How Your Shiva Urban Bag is Made

One of the questions customers ask me most often is: How is a Shiva Urban bag actually made?

The answer is one of my favorite things to share because there’s so much that goes into making each bag. Every Shiva Urban bag is handmade in Bali using natural ata grass and traditional weaving techniques. From preparing the raw material to weaving, sun-drying, smoking, and finishing, the process takes time—and a lot of patience.

And because every bag is made by hand from natural materials, no two are exactly alike. You may notice slight variations in the weave, shape, color, or batik lining. Those small differences are part of what makes each Shiva Urban bag uniquely yours—from a classic woven tote to a handmade rattan crossbody bag.

Here’s a closer look at how a bundle of natural vines becomes the bag you carry.

Step 1: It Starts With Ata Grass

The process begins with ata grass, a strong, flexible climbing vine that grows naturally in the volcanic foothills of Bali.

Although you’ll often hear these finished pieces described as rattan bags, straw purses, or wicker handbags, traditional Bali bags are made from the natural ata vine because it can be woven tightly yet remain remarkably strong.

The mature vines are harvested and carefully split into long, narrow strands. This preparation takes skill and patience before the weaving even begins.

Step 2: Every Bag Is Woven by Hand

This is where the magic happens!

Each strand is woven by hand to create the bag's shape and pattern. There are no shortcuts or machines involved. Depending on the size, shape, and complexity of the design, weaving can take several days or longer.

Some designs require especially careful shaping. A structured top-handle bag like our Sunday Brunch, for example, has its own distinctive curves and silhouette that must be formed as the artisan weaves.

Step 3: Drying Under the Bali Sun

Once the weaving is finished, the bag spends several days drying naturally under Bali’s warm sun. This helps remove moisture from the fibers and prepares the bag for the next stage.

I love this part of the process because it’s so simple: sunshine, fresh air, natural materials, and time. There’s no rushing it.

Step 4: The Coconut-Husk Smoking Process

This is probably the most fascinating part of making an authentic Bali bag—and something many customers don’t know about until they own one.

After drying, the woven bags are slowly smoked over burning coconut husks. This traditional curing process helps harden and strengthen the natural fibers while creating the rich golden-toasted color associated with authentic handmade Bali bags.

And yes, it also explains that distinctive aroma you may notice when you first open your Shiva Urban package.

The subtle smoky scent is a natural result of the coconut-husk curing process. Rather than being a flaw, it’s one of the hallmarks of a traditionally made Bali bag—not a mass-produced imitation that has simply been painted or stained to look similar.

The aroma gradually fades with fresh air and regular use, but the beautiful toasted color remains.

Step 5: Adding the Finishing Touches

Once the smoking process is complete, the bags are finished with vibrant batik lining, genuine leather handles, or shoulder straps.

I especially love the batik linings because they add another little piece of Indonesia to the bag. Open one up, and you’ll often find an unexpected pattern or splash of color inside.

On a roomy design like our Straw Sensation, the batik drawstring lining also helps keep your belongings secure while adding personality to the interior.

Why Handmade Still Matters

In a world full of fast fashion and mass production, choosing handmade feels more meaningful than ever.

Every Shiva Urban bag represents hours of careful work by artisans who have spent years mastering their craft. Instead of owning something that rolled off an assembly line, you're carrying a bag that someone made with their own hands, one weave at a time.

For me, that's what makes these bags so special. And that's the story I hope every customer carries with them.

Thank You for Supporting Handmade

Every Shiva Urban bag helps support artisan families and preserve one of Bali's oldest weaving traditions. When you choose handmade, you're choosing craftsmanship, sustainability, and a slower, more thoughtful way of creating beautiful things.

Thank you for being part of that story!