bags and purses

Here is the latest bag, the Prudence. This is a big roomy bag that will sit comfortably across body and tote lots of stuff. As I said yesterday, it is made from upholstery remnants, not quite perfectly matching, and the strap is the last of my purchased straps. This bag is designed to fold over, but if it is full to the brim, it is just as happy standing its full height. This new design is a special — and will soon be on its way to its new owner. But I think the style is great, and worth repeating.

H 16″ W 13″ D 3.5″ with two external pockets, one zippered and one for a phone, plus two inside, a slip and a zip. Doubled leather bottom for extra strength and rivets for protection. I think the Prudence will grow more beautiful and loved with age.

The Prudence. A new bag is in process. This one will have handles and a cross body strap–and if it works out a fold-over top. A big casual carry-all that already looks ‘lived’. It’s a great mossy brown colour made from 3 remnant pieces of leather upholstery.  The lining is screen-printed in teal and it too will have a zipper pocket. At an early stage now, but I thought you might like to see it develop. 

Made from the same great mocha leather, this bag is a ittle bigger than yesterday’s– 14.5″ wide, 13.5 tall and 5″ deep–so it is ready for all your gear.  It has all the features of a Luna bag including an extra leather piece riveted in the bottom for strength.  It has two large pockets on the front, two leather pockets inside, an adjustable strap and is lined with a great wax print which I bought in a market in Kenya. This bag will be in the on-line shop by tomorrow.

This is the Mocha Luna. It is the same great leather that is in this bag. This wasn’t a big piece of leather, but I have enough to make a second mocha bag (actually it is well on its way and could be ready for tomorrow) and maybe a smaller one. Anyway this one, with three external pockets and one inside is 13″x12″x5.5″. It has an adjustable strap so you can wear the bag across body or shorten the strap for times you want to carry it close under your arm for more security. The zippers are high quality metal and the strap attaches to the bag with metal clips. The accent colour on the zipper tabs and peeking from inside the side tabs is to coordinate with the burst of colour of the great Kenyan cotton inside. The bag is fully double stitched, has a second leather bottom for strength and brass rivets on the bottom.

And a new Jan Bag:

I’ve made many Jan bags–little shoulder bags originally designed by my friend Jan who is the teller at my local branch. Jan decided that she wanted one in TD green–so here is the prototype. The main bag is made from a recycled skirt and the strap is from the great leather that made the first Delta. I have enough of both leathers to make at least one more Jan and perhaps a clutch. This is a great colour for fall.

Also in the shop will be these two great Triads. The red one is a copy of the one I made for myself. I find its size so useful–it is big enough to hold all of my sketching suppies and more. And I get many comments on the colours. The orange and turquoise are fabulous with the red. The second bag is my favourite. Turquoise nubuck. If it doesn’t fly out of the shop, I might just keep it! All of these bags will be in the shop tonight by 6:00 pm.

Triads #4 and #5 are finished. I think that will be it for a while for triads. This is the fourth red one and the last of that great red leather and the turquoise is the one and only. I’ll have more pictures and details tomorrow when they go in the shop.

I guess it was that beautiful orange moon last night that influenced my making of a Luna Bag today. I hadn’t planned on it, but somehow this scrunchy mocha leather and the East African print, a gift from the principal of the school in Matangwe, ended up on the studio table. I have changed the design a bit. The front has a zipper and slip pocket on the outside, a combination that I think really works. I like exterior pockets on bags–they are so useful. I’ve put a little one on the back of this bag too! But more pictures tomorrow.

The latest triad is turquoise nubuck with accents of red-orange and lime. I have never worked with nubuck before–but am taken with its velvety texture, rich colour and slouchy stance.  This triad is made from a remnant piece I have been saving for some time–and there was just enough leather for one tote. Paired with the two bright colours, this triad tote makes a strong statement and is set to carry all you need. I am doing a series of triads totes this week. Check here tomorrow for #5 from the last of the red and orange leather…

There are three colour therapy pouches left in the shop. Also some new triads coming later this week.