Artisans across America: Laptop covers
I have a steady job — in an office, at a desk with a computer, and in a chair that is usually sometimes comfortable. I love my job, even though it requires demanding hours and imprisons me on the fifth floor with no window to view the sun.
I love that editing keeps my mind sharp. I revel in knowing that through it, I have the opportunity to brainstorm with some of the best journalists around, in order to present the news in the best way possible. Journalism runs through my veins like Forrest Gump through the Bayou.
However, the creative writer in me will never die. Ever. I often say that I am a copy editor to pay the bills, and a freelance writer to force my mind to forget about the bills. And because of that, I would be lost without my laptop. Some folks have Post-Its. I have Word document after Word document, full of ideas and incomplete brainstorming sessions. The first sentence to my first novel. The last sentence to my book honoring college football legends. An unfinished poem for my little niece.
My home laptop has become an integral part of my existence. Because I have an awful memory, I rely on the memory of my little purple Dell. I guard it with my life… and as soon as the UPS man makes his next visit, I will be guarding it with one of these little handmade laptop sleeves. Because, really, when a writer honestly asks herself, “WWCBD (What Would Carrie Bradshaw Do?)” … the answer most definitely is going to be “add style to your technology.”
Your life might be more complete with a laptop sleeve, too. These are my favorite finds… {Pssssst…. they also would make great graduation gifts!}
{A little funky fashionista-esque, eh? With or without the shoulder strap, these bags come in SEVERAL prints, including zebra, paisley, polka-dot, floral and damask. Protects from scuffs and spills. Sold here by Janine King Designs and made in upstate New York ($39-59) View all fabric selections here.}
{Upcycled coffee beans bag. This one, along with the others to come, isn’t really a “protective” cover, in that it doesn’t have shock absorbers or spill-proof fabric. But if you already have a durable bag and just need a sleeve to keep it from scuffing inside the bag, or need something to ward off dust while you’re away from your desk… this is fabulous and very unique. Print says “clean coffee, producto de Guatelmala.”
You can buy here from Baltimore crafter labudde. $35}
{A knitted laptop sweater? Yes, please. This is so buffalo that it is totally fancy. Buy here from Washington, D.C. designer ErdeneSuren. She’s adorable, and so are her crafts.}
{I have never seen a green giraffe, but nonetheless, I must have this. It is also lined with hot pink fabric. So, yeah. I’ll be getting one. Can be bought here for $25 from Etsy shop Mabels, which is based in Amerst, NY}
{Pink. Paisley. Corduroy. OMG. Enough said. You can purchase this bargain for under $25 from Iowa handcrafter TealSuede.}
{This proves that “looking professional” can also be stylish. These tweed sleeves also come in brown tones and the closure is genuine leather. Check out the Westfield shop SivannaDesigns for more options.}
Most handmade covers come in varying sizes, to accommodate varying computer brands. Make sure to double-check the dimensions, and if the one catching your eye isn’t the correct size, send the designer a note asking for a custom order. Most will oblige, most of the time at no extra cost.
And, seriously, check out the handmade scene. You’ll usually pay less and your unique purchase will cause you to be envied more :)
** These items were hand-picked at my discretion. Nothing in the “Artisans Across America” series is a paid advertisement. I simply feature things I like. All photos are property of shops listed.**









