There’s a theme developing here. Without really much effort, I now have a novelty handbag collection that features horses.  I have to admit I was kind of pleased to look at these all together as a collection. I also admit, I hurriedly snapped these crummy photos. I think the fabric in the background is amazing, but rather distracting. Sorry about the eyeball punishment. I know you don’t deserve it.  I love that piece of faux-bois print cotton, though.  I want someone to make me something out of it.

Here’s brief history of these purchases.

1) Wicker and felt bag with horse, jockey and stubs. Bought on eBay. Needs a little repair to the hinge. Not sure how to fix it. I really like this bag, though.

2)  Wicker horse head bag with leather and metal trim. This was one of those surprise buys on eBay. It’s so much better than it looks in the photo. The horse’s eye is a blue marble. The bag is, like all of these, an inexpensive thing. However, it seems really substantial and that horse head is so satisfyingly 3-D.

3)  A faux Enid Collins bag made from a kit. Bought on eBay when I had less than 20 feedback. How long ago was that? Maybe 10 years ago? I found the kit on eBay, too, but didn’t buy it. I saved the photos of it:

4)  Wood and wicker bag painted and adorned with colorful “rocks” (what is that stuff that comprises the horses body?)  I found this one at a thrift store about 8 years ago. The handle has some minor damage that I think I can fix with some Gorilla Glue. It’s wood covered with wicker so I need to figure out how to get the glue in there neatly and then find an appropriate clamp to hold it tightly while the glue dries.

Do you have vintage collections that seem to have developed purely by fiat? I mean, I was only casually interested in this project. Now look–four cool examples.  I’ll carry each one of these cheap novelty bags at some point, I’m sure.  I’m looking forward to being known as “that lady with fake wood grain dress who’s always got her horse handbag.”

Want to be featured in my series called CLECKTIONS? I’m looking for interesting vintage collections. To submit, just email me through my website contact button.