I got out my blue dyes & started staining natural veg leather. The next step was to start playing with the color & see what pattern could be made without it looking too sloppy. I went for dots. I love the outcome & the unevenness of the dye. I also like the splatter effect. These 2 small purses was all I did with this technique- I’m ready to play some more!
Although it’s basically the middle of winter, I seem to have gotten spring fever. It could be due to the amazingly warm, un-winter-like weather we’ve been having here in Boulder. I can’t seem to get enough of the natural & white combination on the leather which feels like a warm vacation all wrapped up in a bag. A simple stripe can make quite an impact! I generally like to keep my bags fairly simple but I can never resist that small pop of color whether it’s in a small embroidery, paint or appliqué . The overall effect is screaming summer! That’s what I’m thinking about as I look outside right now & the flurries are falling to the ground…. winter is back.
I really like the combination of these two fabrics. They really have such different textures but compliment each other so well. This was the start of the cross body bag which I have expanded on for the fall season. The waxed cotton part of the bag is actually 4 functional pockets. Two in the front & 2 in the back for extra storage.
This past weekend I visited the kidrobot store that recently opened just 2 convenient blocks away. They happened to have just had a big event where artists came to paint these little plastic statues. My son was amazed by the possibilities. Who knew you could do more than just color them with a marker & call it a day? We were told that if you add some modeling clay (the kind that hardens like plastic in the oven) you can go to the next level by creating your own characters. Well, who could resist that? So, we bought enough for my sons & myself & spent Sunday afternoon sculpting & painting. Fun you ask? Most definitely! I liked that it was a project that attracted boys that are close to 11 & 13 years old. That’s not so easy any more.
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…
These small zipper pouches were made from a waxed hunting tent. After the fabric was washed it got a crinkle look to it that I really like. To keep with the outdoor theme I decided to use antique fishing lures as zipper pulls. I like the look a lot & will be sure to use more of these going forward.
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!
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.
I found this amazing fabric canvas at an outdoor flea market. While everyone was poking through tables of costume jewelry I head straight for a gentleman who was selling outdoor gear. I felt like I hit the jackpot! I was able to get 2 nice tarps from him that were used to cover a part of an army truck. The canvas weave is super tight & it’s not too heavy. The fabric by itself was very military looking & I just kept thinking bright white was the perfect compliment to the neutral color of the canvas & the leather. The lining is 100% linen with 2 pockets.
When all was said & done & it was hanging on my wall in my office, I just kept thinking something was missing. needed just a pop of color. The following week at an antique show I found some old, bright orange, fishing lures. Wa-la! They were meant to be together. Stay tuned for the matching clutch….
A couple of weeks ago I came by a man selling old canvas tents from the 60′s. I had been looking on ebay for just that sort of thing. Eureeka! It was like I stumbled on my own secret treasure trove. I was thinking, “I better buy these quickly before someone else takes them!” I brought them home & all everyone could say was,”Why, Elke?” Couldn’t they see the potential in the old waxy cotton? I cut them in pieces (gasp) then washed them. Firstly, I learned that you should NEVER put waxed cotton in a high heat dryer (picture a box of crayons melted all over the inside….I will not say more) After cleaning I found the fabric to be even more beautiful & full of character than before. Love you ask? Most definitely. I am picturing them as very casual over-sized summer bags that you would fill with towels to bring to the beach. Here is a very quick first sample that I whipped up as a hostess gift to friends that will be gone all summer. More proto’s to come.
