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 was the first time I took my linen bag silhouette & translated it into leather. This quality of leather was so thick but soft & spongy so had some nice form after being sewn without being too stiff. The strap & closures are recycled horse reins. I especially like how this one had a big knot at the end to keep it from slipping through the brass D-ring. Every bag needs a little bling of course so a key ring was added with some vintage fishing lures to the strap. I only made 2 of these in september & wish I had made a bunch more as the style was one of my favorites. Good thing I’m making a bunch more for fall!
What a great color for a fall tote bag. I love how the gray waxed canvas (from a vintage tent, of course) got really crackly looking after it was washed. The thick black leather & the textured canvas go hand in hand. A touch of shiny lures finish off the sporty look. The lining is a nice natural linen. Simple is best.
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.
This gray tote bag was made from vintage waxed camping tent. Instead of mixing the colors like I had in previous bags, I stuck to a single lovely gray color. By adding orange painted tips to the handles (which are a natural leather that will soften & darken with age) and a small white painted cross it transformed a sleepy fabric into something still subtle but with just enough zing. The leather cording can be ties casually for closing the top.
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!
I collect old books. Not special, limited edition types, just old books with good pictures & sayings. I recently pulled out an old atlas that I found at a goodwill & sewed the pages into little bracelet bags. The colors of the old prints are fantastic & I like that each bag was a different country or state. These types of books just pile up at used book stores & really have no where to go but the recycle bin. I like that they can have one more life before they are discarded.
When I found this old canvas jeep cover, I couldn’t yet imagine what it would turn into. The more I paired it with the bright warm colors like yellow, orange & sometimes, clean, white stripes the more versatile it became. The options & combinations were limitless. All colors seem to compliment this neutral tan fabric. I made shortish handles using leather bridle reigns, popped the inside in bright contrast canvas colors & the patch pocket on the front is perfect for holding plane tickets. When I came up with this long rectangular shape I was picturing it used to hold a computer & essentials while running through an airport. It feels & is a sturdy bag that is fully machine washable when the straps are removed. (*if your trying to guess what those bright straps are that hold the body together, you’ve guessed correctly if you said , Martial arts belts!)
The biggest market of the year (for me) is over. I have to work pretty constantly for 2 straight months to turn out enough product to fill a 10′ x 10′ booth. I felt like I had bags hanging off everything from old ladders to trees. I was hoping to take lots of pictures but as soon as the doors opened I hardly looked up for the first 4 hours. By the time I was able to take a breath, I found that my booth looked picked over & half empty. It took the rest of the weekend to rearrange the goods to make it look more full & inviting. That is a good problem to have so I am most definitely grateful. By the time I packed up on Sunday evening I had 5 bags hanging & looking quite lonely. I have them on a coat rack in my office as I type. Summer is officially over- Now for new fall bags!
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.
