I’ve been playing with different proportions & construction & this is one of the models that popped up. I like how the handle fits through the top hole & how the flap is a natural edge shaped by the leather hide. This is my new favorite leather & I’ve got a bunch of it so will be trying out all sorts of models. I’ve also been playing with “self” handles so the whole bag has the same color & texture. It looks very grown up to me like it should be out on the way to an important meeting.
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!)
This slouchy tote was made from a beautiful herringbone, antique linen. The fabric itself had texture & a beautiful heavy weight but something was missing. When I laid out the fabric, it just seemed obvious that it was calling out for a nice simple stripe down the middle. I do hesitate (usually) to fool with such an expensive fabric by painting on it but this time it just fit. Lately I’m really into the clean white stripe on neutrals. It just makes such a nice pop.
This tote was one of the first ones I made in this style. It’s made with a printed gray linen & then I painted the stripes on the bottom. The handles are natural vegetan leather that will darken with age & use. This is kind of where the painted tip started. My style keeps evolving depending on the materials I use but as I can see from this sample, I stay on the same path.
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….
…Now I’m a big beach tote! I know that I posted a version of this a couple of weeks ago but after making 3 more (numbered 2,3 & 4 as hand stenciled on the outside) I have refined the design slightly by adding nylon webbing to the handle tips, leather trim to the eyelets & a double stitch to the patch pockets. I’ve started numbering them so if you ever end up with one you’ll know that it was a limited batch & you have one! These big slouchy totes are a true carry-all. I picture lugging it to the beach filled with towels, magazines & water bottles. The fabric is recycled hunting tents from the 1950′s & 60′s & the straps are a quilted contrast cotton. The leather cording can either fall to the sides or can be used to tie the opening closed. They can be thrown in the wash for easy care (just make sure they go in a low heat dryer) I enjoy making each one different & truly unique.
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!
