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.
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.
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!
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.
