Love Shine

Shelf Life Series

2012-02-12T22:22:00.000-05:00

whitney houston step by step with lyrics

2012-02-12T21:23:00.000-05:00

Time for a New Bag

2012-02-10T17:49:00.001-05:00

Hello gorgeous! Where did you get that bag?

Love Shine!

It's Emily! A longtime friend of the store. Showing some love... and shining as always!

Tears For Fears - "Everybody Wants To Rule The World" - ORIGINAL VIDEO

2012-02-10T17:41:00.000-05:00

Letting Some Love Shine In

2012-02-10T17:31:00.000-05:00

...another beautiful customer & friend of the store with her NEW wallet.

Annie Lennox - Money Can't Buy It

2012-02-09T20:47:00.000-05:00

Smile for the Camera

2012-02-09T20:46:00.000-05:00

It's always nice to see someone come into the store with a Love Shine bag on their shoulders!

Finally - Revising our "About Us" Section of Love Shine Website

2012-02-09T20:41:00.000-05:00

So how did it all begin?

The Love Shine line of bag designs was founded in 1996 in the basement of a NYC Spanish Harlem apartment building by Mark Seamon (a visual artist and chef at the time) and Mike Gonzales (a dancer & costume designer with Les Ballets Trocadero). We began by creating one-of-a-kind handbags, totes and backpacks out of dyed canvas for our friends and family as a way to express our creativity in another medium. The response was enthusiastic and we began getting special requests from "friends of friends" and later, small boutiques. Before we knew it, a small bag business was born.

Initially many of our designs were inspired by our trips abroad. For example, in Mexico we were awestruck by the bright and colorful bales of mesh nylon and rolls of oil cloth that was traditionally used for table covers. And given Mike's Tex-Mex background, Catholic religious iconography had been a source of inspiration for Love Shine designs from the very beginning - so Mexico was a visual feast for the eyes in many ways! While in other locales like the Greek islands, we collected fabric trims, charms and many other shiny, small objects to bring back for our design reference files. As time progressed, we used these and other sourced materials to develop a line that included: mesh totes, oil cloth accessories, carry-all bags in colorful cottons and upholstery fabrics, and canvas messenger bags with humorous and spiritual imagery (from a variety of world religions).

Eventually, Love Shine grew out of the uptown space and Mark opened up a studio/shop/showroom in the artsy and bohemian East Village in 1997. From his new brick-and-mortar space, Mark continued to expand the design line and collaborate (after Mike passed away) with other like minded spirits such as independent filmmaker and visual artist Ken Brown. In addition to the wonderful gifts and accessories that we lovingly offer our neighborhood, the store has been the site of numerous "runaway runway" side-walk fashion shows, art installations and literary readings. Over the years, Love Shine has become an East Village institution known for its quirky sensibility and eclectic taste.

Love Shine Back Wall - Currently Featuring the Artwork of Lance Laurie

2012-02-08T17:46:00.000-05:00

As you can see, we are happily re-decorating the store... come check out some of the ch-ch-changes!
In the future, we hope to feature some other artists on this back wall space. Moving from "Artist in the Windows" to "Artist on the Walls"!

A Little Artwork

2012-02-08T17:42:00.001-05:00

Picture Frames

2012-02-08T17:41:00.000-05:00

The Side Display Wall at Love Shine

2012-02-08T17:39:00.001-05:00

Jessie J - Price Tag ft. B.o.B.

2012-02-03T21:27:00.001-05:00

10 Minute Window Challenge - Love Shine

2012-02-03T21:27:00.000-05:00

The window that was... for about a week. Mark gave himself the challenge of putting a window together in a limited amount of time.

Beyonce-Love On Top Remix feat. malachi

2012-02-03T21:22:00.001-05:00

Love Shine Yoga Mat Bag Window

2012-02-03T21:22:00.000-05:00

Moo - Love Shine Cow Print Topstitch Tote

2012-02-03T21:18:00.000-05:00

A Flurry of Salvaged Sprites

2012-02-01T20:41:00.003-05:00

not just for the holidays... these magical one-of-a-kind creations make great gifts year 'round!

Love Shine Ganesh Day Bag

2012-02-01T20:39:00.002-05:00

Patchwork Love Shine Courier Bags

2012-02-01T20:38:00.000-05:00

Two brand new Love Shine patchwork courier bags designed and sewn

by Mark Seamon

Snow Day at Love Shine

2012-02-01T20:33:00.002-05:00

A Love Shine Neighbor

2012-02-01T20:32:00.000-05:00

pays a visit with her little doggies in tow...

actually only the one on the right belongs to her... she is babysitting the other doggy.

Love Shine Yoga Mat Bags - Cotton Prints

2012-02-01T20:29:00.001-05:00

Love Shine News & Raffle Winner - Jan 2012

2012-01-31T16:29:00.000-05:00

To read the latest, click the link below...
http://mim.io/5ca142

Flashback.... poster on our wall.

Barbara Tucker - Beautiful People

2012-01-31T01:35:00.000-05:00

URGENT - PLEASE NOTE

2012-01-30T19:42:00.004-05:00

Recently we discovered that spam (video, etc) has been attached/associated with our blog.

Please note that any pop-up media you encounter does not reflect the views of anyone associated with Love Shine Inc.

Big SALE at Love Shine

2012-01-20T15:11:00.001-05:00

END of January Sale - 20% OFF All Merchandise in Stock

Love Shine Cotton Print Flap Day Bags

2012-01-16T17:16:00.000-05:00

Cozy Knit Corner at Love Shine

2012-01-16T17:08:00.000-05:00

Tara knits are fantastic!!!

Dress for Style and Success

2012-01-16T17:05:00.000-05:00

Mark's Mom re-styled our dress form the other day... and we like, we like!

Now That's How You Model A Bag!

2012-01-16T16:58:00.000-05:00

This Brown Pinstripe Velvet Love Shine Wilson purse is a great accessory for a cold day and a very nice customer.

NEW! Love Shine Oil Cloth Yoga Mat Bag

2012-01-16T16:55:00.000-05:00

Love Shines in Italy

2012-01-16T16:51:00.000-05:00

Our friend Matteo sent us these great photos of some of the women in his life...
and the Love Shine gifts that he bought for them at our store. Grazie molto!!!

Silvia da GENOVA!

Elisa da GAVI (Alessandria)

Sofia da RAVENNA!!!!!!

Chiara da RECCO!!!!!

Bob Marley Three little birds HD (Original)

2012-01-16T16:43:00.000-05:00

New Year, New Bag!

2012-01-07T19:35:00.001-05:00

This was the bag that this nice customer came in with... although the ripped side was not showing. We love it when people become attached to their Love Shine bags. She decided to go in a different direction for her new bag...

This bag seems to say "I am woman, hear me roar!"

The Other New Year Window 2012

2012-01-07T19:31:00.002-05:00

Charming Story About a Love Shine Bag

2012-01-06T21:42:00.002-05:00

Hello,
My mother recently tried to order a replacement of my much loved and over used red canvas day bag with the pup in a cup picture. Unfortunately she purchased the larger courier bag. I don't see a day bag exactly like the one that I currently have, but it seems as if you are able to do some customization with color and image. I'm not sure how to do that on your website but was hoping I could work with you via email/phone. I am attaching a pic of the bag I would like to recreate.

By the way, I love the size of the Day Bag, it perfectly fits both my water bottle and my travel mug and my nook and my wallet and my phone and my cigarettes and my mp3 player and my change purse and on occasion my gloves and or winter hat (see pictures attached of both packed and unpacked day bag).

It is the tiny looking bag that magically holds everything that I want on me at all times. I've never had such a perfect bag.

Anyway, let me know how to get this order goingHere's one more photo that shows how I've kept the bag going these last few months, had to safety pin the flap back on lol.

That was the breaking point for my mom I guess. I'm thinking of passing the bag on to my little sister who is more punk rock than I am these days. I don't think this bag is quite ready to retire just yet.

Thanks again for making such a brilliant product dierdre

And the end result?

Sting - Spread A Little Happiness

2012-01-05T21:24:00.001-05:00

For the new year, we have decided to focus on the things noted on our chalkboard.

Sugar Skull Backpack by Love Shine

2012-01-05T21:23:00.000-05:00

meets a very charming lady....

Love Shine New Year 2012 Window (right one)

2012-01-05T21:20:00.000-05:00

Love Shine Sugar Skull Day Bag

2012-01-04T20:41:00.001-05:00

Another Love Shine bag escapes from the store -NYC- to go overseas with this nice gentleman.

actually it's going to Australia matey!

Ruth Brown & B.B.King / Ain't Nobody's Business

2012-01-04T20:39:00.001-05:00

Good Luck Kitty Courier Bag from Love Shine

2012-01-04T20:39:00.000-05:00

May 2012 bring you all your heart desires... and, more importantly, what your soul needs.

Love Shine Needs More Men Bags

2012-01-04T20:36:00.000-05:00

A prototype for a Love Shine men's duffle bag... it's a work-in-progress.

Love Shine Bucket Bag

2012-01-04T20:32:00.001-05:00

One more "Mark-Over" Love Shine bag... to re-fresh your memory -
Love Shine Bag "Mark-Overs" the process by which Mark over time - gets tired of looking at an old bag and decides to spruce it up big time!

Milagros

2012-01-04T20:30:00.000-05:00

So she (the customer on the right) has decided that her "thing" would be to buy a heart milagro at Love Shine every time she same in for a visit to NYC from Montreal. We love the idea... and, of course, meeting these 2 charming ladies.

Oo La La

2012-01-04T20:28:00.000-05:00

Special Order Trippy Kitty Courier Bag if off to Paris.... au revoir cheri chat!!!

"Pointer Sisters" Yes, We Can Can" A Love Shine Song for the New Year

2011-12-31T18:18:00.001-05:00

Happy New Year!!!
2012

Two More Love Shine "Mark-Over" Courier Bags

2011-12-31T18:14:00.002-05:00

Another Love Shine Bag "Mark-Over"

2011-12-29T23:23:00.000-05:00

Love Shine Bag "Mark-Overs" (nod to Suzi List for the new term)...
the process by which Mark over time - gets tired of looking at an old bag and decides to spruce it up big time!

Love Shine "Mark-Overs"

2011-12-29T23:15:00.000-05:00

Love Shine Bag "Make-Overs" or "Mark-Overs" -- the process by which Mark over time - gets tired of looking at an old bag and decides to spruce it up big time!

Ahh, we forgot to take a "before" picture...

Flashback: Mark in the Early Years

2011-12-25T15:58:00.000-05:00

The young artist... and designer to be...

photo courtesy of Andrea N.

The Sign Says It All

2011-12-25T15:51:00.000-05:00

Christmas Eve Shopper

2011-12-25T15:49:00.000-05:00

Oh look - one of our favorite customers stopped in for a little last minute shopping yesterday!

He is gifting this courier bag to his sister - although she is not technically a teen. We thank him for continuing to spread/give Love Shine...

Great Love Shine Store Photo

2011-12-25T15:44:00.001-05:00

...la seconda settimana a New York, New Jersey e Washington...

Photo By: Matteo Scuro (a friend of Love Shine) -
the hip hop dancer who just completed a world tour
that included a stop in NYC and several at the store!!!

A Love Shine Christmas Tale

2011-12-23T23:13:00.000-05:00

We would like you to meet this nice gentleman who just purchased this mirror for his wife for x-mas. Such a cute story!

His wife noticed it last year AND much to our surprise as well - we still had it on our walls for sale this year.

Sooo she came in the day before him to do some x-mas shopping and once again noticed the mirror. He came in the next day and got it for her! So great to be a part of the Holidays memories for some longtime East Village neighbors. Thanks for your support and Happy Holidays!

Flashback: Love Shine 2.0 - The Beginning

2011-12-22T23:27:00.003-05:00

Click Here http://www.flickr.com/photos/klr/525185182/
to access a great photo stream on the beginning of Love Shine 2.0
(full photo set is on the right side of the FLICKR page)

Love Shine Oil Cloth Beach Bags

2011-12-22T23:19:00.000-05:00

...are back on the shelves in time for the holidays!!!

Love Shine Day Bags

2011-12-22T23:17:00.000-05:00

...fresh off the sewing table.

Dress Form Does Double Duty

2011-12-21T22:48:00.000-05:00

Suzette is taking a well deserved break...

Getting Ready

2011-12-20T23:03:00.001-05:00

Our new bamboo curtain has been (selected and) hung with care...

2012 here we come!

FOUND!

2011-12-20T23:01:00.000-05:00

Santa's other little helper...

An Oldie but a Goodie

2011-12-20T22:59:00.002-05:00

Tara Hand Knits

2011-12-20T22:58:00.000-05:00

...they do flowers too!

A Holiday Window - Love Shine - Dec 2011

2011-12-20T22:55:00.000-05:00

The Last Ingri Doll in the Family at Love Shine

2011-12-18T19:46:00.000-05:00

And finally, we present the last Ingri Doll that has taken up residence in our store - it's Moki Monkey!

Love Shine Wishes YOU

2011-12-16T23:07:00.000-05:00

Happy Holidays!!!

Love Shine Courier (or Messenger) Bags

2011-12-16T23:05:00.002-05:00

Love Shine courier bags make great gifts for the holidays!

Another Ingri Doll for you to Meet at Love Shine

2011-12-16T23:03:00.000-05:00

From the house of Ingri - another fuzzy friend is "in the house" of Love Shine.
Ladies and gents, meet Miko Monkey!

NEW Batch of Salvaged Sprites at Love Shine

2011-12-15T22:55:00.000-05:00

Look what flew into Love Shine recently from artist Kris Amel's house...

*thanks to her husband Dave for chaperoning them safely into the city...

Tara Hand Knits Corner at Love Shine

2011-12-15T22:51:00.000-05:00

...this crazy warm weather won't last forever.
So if you need a hat or scarf, come check out our Tara Hand Knits!

Knits Are All the Rage

2011-12-14T22:13:00.000-05:00

She came in wearing her TARA Hand Knit hat today. She shared with us that her hat gets her lots of compliments - sometimes in the most unlikeliest of places!

Love Shine Sugar Skull Backpack to Go

2011-12-14T22:11:00.000-05:00

Mark just finished this Sugar Skull Backpack for a special order... off to the post office tomorrow to ship it out.

Another Ingri Doll at Love Shine

2011-12-14T22:10:00.000-05:00

Up next from the House of Ingri... we would like for you to meet Marty!

Salvaged Sprite Close-Up

2011-12-13T22:17:00.002-05:00

Another Ingri Doll at Love Shine

2011-12-13T22:16:00.000-05:00

From the House of Ingri, we want you to come in and meet Frances - the love doll...

"tis the Season

2011-12-12T22:30:00.000-05:00

Ingri Dolls Have Returned to Love Shine

2011-12-12T22:28:00.000-05:00

Hooray!!! The dolls from the House of Ingri have recently returned to OUR house (or rather - our store)! We are so excited to welcome them back after many years. We missed them soooo much.

Oh, and his name is Pico Panda! And he has 4 other fuzzy friends that we will be introducing to you later this week!

Mother and Daughter

2011-12-12T22:26:00.000-05:00

are both fans of Love Shine! The Mom came in with her Love Shine Market Bag...

Her daughter just acquired a Love Shine Lipstick Purse...

She is also working on another stylish project... decorating her backpack with iron-on patches from the store... cool!

A Friend of the Sprite Maker

2011-12-08T23:34:00.000-05:00

...comes to select a sprite. We were, of course, taken with her lovely outfit!!!

I Am Ready for My Close-Up... A Salvaged Sprite

2011-12-08T23:31:00.002-05:00

Come Right On In...

2011-12-08T23:30:00.000-05:00

NEW Love Shine Courier Bag

2011-12-08T23:27:00.001-05:00

And now for something completely different -

a brand NEW Love Shine courier bag!!!

Salvaged Sprites at Love Shine

2011-12-08T23:25:00.000-05:00

‎"Tis the season for Kris Amels' Salvaged Sprites!!!

We have a new batch that is bigger and bolder than before!

Exclusively sold at Love Shine.

NEW Book - Joyous Moments by Ken Brown

2011-12-08T23:21:00.002-05:00

Shelf Life Series feat Haitian Art - Love Shine -

2011-12-06T23:17:00.000-05:00

Haitian art pieces are made from steel drums.

Well "Hello" Again!

2011-12-06T23:14:00.000-05:00

I (Richard) recognized this cool customer (who came in on Sunday) from several years ago.
And his cool shark backpack (which I photographed at the time).

So I turned to Mark and said "Isn't that the guy who had the cool back pack?" Obviously not enough of a clue.

BUT it turned out to be him! Of course the gentleman in question was quite surprised i remembered him too! He left his backpack at home (in Australia) this time because it was attracting too much attention. Funny indeed.

So cool, after two years or more, to see a former customer take the time to come check us out since we are off the beaten path!

FYI - Backpack in question...

Vintage Betty Crocker Recipe Cards - by Kris Amels

2011-12-06T23:10:00.000-05:00

Kris Amels' Vintage Betty Crocker Recipe Card Journals - they, like much of her work, are made from re-claimed or "found" materials.

NEW Item - X-Ray Blank Journals

2011-12-06T23:08:00.000-05:00

NEW Item for Love Shine from Salvaged Sprite artist Kris Amels -

X-Ray Journals!!!

We asked whether the covers are actual x-rays and here are the details from Kris herself...

"Anyway, yes! They are indeed real, and also endangered, as many medical offices & hospitals are going digital. These are all recycled from a home x-ray service and also my local vet...

I will donate $1 from each journal sold to a ferret rescue in my town.
If I remember correctly, the bigger ones are mostly dog hips & spines. The smaller ones are mixed human and animal."

Flashback: The Beginning of Love Shine 2.0

2011-12-05T13:06:00.000-05:00

...seems like only yesterday.
But behold - for a brief period time,
we had 2 Love Shine store spaces (543 and 543 1/2) sitting side-by-side as we renovated the new space.

Love Shine presents TARA Hand Knit Window

2011-12-05T12:59:00.000-05:00

MTM Theme Song Montage

2011-12-05T12:55:00.000-05:00

Behind the Desk at Love Shine

2011-12-05T12:54:00.002-05:00

The last of the b-day pixs....
Richard.

Bag With Issues

2011-12-05T12:52:00.000-05:00

quick sketch by Mark... our "bag with issues" box has become our "recession special" basket.

Times, they are 'a changin'...

Sock Monkey Family at Love Shine

2011-12-05T12:49:00.000-05:00

Flashback: Our Old Love Shine Business Card

2011-12-05T12:47:00.002-05:00

NEW Cozy Corner at Love Shine

2011-12-05T12:44:00.001-05:00

TARA Hand Knits On Display at Love Shine

2011-12-01T17:59:00.000-05:00

Love Shine Courier Bags - feat new trims!!!

2011-11-30T22:14:00.000-05:00

Flashback: Another Painting by Mark Seamon

2011-11-30T22:12:00.000-05:00