For retired elementary teacher turned artisan, Gladys Turner Scheytt, creativity has always been a guiding thread. From sewing dresses for her daughter and nieces to crafting baby quilt sets for new arrivals in the family, she’s long embraced the joy of making something beautiful with her hands. But it was the process of bag-making—purses, totes, and backpacks—that ultimately captured her heart. Today, through her business Designs by Giannaly, Gladys pours her passion into creating accessories that marry function with personality. Shoppers can find her unique creations at local markets, on Etsy at Designs by Giannaly, and by following her on Instagram @designs_by_giannaly, or her Facebook group, Designs by Giannaly. With each carefully chosen fabric and thoughtful detail, her designs become more than bags—they become statements. Read on to learn more about Gladys' journey, inspirations, and the artistry behind her work.
Q: How would you describe your personal style, and how does it influence the bags you design?
A: I like to keep things simple and add a little fun imagination to my approach. I prefer clean lines and shapes, but I also like to incorporate unexpected things like a bright color, a distinctive printed fabric, or a fun element like my popular iridescent zippers that people love so much. These mixes make each piece unique.
I get my ideas from everyday life and the world around me. I always try to make bags and handbags that are useful and practical.
When I create, I always think about how the bag would integrate into someone's daily life and show off their personality. I want to make pieces that can be used for many different things yet still feel like one of a kind item. I like to find a balance between practicality and style, and I want my bags to be pleasant to use and look at.
Q: You make everything from crossbody purses to roomy backpacks—how do you approach designing for both function and style?
A: Before I begin designing a bag, whether it's a small crossbody purse or a large backpack, I always consider its intended use. I want something that is practical and functional, which is vital. I consider what someone might need to carry, how they will wear the bag, and what features—like pockets, adjustable straps, or secure closures—will make it useful for everyday life. For example, my backpacks serve a dual purpose; they may be worn as a regular backpack or as a shoulder bag by removing the straps and attaching one strap to the D-rings I placed inside the backpack. Another example is the small crossbody with three card slots for credit cards and two exterior pockets; the front pocket is large enough for most cell phones, and the back pocket—even though it is small—will fit a key fob and small change.
Q: Your pieces feel bold yet wearable. Who do you imagine carrying one of your bags?
A: People like to show their personality through their accessories by wearing purses, jewelry, shoes, or other pieces with their ensemble. I imagine those people wearing one of my bags. I like to see people who are unafraid to incorporate vibrant colors or original and artistic patterns into their attire and seek a bag that makes a statement without compromising comfort or functionality, whether they are heading to work, meeting friends, or exploring the city. In the end, my bags are for those who like to be original, add a dash of boldness, and want their accessories to feel both special and practical.
Q: What role do materials, textures, and color combinations play in your creative process?
A: My creative approach is all about the materials I use. I love working with printed cottons—especially Southwestern prints, artistic prints, and solid colors of marine vinyl—because they allow me many chances to mix and match colors, patterns, and textures in new and interesting ways. I never enter a quilt shop or fabric shop without buying fabric, and readers can join my Facebook page, Designs by Giannaly, to see the new prints I add to my work.
The bright prints give each design a unique look and personality, while the marine vinyl makes it more durable and provides it a sleek, modern look. Many of my customers have expressed their appreciation for the vibrant color combinations in my bags. I deliberately choose combinations that make each bag both eye-catching and useful by balancing brightness with everyday wearability.
Q: Do you follow trends, or do you prefer to carve your own creative path?
A: I like to see what's trendy right now for ideas, but I know I like to do things my own way. Fashion is always evolving, but I want my bags to stand out for their unique style, not just because they follow what's popular right now. I don't just imitate what's trendy; I aim to make things that show off my style and vision, which is a mix of being bold and practical. This approach enables me to provide my clients something special and long-lasting, and it keeps my creative process fresh and true. I hope to make bags that people love for their quality and uniqueness, not just because they're trendy.
Q: What feeling or experience do you hope someone has the first time they carry one of your bags?
A: I hope that the first time someone carries one of my bags, they feel delighted and confident. I want them to feel special because they have a unique, well-made accessory that shows who we are. I want my bags to make everyday life more fun and interesting while being useful and easy to carry.
One of the most gratifying experiences I have had was witnessing a lady in church carrying one of my purses. I couldn't believe it. Seeing others use and cherish my work filled me with pride and humility. Those kinds of moments remind me why I do what I do, to create pieces that bring a touch of happiness and a sense of individuality to someone’s day. Observing how people use my bags as both practical items and statement pieces inspires me daily.
What began as a hobby has blossomed into a thriving small business for Gladys Turner Scheytt, the creative force behind Designs by Giannaly. Five years ago, she began sewing purses, totes, and backpacks as a way to combine her love of fabric with her need to stay creatively engaged. Her passion quickly found an audience, and soon her hobby transformed into something more. Today, her crossbody bags and other designs can be found at Saguaro Square on Tucson’s east side, as well as at Sunny Days Gifts and Decor & More on Broadway Boulevard. For those who love to shop local, Gladys is also a familiar face at Foothills Community Market, open and operating on weekends at La Cholla and Ina Road. With a focus on unique fabrics, inventive designs, and meticulous details, Designs by Giannaly celebrates the idea that a bag is more than an accessory—it’s a reflection of personal style.
"I want my bags to make everyday life more fun and interesting while being useful and easy to carry."