Archives for December 2014

travel

December 29, 2014 by Birdbrain Leave a Comment

I have travelled more in 2014 than any other year in my life, 7 countries and several states and provinces. And we are squeezing in an 8th country before the new year. So, I thought I’d share my new travel bags, one I made just this week. I think I have worked out my travel bag needs and am giving these two a trial run. One: a large slate tote with ipad sleeve and lots of pockets, carries sketching, reading, camera and other essentials and has two carrying options and two: a small Traveller for passport, tickets etc. I made a couple of these small Travellers earlier and decided I wanted one for myself. So here is the new red one–with zipper pocket in front and divided sections inside for passport and other travel essentials. It has an adjustable strap–long enough to wear cross-body when you are out and about but able to adjust to a shorter length to wear in front for security. And while I was at it, I made a second kiwi Traveller–this one is sold, but I have enough of both leathers to make one more in each colour. Check the shop (sadly neglected for so long, but promises for 2015 of some new things…) in a couple of weeks.

sketching again

December 24, 2014 by Birdbrain 1 Comment

I haven’t been sketching for ages and I have missed it. November and December were filled with sewing leather bags and other creations. I’m pretty well done now and so have had a chance to get out my paints. On Saturday I parked across from one of my favourite buildings, The Riverboat. It is a two storey stone structure with great verandahs built in 1832 on a hill rising out of town.

I signed up for Liz Steele’s marvellous class months ago with great anticipation. But what a busy time I’ve had since then between travelling and sewing! Lesson seven will arrive in my inbox tomorrow, but I will be beginning lesson one. Luckily we have access to the lessons for a good while and I’ll be able to take my time learning from each exercise. I hope to post some of my attempts.

Liz is known for her sketches of tea cups and she has access to many great cafes. In my town we have limited choices, but we are lucky to have one stellar spot. I was at L’Auberge de France for lunch yesterday–a little bit of the south of France on our main street–and arrived early so that i could sketch my cappuccino in their signature yellow china. Afterward I sat in my car on the edge of the river and quickly sketched the city hall in the mist. So much more fun than battling the xmas crowds at the mall!

bird with a great attitude

December 22, 2014 by Birdbrain 2 Comments

I made a few of these ‘bird with attitude’ onesies for Christmas. Here is our favourite little bird sporting his.

sarah

December 20, 2014 by Birdbrain 1 Comment

I have been busy this week finishing up Christmas orders. And here is one I can share with you. Meet Sarah, a pink purse for a young teen. The instructions for the bag were specific: zippered pockets, pink but with another colour, shoulder strap. My timelines were short, so I had to use supplies I had on hand. Lucky I had this great pink polka dot leather, and two matching zippers, just perfect for Sarah. H 9″ W 10″ D 3.25″

Lake Ontario in December

December 15, 2014 by Birdbrain Leave a Comment

Yesterday we took a walk through the Miller Nature Reserve in Prince Edward County. The trail leads to Lake Ontario and we walked along that beautiful shoreline for another kilometer or so. It was an overcast day but the range of colours was still remarkable. I am always so grateful that this unspoiled shoreline is so close and so accessible.

Below you can see Prudence and me sporting our headbands and mittens. I’ve been making more headbands–we sold them all at the show and I still have some orders to fill. I really enjoy mixing and matching the colours and textures. My son even ordered one! You can see him in the corner of the last picture.

recycled mittens

December 9, 2014 by Birdbrain Leave a Comment

This pair of Birdbrain mittens described by their owner as ‘necessary for my ride to class’ was photographed in Victoria BC. Made from recycled wool sweaters and recycled leather and lined with recycled scarves. Toasty warm!

Below are the mittens photographed just before Sunday’s sale. Thank you to everyone who came and made this, the 5th and last Birdbrain show, the best yet.

The two pairs of warm mittens in the final picture are available for sale in the store. If you are interested click on the online store button under navigation on the right.

recycled cashmere and wool

December 5, 2014 by Birdbrain 2 Comments

I’ve saved pieces of my favourite sweaters for the past few years and this last day or two I’ve been having fun combining them into into headbands and then lining them with fleece. Cosy! At bottom you see them paired with infinity scarves which are made from pieces of cashmere–deliciously warm and soft!

getting ready for Sunday’s show

December 4, 2014 by Birdbrain 1 Comment

Four Sherbrooke shoulder bags in various colours. Below the latest, Sparrow, (also top left) lined in Kenyan cotton with 3 interior leather pockets.

A black waxed canvas tote with leather base, pocket and straps. Inside an ipad pocket and generous orange waxed canvas divided pocket.

red traveller

December 3, 2014 by Birdbrain Leave a Comment

I had some small pieces of this beautiful red leather, smooth and durable, perfect for a small travel bag. This one has a snap closure, two zipper pockets, inside and out, and two compartments inside to hold passport, boarding pass and other essentials. Paired with a strap from a designer bag, it is ready for the road. 7.5″ x 7.5″

some more new things

December 2, 2014 by Birdbrain 1 Comment

I have been doing some screen printing and sewing with recycled leather making some sweet things: onesies with the bird with attitude front and centre, lucy canvas pouches, glasses/phone/makeup cases. and small change pouches.