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.

A simple bag

That turned into my working meditation for the month. I found myself in full artist-hermit mode the past few weeks, working only on this dear project... Even as others that needed to be worked on stared patiently from their side of my work bench.

And now... she is finished. Riveted, sewn, tooled, painted, buckled, primrosed and loved.

The words are "Let us go then, you and I..." from T. S. Elliot's The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock. I've always loved this poem, and then one of my brothers studied and memorized it.  Hearing his voice (I'm quite chuffed that he's my brother- quite clever that one - though they all are, my siblings) recite the words, I loved it even more. It seemed fitting, to put this line on a bag that will travel with me. I will go with it and chase the fog in the cities, the mist in the mountains, and feel the breeze carry sweet scents.

Practical Craft

I have realized lately, once again, that I don't use things unless I can see them. This includes my modest jewelry collection, which I adore.  I'm a sucker for original, quirky things, and have been expanding my bauble horizon since I realized how much fun big, dangling earrings and huge rings are.  

I found this former utensil organizer at one of our thrift stores, added hooks, a few more shelves (2 layers of balsa wood) and spray painted it a glossy white.  It looks quite peachy against the teal of our bedroom.  In all, it cost less than $15 for sure, probably more like 10, but I can't remember how much the hooks & paint were. 

Extra bonus, Fidgit can't get to it!