clutch » by elke

Signature Clutch

Well, it was a great 10 days with launching the store, learning how to pack & ship & becoming very good friend with my local post office. The part of the whole process I liked the most was getting to meet either through emails, or in person, the lovely ladies that were my customers. I love to be able to put a face to a name & personally pass off their bag. They were truly the kindest women & so full of positive energy. I also had some really nice email bantering that always put a happy spin on the day. The whole experience was so positive that I’m busy at work again getting ready to open another shop in mid April- A more exact date to be posted in the next few weeks! This time around it won’t be a “pop-up” shop, just a shop.

I thought I’d share one of the more simple bags that was available & I do have a couple left as I thought for something like this, one of a kind won’t fly. This is a great basic clutch that would fit into any lifestyle & has just the right amount of organization on the inside so you don’t loose your pieces at the bottom of a bag. I added a small embroidery to the front flap which gives it the handmade touch along with a contrast hand stitched tack at the opening. The leather is just the best thick veg tan quality that is firm yet soft. It is the perfect weight & quality for so many projects!

I look forward to creating more with this beautiful leather.

A big thank you again for all the support & encouragement I was given the last month and a half as I was in the process of trying to figure out how to actually put together a store. I have so much more to learn but it should be a ton easier the second time around.

Once I Was a Bank Bag

Last fall when I was in Texas I stumbled over some very old vintage bank coin bags. I wasn’t sure how to use them but I held onto them anyway. Just before the Holiday Market I made them into rugged clutches, small stains, markings, hand-writing & all. They were a hit & I believe they all sold before I even made it to the fair. About a month ago I stumbled upon some more. Just 4, but all different. They are from all around the mid west & each one looks like its filled to the brim with stories & history. These will be getting added to the store in time for opening next week. I’m plugging away still, making product, taking photos & input, input, input! It will be so fun to finally OPEN the doors!

To see what’s in the store so far, click on the shop button to the right.

Have a great weekend! xo

Buckle Clutch

This clutch is made from one of my new favorite veg tan leathers. It’s thick but spongy & soft. By adding this vintage buckle with just the right patina it seemed to finish the bag off nicely. What I like best about these fold over clutches is that there is a zipper closure for safe keeping & also the leather buckle can just be popped off by a button, no need to unfasten it.

Small Details

The construction of a clutch isn’t very complicated (especially the way I make them). Simple shapes need fabulous small details to make them special. For this brown leather clutch, I added a leather horse bridle tab that is attached with an antique mother of pearl shirt stud. By adding 2 simple gold stripes down the center, the whole bag becomes a unique, one of a kind handbag.

Natural Edge

I only made 3 of these clutches as it’s really hard to find a great leather with a natural edge that has some character & a little burnish. I like that the zipper is hidden under the flap. At first glance it looks like a very simple fold-over construction but by adding the zipper it becomes a fully constructed bag. This may definitely be a style I’d like to continue into fall. Now I just need to get my hands on some great leather!

White & Yellow

This is still one of my very favorite combinations. It is just perfect for so many products in the spring & summer. Now I have to figure out a way to continue using it for fall & winter…

Once I Was An Airline Canvas Duffel

I found this big, heavy canvas, turquoise duffel bag & immediately knew it could be something fun. I held onto it for about 4 months before I actually had the nerve to cut it apart. From this bag I was able to make 2 fold-over clutches (One with white leather & one with brown) & an oversized tote bag (that will be another post… it’s a work in progress).

By adding a leather bottom, contrast zippers & a leather pull, the simple canvas fabric was transformed into a real hipster clutch. When it’s open, it can also be used to hold an iPad or small computer. I like when there can be more than one use for a simple bag.

Waxed Clutch

I’ve been very busy this summer in between travels making all sorts of things in anticipation for the September Firefly Market. I know from experience that no matter how organized I am, there are always a million thinks that need to be done. I also keep wanting to make just one more…… here are some new clutches that I made combining leather & waxed cotton canvas from an old hunting tent. The insides are lined in a natural linen. They can be used folded over or will fit an iPad or small computer if open. I really like these 2 textures together which makes me want to play with more combinations & ideas… there just aren’t enough hours in the day!

Painted Canvas Clutch

The fabric for this clutch is made from an old army tarp. Add some bright canvas, paint some stripes, sew in a zipper, add a leather tab….Wa-La!

Army Tarp Clutch

Yesterday I posted about a tote bag made out of an army tarp. Here is the clutch version sporting all the same details as the tote down to the fishing lure attached to the zipper.