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.

casting about

I've been absent here, trying to be present in my everyday life. Trying to find the ground, to root in and hold as the winds and waters of life past around me. Casting over and out, tempting nibbles of the future to align correctly.  Changes are happening, slowly, slowly. I can feel my heart pulling towards the future, as I try to pull it back, to be. Here. Now. Planning is a genetic impulse. Lists, budgets, schedules, more lists.
One fantastic project has consumed me. It is finally finished, 13 plus hours later.  Thirteen hours snatched from here and there in the evenings, between adventures and errands on weekends. I have more waiting in the wings, ready to be born of leather and rivets, and maybe even fabric. Soon, they will be ready to share. As soon as the light is right, photos will be taken. 

Until then, be good and gentle with yourself.

dropping in

Hello, I've been busy with life these past weeks.  Work, life after work, finishing cuffs and making plans for new ones.  I've got a clutch purse in the order pile I am super excited about. Though I have to go to the warehouse and purchase more leather.  I can't believe how much of my last piece I've used up!  I'm proud of how small it has gotten.  I am tempted to make a small purse, just to use it up.  To say I've finished it.  Leathercraft is a beautiful force for my muse. I can't keep my mind and hands away for too long.

I don't have  photos now, but I will soon, when the light is better.

sweet dreams!

On thinking of Fear

Dear Sunny posted her wonderful thoughts on fear today.  Please read her words, they are beautiful and true.

She made me think of my own fears, most of those thoughts centered around making art. 

The drive that makes me create is also what holds me back from sharing my work. Oh, but the fear of a frown can keep me (and any artist, I think.) from showing my hand. Leatherwork has been the most encouraging art I have found yet.  I am braver with it somehow. Working catches my soul up so hugely that I have to share, no matter what.  It excites me that this fear of sharing has come to sit by me, and that in acknowledging its presence, I can push myself to show my work.  To DO something with it, instead of packing things away, like a squirrel.   I have bags of finished embroideries that only need frames, knit things that need photos... so many sketchbooks, endless ideas that never came to light, for fear of others' thoughts.

Fear is not something to be ashamed of having, so long as it is noted with honesty, and spoken of. It is what has kept us alive.  Keeping us from running across a busy street, encouraging us to smell the milk before taking a drink, to slather sunscreen on our skin.  It can be an asset. 

It can hold us back from pursuing our dreams. Not wanting to fail is a huge fear of everyone's. It is at the top of my list, that's for sure.  I worry. And fret. And fear. I could choose to go no further, to stay in safety, or venture out and explore the path ahead.  I am pushing forward with fear, I am tired of this place and need to move.

I take a deep breath, and take fear by the hand and thank it for it's help. I turn to courage, and it takes my hand and we jump in head first. There is a balance, and too much of either can crush a soul (or body!) Writing to you helps line up the fears I can move past. Thank you for reading this, it helps to say things, doesn't it? Especially when you say them to someone else - not just the cat. I am not going to reread this post and edit it. It is one I could comb over for hours. Here are my thoughts, I hope they reach you well.  

Speak your fears, or they may tie you down. 




Love to you all. 


xo
Cat