“I remember the soft glow of vanilla candles as we sang carols like Jingle Bells and White Christmas all night long. Of course, we were swatting mosquitoes and dripping in sweat, but that was part and parcel in a tropical Christmas Eve.

“Then Christmas morning arrived. We have two little daughters, Kezia and Rachel, aged 8 and 3. My heart swelled with love as I watched them walk clumsily out of bed in their matching pink pajamas. When those sleepy eyes spied a pile of presents under the tree, the excitement began.

“Guests came in and out that day and by evening we were exhausted. Before bedtime, my husband read the nativity story to our daughters and kissed them goodnight. I remember thinking how blessed we are.

“That night was the most peaceful night I’ve ever experienced – no one could have guessed that the following day would bring the world’s second largest earthquake, and a tsunami that would kill hundreds of thousands people, displace millions more and tear cities to the ground.

“Something stirred me awake early the next morning; I had a strong feeling that we should go out for a drive, maybe stop by a jogging track to do a little exercise. So at about 6:30am we nestled our family into the car with a batch of Christmas cookies to deliver to some work colleagues. We stopped by several different soccer fields and lightly jogged around the track.

“Then we headed toward the mountains to deliver the cookies. I saw that the sky ahead of me was jet black… On the way there, the earthquake hit. At first I thought we had a flat tire, and then two flat tires, then all four tires were bouncing up and down. My husband jumped out of the car; everyone was out of their homes and lying flat on the ground.

“We all got out of the car and lay down with our chins pressed against the rough asphalt. Rumbling sounds like thunder boomed above our heads. I began looking around for cracks in case the ground suddenly swallowed us up. Then after what felt like an eternity, the shaking stopped. The rumbling died away. Slowly we climbed back inside the car and continued on our journey.

“We arrived at our friends’ home safely, but everyone was distressed after what happened. We comforted one another, delivered the cookies and headed to the other section of town to check on four other friends. When we arrived, they were weeping outside the building. They had been on the fourth floor when the quake hit and they were still traumatized from the shaking. They had been locked in the building and could not get out for several minutes. They had made several trips up to the fourth floor and back down again looking for the keys.

“We spent some time encouraging them and left to check on two other friends, both women. They were very frightened and upset. I thought it would be a good idea to invite them home so we could calm down and just talk.

“But as I pulled out of the driveway to go home, I saw that the sky ahead of me was jet black. It seemed like a huge storm was stirring at that end of town. Then I saw people screaming, panic stricken, and running from that direction. Cars and motorbikes zoomed by, there were children screaming for their parents and everything was chaotic. I saw one of our friends running toward us. ‘Go back! Head towards the mountains!’ he cried above the clamor. I spun the car around, and floored the accelerator, rushing through the growing traffic. I thought it was the end of the world. Dead bodies hung on trees and front gates.

“We finally reached the mountains and remained outdoors for the next 8 hours. When I returned later that evening, half of BA was gone. The town was in ruins. Dead bodies hung on trees and front gates.

“I couldn’t believe my eyes. My house was destroyed. I had the house key, but I couldn’t find the front door. Everything from passports to wedding pictures and my daughters’ Christmas gifts were gone.

“The building where we worked (YDS) was severely damaged by the Tsunami. Sixty percent of our staff was instantly homeless. Most of them lost members of their immediate family, relatives and friends.

“With support from various donors including Saddleback Church of Lake Forest, California,  through Roy van Broekhuizen, YDS started recruiting more personnel and re-establishing its programs in Banda Aceh. The vision of YDS was to help young families like us to rise from the ashes, to deal with our grief, and empowering us to extend a helping hand to other survivors to rebuild their lives and communities.“

Note: Hana (shown, left above) has been our Project Manager  at Laga Handbags, overseeing production activities in Banda Aceh, Sumatra, Indonesia for nearly twelve years now. With her sewing skills Hana has been able to produce Acehnese traditional handbags which are known for its sewing complexity. While working for Laga Handbags, she has been committed to the vision of educating Acehnese women in an effort to increase their self-confidence and skills, which in turn has helped them gain financial independence.

Over the years, Hana has conducted monthly handbag training courses for women who are then able to use their new skills. Building this confidence is valuable for their future. We are so honored and proud to have Hana on our team.

Please feel free to click here and visit our website to see the amazing embroidery work done by Hana and many other tsunami survivors we serve!

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“After the Tsunami, my husband decided to move to Banda Aceh to work as a Pedi-cab driver because he heard that there were many foreigners there who didn’t mind paying good money to ride on a Pedi-cab. I moved to Banda Aceh a month after my husband did and I worked in a Muslim boarding school by washing clothes for the students there. It was easier for my family to live there since all schools in Banda Aceh didn’t require their students to pay for the school fee for 2 years.

“It has been 4 years since the Tsunami, and now we have to again pay for the school fee, the boarding house fee and the books. But we thank God that my second daughter is working and is now independent and my son, my third child, has graduated from school and is now independent as well. So, now there are only my daughter, my fourth child, who is still in junior high school and my youngest son who is 4 years old, that I still have to take care of. My husband’s Pedi-cab has since broken down so now he makes less money in general labor. I didn’t want to dwell in my sadness for a long time so I’m glad that now I work for Laga handbags and I can pay for my daughter’s school fee, take care of my youngest son, and help out my husband.

“Even though the workshop is far from my house (1-hour drive) they usually let me take my embroidery work home and bring it back to the workshop every 2 weeks. My hope is that, as long as my eyes still can see and I’m still strong enough to work, I want to keep working in Laga handbags.”

–written in 2008 by Kamarni, one of the many tsunami survivors being helped by Laga Handbags

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“Even though he ran to get help, he could not withstand the 3 bullets that had penetrated his body.  For two hours he tried to get to safety, but he finally died because the situation was so dangerous that no one dared take him to the hospital.

“I was totally speechless and did not know what to do.  Even now, I have no more tears to shed.

“Later, I decided to leave our village of Lam Manyang, Aceh Besar, to look for a job in Medan.  I left my son and trusted my sister-in-law, Samsiah, to take care of him,

“When the Tsunami struck, I was still in Medan, about a 25 hours’ drive from Banda Aceh.  On that Sunday, December 26^th 2004, my son was playing at the back of our house in the village in Aceh with his friends. Then because he was hungry, he asked my nephew, Fajri, the son of Samsiah, to accompany him to buy food.  On their way to the nearby store, they saw a very high and huge black wave coming towards them. It was the first of the Tsunami waves. Only by God’s grace they were both saved.

“After the Tsunami, I was immediately called to return home to Aceh.  I was in great fear to know what had happened to my family.  I couldn’t explain my feelings at that time; but I felt a deep mourning mixed with happiness when I saw that my son, Mukram and my nephew, Fajri were saved.  But I lost my dear sister-in-law, Fajri’s mother, Samsiah for good.

“There was nothing left at all after the Tsunami. No more family, and even the ruins of our house was swept away by the waves.   Now only the 3 of us were left: Mukram, Fajri and I.

“We then stayed at a refugee camp for quite a long time. After several months we received a donation in the form of a tent so that we could live on our land. It was months later that we received a grant to rebuild our house. Now we have lived in our own house since September, 2006.

“After the Tsunami I wanted to regain a normal life for ourselves back here in Aceh. Therefore I was eager to look for job opportunities.  In November 2006, I was offered the opportunity to join a training program to make handbags in Aceh’s traditional style.

“I was very grateful for the opportunity to learn a new skill. Now, I am working on the embroidery staff funded by Laga Designs International, Inc., so that I can support my family again.  My son Mukram is now a 12-year-old boy.  He is very clever in school and happy as well.  I also have a new confidence that we will have a better future.”

Please click here to visit our website and see for yourself the beautiful work of Jurina and others like her whom we serve through Laga Handbags.

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Fun Fact:
The first alarm clock could only ring at 4am

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“During that time, our village was not a safe area. There were political fights often happening in our village.”

“We were panicked when we suddenly heard gun shots 3 times, so we ran and gathered with other families.

“The earthquake was still happening and not long after, we saw people were running and shouting ‘The water is coming!’ The ocean was only 3 km away from my village, so we all ran to the nearest hill.

“I was lucky because I could get on the truck together with my family and some other people from my village. About 300 meters after we passed the bridge, I saw some people and children running but they could not make it to the bridge and the water swept them away. Oh God, please help them…

“We stayed on the hill for three nights and had to be careful not to meet with the rebels who usually brought guns. Coconut was our food for two days during that time, and then on the third day there were people who brought us some bread.

“We decided to go home to our village and then take refuge in another safe place far away from the ocean and the fighting. My family left home together for 5 months when I heard rumors that there were many dead bodies that were not buried properly and that there would be an onset of disease because of those dead bodies.

“But I decided that I had to go home; I could not just stay in other people’s house forever. I had to start a new life and had a new spirit to live, so that my family could do the same, especially my father who had lost his brother and his nephew because of the tsunami.

“One year later, I got a job working in the Laga bag workshop. I did not have any experience in sewing at that time, so I just helped in packaging the bags and working with the inventory while I learned how to sew the bags.

“While working in the Laga workshop, I felt happy because I got new experiences, and I did not have to depend on my parents anymore. And with a little bit of extra money, I could help my family.

“Our village has been rebuilt now, and since the Aceh peace treaty was made, we could go back to our village and live safely there. Our hope in the future is that Aceh will stay safe, peaceful and improving.”

Click here to visit our website and view the amazing Laga handbags made by Vina and other tsunami survivors.

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Please don’t look for us in the Pavilion because we are no longer there! This year, Laga Handbags can be found in the Expo Center in Booth 1109! And if you have a difficult time finding us, we have an ad in the Show Book. Be sure to refer to that ad because you will receive 10% off if you do… and we are also participating in “I Am AQS” so AQS members get an additional 10% off!!

We are so excited to see you! COME FIND US!!!

AQS QuiltWeek Paducah
Schroeder Expo Center
Laga booth #1109
415 Park Avenue
Paducah, Kentucky 42001

Wed, April 18 – 9am to 6pm
Thu, April 19 – 9am to 6pm
Fri, April 20 – 9am to 6pm
Sat, April 21 – 9am to 4pm

For more show information, click here

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Fun Fact:
Bob Dylan’s real name is Robert Zimmerman

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We are also running our Mother’s Day Promotion now through April 23rd, so please don’t miss out on that! Click Here to get on our email list for all of the details! If you mention this in our booth we will certainly honor the promotion in Paducah! See you there!

The post AQS Paducah starts Today! appeared first on Laga Handbags Handmade Handbags Vegan.

Our Very First Time in New Hampshire was a huge success, thanks to all of YOU! We were overwhelmed by your love and support! We just had to include pictures of some more of you with your new Laga Handbags and Accessories:

1. Carla Berno: Tenang shoulder bag and match wallet Uang large fold in black/cream 2. Barbara Keegan: Harapan small shoulder bag in brown/cream 3. Dona McKenzie: Harapan small shoulder bag in black/grey 4. Joan Sullivan: Eyeglass case in blue/red/white, Pagi small handbag in burgundy/cream, Mudah cross body in dark blue/cream 5. Joka Quigley: Harapan small shoulder bag in dark blue/cream, Saku pouches in black/cream, dark blue/black, brown/cream 6. Peg Kelley (and her mom): Harapan large shoulder bag in burgundy/cream 7. Kellie Parham: Sehat handbag in burgundy/cream 8. Terri Vadenais: Harapan large shoulder bag in dark blue/cream and matching Uang zip small wallet 9. Katherine Roden: Damai handbag in black/pink/white 10. Adele Scott and her staff/family: Pintar cross body in black/cream, Uang zip small wallet in dark blue/black, Tenang shoulder bag in black/grey 11. Sally Payne: Ria Plus cross body in black/brown, Uang small fold wallet in black/batik and Robin Bunch: Ria Plus cross body in black/brown, Eyeglass case in black/batik 12. Tracy Batryn: Pagi large shoulder bag in brown/red/cream

Thank you to ALL of you ladies who so graciously humored me by letting me take your picture (there were SO many more that I couldn’t include here) – we certainly do appreciate ALL of your loyalty, support and friendship!  It has been such a blessing to be here and to meet all of you and to have the opportunity to share our Laga Story with you!! A very special thanks to Janet-Lee Santeusanio and Mary Schilke and the entire MQX staff/volunteers for all of their hard work on making this show a great success for everyone!

We’ve already packed up and are already on our way to our next show:

AQS QuiltWeek Paducah
Schroeder Expo Center
Laga Handbags Booth #1109
415 Park Street
Paducah, KY

We hope to see you there!

PS: Please post on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/lagahandbags/ and Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lagahandbags/ about how much you love your Laga Handbags and Accessories! It would mean the world to us!

VISIT OUR WEBSITE

VISIT OUR BLOG

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MOTHER’S DAY IS AROUND THE CORNER!

As we do every year, we hold a Mother’s Day campaign of special savings. Usually we do this in the month of May. However, this year we have decided to do this in April! So…

TOMORROW April 17th we will BEGIN our Mother’s Day Campaign!

APRIL 17-23

you can expect to SAVE for Mother’s Day!

Beginning at midnight PST, you will Save 25% on EVERYTHING on our website https://www.laga-handbags.com/

Use Coupon Code: MOM25

If you reside in or near the Southern California area, please feel free to visit our Showroom!

Stand by for more details!
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Fun Fact:
The total number of steps in the Eiffel Tower are 1665

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Lancaster holds such a special place in our hearts – maybe because it is the Very First Show we ever did! It’s been 10 years now that we have been exhibiting in Lancaster and it has never been a disappointment! The people, the weather, the atmosphere, the food, the people (oh, did I say that already?)…

Yes, the PEOPLE who live there and the PEOPLE who have so graciously and faithfully supported Laga Handbags have been there for us each year. And it gets better and better with each show; we are so very thankful!

This year is starting out a little bit crazy with the Fourth Nor’easter hitting Lancaster with several inches of snow. School closures and a state of emergency for Lancaster was called yesterday. They are expecting 8-12 inches of snow tomorrow. But we are keeping our fingers crossed that the numbers are much lower! Because if the roads are all open, we will be there!

We can’t wait to see you in Booth 1118! But Please Travel Safely!

Lancaster County Convention Center
Laga booth #1118 
25 S Queen Street
Lancaster, PA 17603

Wed, March 21 – 9am to 6pm
Thu, March 22 – 9am to 6pm
Fri, March 23 – 9am to 6pm
Sat, March 24 – 9am to 4pm

For more information about the show, click here.

To visit our Laga Handbags website, click here.

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Each year, Laga Handbags loves, Loves, LOVES coming to Lancaster! Exhibiting at this quilt show is always amazing and we are really looking forward to seeing our wonderful customers/friends!

AQS QuiltWeek Lancaster – March 21-24, 2018
Lancaster County Convention Center
Laga booth #1118 
25 S Queen Street
Lancaster, PA 17603

Wed, March 21 – 9am to 6pm
Thu, March 22 – 9am to 6pm
Fri, March 23 – 9am to 6pm
Sat, March 24 – 9am to 4pm

For more information about the AQS QuiltWeek Lancaster show, click here.

What a wonderful time to visit Lancaster! One of my very favorite things about coming to this city is Lancaster Central Market, The country’s oldest farmers’ market, in the heart of Amish country, chock-full of regional food specialties. Check out the “chow chow” and fresh fruit and vegetables sold throughout, Zig’s Bakery‘s handmade scones, S Clyde Weaver‘s amazing meats, cheeses and dips, and the Lancaster Salad Company where they toss fresh ingredients to make the best salad ever.

Whenever I come out to Lancaster, I try to drive out to the cute little town of Lititz, “America’s Coolest Small Town.” Here are my recommendations:

You must stop and get a homemade pretzel at Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery. There’s the always beautiful and serene Lititz Spring Park. Bring your pretzel here and just sit on a bench and enjoy the view. This is also the home of Lititz Welcome Center and Train Station.

My fave diner in town, although there are several great places to dine, is Tomato Pie Cafe – known for (what else?) their family recipe of Tomato Pie! Deliciously seasoned red tomatoes are baked in a flaky pie crust, covered with a rich cheesy topping! OMG… it’s what I get whenever I visit Lititz.

Wilbur Chocolate Store is not to be missed. This is where the “original” chocolate buds (before Hershey’s kisses got famous) are made. And since the quilt show in Lancaster is held in March, it’s the perfect time to stock up on Wilbur’s chocolate Easter gifts for your loved ones!

But make sure you plan to set aside some of your shopping dollars for our Laga Handbags booth and please do not forget to mention our LAGA HANDBAGS BLOG Appreciation Offer and let us show you how much we do value you being on our mailing list!

And we’d surely love for you to check out our website before the show!

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Fun Fact:
Recycling one glass jar saves enough energy to watch TV for 3 hours

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“Since I work at Laga Handbags, I don’t have to depend on my mother or my brothers anymore. I can take care of my own needs and I’m even able to help my mother a little bit.”



Khaera told us her story in 2008. What a blessing she has been for us.

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Fun Fact:
Sea otters hold hands when they sleep so they don’t drift away from each other

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Laga Handbags was blessed four years ago to have befriended a really amazing and talented photographer, a Dutch Indonesian man from The Netherlands, Rob Bakker, who was introduced to us by Roy’s cousin. When we met him, he was just in the beginning stages of launching his photography business. For years, he had enjoyed taking pictures but over the years his camera had truly become an extension of himself and he was now ready to take his photography seriously.

As our conversations always seemed to come back to his photography, you could tell that his focus up until now had been portraits and he showed me many photos he had taken. As a matter of fact, when you are in his home, you will see evidence of his obsession everywhere. From a collage of New York to images of performers to intimate wedding and family shots… You can see the progression of his work…  and what jumps out at you is that he has a real passion for getting inside his subjects’ minds. He is not satisfied until his photo tells a story. He just HAS to get the story.

In the natural progression of our friendship, we asked him if he would be interested in helping us with Laga Handbags which would in turn help him to build his portfolio. We had used several photographers in the past but were looking for someone who could really help take Laga to the next level, visually. Our request was met with a very enthusiastic “Of course!” and we began discussing what we would need and what he could do.

Next thing we knew, he was on a plane headed for California.

We spent several weeks putting together a mood board and choosing handbags and researching locations and finding models who would be willing to help us. Two of our dear friends, Leila and Kelsey, who both actually used to work for us, helped us coordinate a photo shoot and found us an amazing location.

Over a two-day shoot, Rob took photos at the beach, at a hotel, on the streets and in an old dilapidated photo studio (that was a story in and of itself). When all was said and done, we worked with 7 models and 4 locations. But no matter the location or challenges we faced, we came away with some amazing images that we have used time and time again. Here are a few of the pictures he took:

We loved the experience so much that Rob agreed to come back to California a couple of years later to do it again! This time he brought his wife, Hennie, who has become one of my dearest friends. And while they were here, we focused more on backgrounds and had only a couple of models in Las Vegas, one in Huntington Beach and two in Burbank. I think it’s safe to say that we’ve helped sway Rob’s focus from portrait to fashion photography. He certainly wasn’t complaining about being surrounded by and working with all the beautiful ladies! Check it out:

Besides the tremendous work he’s done for Laga Handbags, he has also been the photographer at our family reunion in The Netherlands, for my cousin’s band and a family get-together here in California.

Rob is truly a dedicated photographer. His obsession is his strength, and his love for what he does speaks volumes in the quality of his work.

Thank  you so much, Rob, for your willingness to help Laga! We appreciate your work and your friendship!

If you are interested in seeing more of Rob’s work, you can visit his website here: B-The-Image

And you can also see his work on our website.

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Reminder:
It’s Daylight Savings time for most of us in the United States… so don’t forget to set your clocks one hour AHEAD tonight!

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