handbag » by elke

Garden Tote Class

This tote was made as an example for my upcoming class at Fabricate here in Boulder. After following a pattern the first time I made one, I realized it was not exactly what I was picturing. Like anything else, making a pattern can be about the concept your trying to achieve. I changed the height & width of the original & made the front & back pockets 2 instead of 3 which I thought was just too many for my needs. I ended up with a good sized, very functional, multi-pocket handbag which I use constantly especially when the weather gets springy. Bags like this are great for the farmers market & also keeping your goods separated when you’re lugging around not just your things, but your kids as well. For this sample, I incorporated detachable leather handles that can be removed for when you need to just throw it in the washing machine.

If you’re around & interested, this will be a 2 part class from 12:30-2:30 on Thursday May 17 & 24th.

Metallic Leather

Just wanted to share some pictures of some hand painted metallic leather totes I made a while ago. I wanted to contrast the silver & gold outside with a heavy linen on the inside. I also found these bags a great vehicle for a little added embroidery. The stitching gives each bag a unique look that contrasts to the shiny leather. The straps are horse bridles & for a pop of color I carried the embroidery detail onto one side of each strap.

Small Details

This green leather bag started out very simple but little by little, all the small interesting details were added. The bag construction is not complicated but by adding the horse bridle straps in an unusual way & attaching the small horse hair to the tip plus the old brass “34″ charm on the zipper pull it became a much more interesting piece. When people were checking it out I always would mention the lining because it’s a hidden surprise. Just a sweet cotton, brown & white gingham. This bag found a very good home!

A New Life for Old Pants

I found these pants a while ago & held on to them knowing they would one day become something fun. When I go to the vintage or the thrift shops I basically just look at fabrics, not sizes or styles. When I saw the beautiful wool on these vintage pants I knew I was on to something. Along with that find, I also dug up a very old Swiss army backpack that was ripped & stained beyond recognition. But the straps! Oh, the straps! The most beautiful old worn leather. Together they made a beautiful pair. I had a scrap of natural vegatan leather on hand that I stained red by hand which was the final touch.

Suede (Pant) Tote

These pants were incredible! I mean, they still had the tags & everything! Only draw back is that were very tiny. I got them anyway for the suede. After cutting them apart, sewing them up & adding an old belt for the strap, It can now be used by anyone of ANY size!