Venmo or Zelle.

Returns — Elaine & Elaine Designs

We want you to enjoy your handmade purchase. If it isn’t right for you, please email elaineandelainedesigns@gmail.com within 7 days of delivery to request a return.

Once we approve your return, please mail it back within 7 days. Items must be unused and in their original condition. Customers are responsible for return shipping.

After we receive and inspect the item, we will issue a refund to your original payment method within 7 business days.

Custom and personalized orders are final sale, except if they arrive damaged, defective, or incorrect.

If your purchase arrives damaged, defective, or different from what you ordered, please contact us promptly with photos. We will cover any necessary return shipping and arrange a refund or replacement, depending on availability.

Thank you for supporting our small handmade business!

Contact

We welcome custom orders for any purse style you see on our website in a different design or fabric. Contact us to discuss your ideas!

Questions about a purse or accessory? Email us at elaineandelainedesigns@gmail.com.

Our Purse Videos

A little fashion, a little fun, and handmade purses by Elaine & Elaine. Enjoy our video collection and come back for new weekly features!

Six Purses Take the Runway

Our handmade purses meet some stylish characters in this playful fashion show.

A little note means a lot

We’d love to hear from you!

How do you like our website or your handmade purchase? Share a comment with the two Elaines. We’d love to see a photo of you enjoying your bag, too!

Product photo

Your Cart

Shipping is a flat $6 per order. Local pickup has no shipping charge. We’ll confirm availability and arrange Venmo or Zelle payment by email. Items are reserved after we confirm your order.

Ask to Buy

Your email app will open with all your items. Please send the email to request your order.