💋 Turning Pages into Purses: The Story Behind the I Kissed Shara Wheeler Book Bag

Link to purchase: https://www.fredthereddesigns.com/listing/4304714128/book-clutch-handmade-kiss-print-purse

📖 A Novel That Deserves to Be Carried

I Kissed Shara Wheeler isn’t just a book—it’s an anthem of identity, courage, and unexpected connection. Written by Casey McQuiston, the New York Times bestselling author of Red, White & Royal Blue and One Last Stop, this young adult novel follows high school senior Chloe Green as she unravels the mystery behind the sudden disappearance of her rival—and kiss—Shara Wheeler. The story bursts with Southern Gothic charm, pastel pageantry, and self-discovery, all wrapped in McQuiston’s signature witty prose. It’s no wonder that fans of the book want to hold on to it forever. So, we made that possible—by turning it into a purse.  

🎨 From Page to Purse: The Creative Process

The journey from book to bag begins with a vision. We don’t just glue on hardware and call it a day—we reconstruct each book by hand, carefully preserving its integrity while transforming it into a functional, fashionable statement piece. For this purse, the theme was clear: lips, lipstick, love. 

💋 Exterior Design: Kissed and Sealed

The cover features bold lipstick prints in cherry red, fuchsia, and deep berry tones—each kiss hand-stamped and sealed for durability. Centered on the front cover is a trio of upcycled brooches: a glittering red heart, a silver open-heart charm, and a vintage floral button that doubles as part of the ornate clasp system. The reverse side boasts a solitary glittered lip charm, giving the purse a minimalist pop-art vibe from behind. 

✋ Handmade Beaded Handle

The strap is where glamor meets craftsmanship. We hand-beaded it using a combination of faux pearls, gold-toned beads, and enamel accents in red and black. A few rare vintage beads—each carefully selected—add texture and individuality. The result is a tactile handle that feels luxurious, with just the right amount of playful rebellion. This isn’t just a strap—it’s a necklace for your purse. 

🌈 Interior: A Surprise Party Inside

Open the bag and you’re met with an explosion of texture and color. The interior is lined in red faux crocodile fabric, symbolizing the boldness and confidence of the book’s characters. But what really catches the eye is the ribbon work: a row of Baroque embroidered trim in golden filigree, with floral details in emerald green and crimson red. The sides are finished in soft leopard-print velvet, adding a wink of wild style to contrast the polished structure of the cover. Each section was measured, cut, sewn, and fitted by hand. No templates. No mass production. Just the kind of art that can only come from love, skill, and a little creative chaos.  

👜 Who Buys Book Purses?

It might surprise you, but the market for book purses is more diverse than you’d expect. These aren’t just novelty items—they’re beloved by readers, collectors, artists, and fashion lovers alike. 

📚 The Avid Reader

Many of our customers are bibliophiles who want to keep their favorite books with them—literally. They love that their purse starts conversations, shows off their literary taste, and turns something old into something stunningly new. 

💃 The Statement-Making Fashionista

This isn’t your typical handbag. It’s expressive, bold, and full of character. Fashion lovers often pair it with minimalist outfits to let the purse take center stage. Think: little black dress, red lipstick, and a clutch that’s already kissed you back. 

🎁 The Thoughtful Gifter

A book purse makes an unforgettable gift. Whether it's for a high school graduate, a bridesmaid, a best friend, or a spouse who loved the novel, it's a meaningful present that blends personality and craftsmanship. 

🌈 The Queer and Creative

Many buyers of I Kissed Shara Wheeler book bags are members of the LGBTQ+ community or allies who felt a deep connection to the story’s themes. For them, this bag is more than fashion—it’s a badge of belonging and identity, handmade with pride.  

💡 Why One-of-a-Kind Matters

Each purse is entirely one-of-a-kind, which means no two are ever the same. Even if you used the same book cover and color palette, no replication would ever capture the same vibe, energy, and detailing. In a world full of fast fashion and factory-made goods, handmade items like these remind us that artistry is still alive. You're not just buying a purse. You're investing in something that can never be duplicated. And that’s a little bit magic, don’t you think?  

🛍️ Ready to Add a Little Lipstick to Your Look?

The I Kissed Shara Wheeler Book Purse is available now on Etsy, under Fred the Red Designs. It comes with:  

We make each purse to last, but because they’re made from actual hardcover books, they’re best treated gently—just like any piece of art.  

🧵 Final Thoughts: A Story You Can Carry

Turning a book into a purse may sound whimsical—and it is—but at its heart, it's about honoring the story. About holding onto the words that moved us, and giving them a second life in the real world. With I Kissed Shara Wheeler, that story is about transformation, identity, and the thrill of the unexpected. So it’s only fitting that the purse it became is just as bold, brilliant, and completely unforgettable. Because when fashion meets literature, something magical happens. You don’t just carry a bag—you carry a story.