leather belt » by elke

Leather & Thread

Oh, what fun I’m having getting ready for the next market! In the next couple of weeks there will be small sneak peaks on all the things I’m working on. It will become obvious if you stick with me that I have a hard time sticking to one concept or product. YES! I do like bracelets & have stuck to them but they are morphing in all different directions & I keep wanting to “try one more technique”. I also realized that as much as I appreciate all jewelry, I get instant satisfaction out of bracelets because when you wear them you can actually SEE them on yourself. A necklace & earrings are essential but I tend to wear the same ones every day. It’s the bracelets that I look at all day as I’m using my hands. Sometimes I’ll even change them halfway through the day.

This group of bracelets came about when I bought a perforated belt that was just begging to be cut up into bracelets & covered in bright embroidery threads. The warmer weather is surely here & I’m all over colors. Lots & lots of colors mixed with neutrals, textures, finishes….. eclectic.

More Bags

There’s just something about these 2 styles that makes me wish maybe I should have hung onto one of them…..

The shearling one has a beautiful leather closure that was made from a horse bridle. I just love that honey color.

Wool iPad Cases

Here is yet another example of recycled vintage wool pants that have found a new life as an iPad case. I love when I find some fantastic fabric in the form of a garment just hiding in the racks. Once cut up & ironed, bonded to felt & leather details added it is hard to believe that they once walked down the street.

Rugged Leather Tote

The leather on this tote is so soft & spongy & has a really worn-in feeling & look. I paired it with vintage belt strips that are just the right attitude with a great patina on the leather. The touch of red on the straps & the silver stripes snaz it up & give an otherwise very casual bag a feeling of something more special. I left the inside clean finished without a lining because the backside of the leather was so soft & a beautiful light gray color.

Vintage Wool IPad Case

I found this oversized amazing Pendleton wool hunting jacket in a vintage store a while back. I knew I wanted to use it for a bag in some form & after measuring the dimensions for the Ipad I found that it was just the right size to make 3 with front pockets & all. I bonded the wool to colorful wool felt & used a rotery cutter to get a nice clean edge. The leather details are made from a beautiful old belt with a great patina. The Ipad that calls this home will definitely not catch a chill this winter. Also, instead of labels I stuck my lable onto a detachable pin so it can be removed. I thought these looked nice & clean.

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!