On Fringe

This bag has been percolating in my heart for quite a while... months, easily. It was cut free-form, no pattern, planning and stitching as it came together. I used a ruler 2 times, only when necessary to the purse's stability.

Intuition lead the charge. Hand punched holes, stitched one by one with red nylon thread. Fringe, moving and swaying as I cut each strip. The tassel, added to the bottom for even more movement and a touch of weight.

The result, an across the body purse, made of the softest sea foam-blue leather. Secured with stitching and rivets, a veggie tanned strap, left nearly naked to encourage patina & age, woven through the sides. More stitching, echoing heart beats, more fringe swaying down the side.

This bag is for one who rocks in her walk, is smooth & tough, full of determination. She walks straight and tall, confident, at the end of the day, that she will survive it all.

Doves were in my heart with every moment.

Sketchbook and plans for a purse

I was also getting ready for the leather stamping class I'm teaching on Sunday, hence the snap spillage

Blue Lotus Clutch

Finis

So many lovely hours spent tooling, painting, and constructing.

This sweet clutch was built over several months, in a time where things got beautiful and hard and down right sad.  It's good to finally have finished her. She deserves a good home.

Mini Mandala!

I just posted this in the ol' etsy shop, and realized I hadn't shown you guys yet! This purse was inspired by the paper I wrote for teacher training on mandalas.  Using them as a meditative tool to help yourself focus, meditate more thoroughly and feel better in general. This bag was one of my many experiments into mandala mediums, it was such a joy to create. Letting the tools "pick themselves" as I worked my way around the circle.  I didn't measure anything out as I tooled, letting my eye guess the distance between hammer strikes. I love how it turned out, and am excited to learn who it belongs to.

I love this shape, and will be revisiting it again soon I think... 

I have also explored stitching in leather.  I'm in love.

Mandalas

Remember this post?

I finished...

If she sings your song, just say the word and reserve her with a message here. I'll post her in the shop by the weekend.

Mandalas

Process

  Repetition.

 Hammering.

Quiet.

Peace.

Present project

A gift of supple, soft leather has become a lovely clutch, this time, for me.

Though I think I hear some lovely dove grey suede calling out for the same treatment...

Meet the Manatee

This purse was a super special order for one awesome girl! Its safe to say this was the most fun project I had all year! 

Also, I sang Mr. Manatee this song every day I worked on him.