bags for books

Against a body of ivory, a ferny frond in azure is embroidered onto the front of this cotton shoulder bag from India. Perfect for a day out shopping or on a casual outing, this bag is presented by Asha Prabha. Opening with a magnetic snap, the shoulder bag reveals a cotton-lined interior with an open pocket on one side for organizing your belongings.

The uniqueness of Thailand's textile artistry is showcased in the design of this black shoulder bag by Vinita. Different appliqué patterns adorn the front and the back in shades of black, grey, white, and brown. Each panel is designed as a practical external pocket with a magnetic button closure. The lined interior includes a zipper pocket and the shoulder strap can be adjusted to the desired length.

Handwoven of cotton on the traditional backstrap loom, this marvelous handbag comes from Petrona Perez and Asociación de Artesanas of Mexico. The crimson tote features rainbow stripes and an embroidered bouquet of flowers on the front. The versatile purse opens to a roomy, unlined interior for storing your belongings.

This appealing shoulder bag from Laura Leticia Burrion in Guatemala is woven of pure cotton on a traditional loom. The deep blue bag is fully lined and features an exterior zipper pocket so you can keep small items close at hand.

Sturdy brown canvas becomes a stylish shoulder bag in the talented hands of Karina and Maybee in Peru. The artisans trim the bag with brown leather and add a wide, adjustable shoulder strap. Two exterior compartments keep small items handy.

Elephants trek across this jaunty messenger-style shoulder bag from Thailand's Russamee Thepphanakit. The tweed-like light brown cotton bag features an adjustable strap, a back zipper pocket and a zipper closure under the flap. It is fully lined in black cotton and has one open pocket and one zipper pocket in the interior to keep small items organized.

Karina and Maybeé bring superior elegance to the design of this messenger bag. Sewn of green cotton drill, the bag is trimmed with subtle leather accents. The practical bag features two lined zipper-top compartments, as well as a button-top pocket. This one has an interior pocket as well as three slots for pens and pencils.

Inspired by the archaeological treasure that is the Sacred Valley of the Inca, the artisans of the Center for Traditional Textiles of Cusco create this beautiful shoulder bag. They use a traditional loom to weave the bag from a alpaca and sheep's wool blend yarns. Inca-inspired motifs decorate the bag as well as the shoulder straps. The fully lined bag features an interior zipper pocket.

Flowers blossom into myriad vibrant colors in the sumptuous design of this shoulder bag from India. In Asha Prabha's design a bright orange appliqué flower is radiant among embroidered blooms underscored by the black textures of faux dupioni. The back and the interior of the bag are in solid black cotton. A zipper closes the inner pocket and a magnetic snap secures the bag.

Patiently handwoven on the backstrap loom, ancient motifs recall the splendor of the Inca empire, when such textiles were more highly prized than gold. Artisans of the Center for Traditional Textiles of Cusco craft a handbag of timeless beauty, combining blue and with two shades of red on a dark blue background. They name their design for Chinchero, where time seems to have stood still for centuries and the Quechua language is spoken and seek to keep the old textile traditions alive.

The community raises and cares for its own alpacas. The fleece is washed, carded and spun by hand using a pushka, or drop spindle. The dyes come from plants, nuts and tree bark. The next step is one of the most important, as the artisan prepares the warp, or vertical threads for the backstrap loom. This determines the size of the textile, the color combinations, and the patterns that will be woven.

The intensity of color can vary depending on the hardness of the water, the altitude and the local dye sources, making each textile a unique piece of handcrafted art. The bag is fully lined and opens to reveal a convenient zipper pocket.

Thai artisan Jiap Rojjana creates this stunning shoulder bag inspired by the bold geometric designs of the Akha Hill Tribe. The eye-catching patterns in rich shades of green, orange, red, and blue are embroidered by hand on the front of the black cotton bag. Golden yellow cord and rain tree wood beads decorate the strap, with a coconut shell button for the closure. The shoulder bag opens to reveal a black cotton lining with an interior zipper pocket that is ideal for smaller items.

Because each is an individual work of embroidery art, colors and motifs may vary slightly according to the artisan's inspiration.

Discover your next great adventure in this beautifully illustrated guide to the world’s best travel destinations. From the ultimate hiking trails to the most scenic train rides, the most stunning coral reefs to the most epic mountain retreats, you’ll find 1,000 exceptional destinations to add to your travel bucket list!

Each of the 1,000 bucket list-worthy trips in this sumptuous volume has been carefully vetted and selected by the celebrated travel experts at National Geographic. On every page you’ll find new ways to experience beloved destinations, such as a family-friendly tour of Rome’s beloved ruins or a foodie tour of New York City, as well as hidden gems around the globe, including a cloud forest in the mountains of Ecuador and a kite surfing excursion off the coast of Spain. Plus, find detailed road trips to places near (Charleston, South Carolina) and far (a grand tour of Switzerland), along with top 10 lists from the best ski resorts to the best green hotels. Discover majestic nature escapes, family getaways, cultural hot spots, remarkable cityscapes, and one-of-a-kind thrills in this beautifully illustrated collection that will help you find your next exhilarating destination.

So get ready to pack your bags…this inspired collection will leave ready to experience the ultimate travel adventure!