bags and purses

I made a new triad earlier in the week and before I had even put it in the on-line store, I had an email from Missouri wanting to purchase it. It’s always delightful when something like this happens.

I knew I had enough of the red leather for two more totes. As I was packing the Missouri tote, I was thinking what a great bag it would be for my art supplies–it’s strong enough and big enough to hold the sketch book, the palette, the pencil case, the small water bottle and my wallet, lunch and phone. The triple pocket on the inside is perfect for separating out the small things so I can grab them quickly. So I set about making another triad for myself. This orangeade leather is some of my very favourite and I have used it sparingly in many bags. Here is a bag from August 2011 with an orange panel. I had just enough of this beautiful orangeade left for straps and pocket. Inside the triple pocket is made from a teal suede skirt.

It is unusual for me to treat myself with one of my bags. It’s like the old story of the shoemaker’s children who have no shoes. I always seem to be carrying a reject, one I don’t think is worth selling with smudged graphics or a feature that did not quite work. But this new Triad seems really great and I think I will enjoy using it. I will let you know at the end of the weekend.

We went to Kington last night for a special visit and I tossed my new Triad over my shoulder just to try it out. You see I am a fan of the cross-body strap and I wanted to see how these shoulder straps would work with the tote full of all my gear. Would the weight distribution be ok? I am happy to report that Triad III is a big success. The extra piece of heavy leather riveted in the bottom gives it balance and stability. This tote is even a little bigger: 15.5″ wide, 14.5″ long and 5.5″ deep. If you click on the instagram button on the side of the page you will see a photo taken this morning of the Triad packed full of my sketching things. I hope to post later to show you where I am going–this post comes to you from the train.

I will be making a small series of these bags so if you are interested, please let me know or keep your eye on the shop. I think that they are a fabulous tote. This one is lime/orange/red. The next one will have teal in the mix. This tote is unlined, but is completely doubled stitched and has an additional piece of leather fastened inside the base with dome-shaped rivets for extra durability. There are two large pockets on the outside and three on the inside and the whole thing closes with a metal zipper. The shoulder straps have an 11.5 inch drop for easy carrying. The bag itself measures 13″ tall, 14″ wide and 6″ deep.

Yesterday I introduced the Grosvenor travel tote. Now it is finished and ready for the road. It is made from two recycled coats and  is 17″ wide, 14″ tall and 4″ deep with 2 exterior pockets, one with a zipper, the other a slip pocket handy for your keys,  and three pockets inside. It features a double leather base with metal feet for protection, a metal zipper and high quality hardware. Inside it is lined with red cotton canvas. The removable shoulder strap is adjustable or you can use the padded handles. This is a versatile travel tote with understated good looks.

This isn’t a formal introduction. It isn’t even finished yet–there is a shoulder strap to come and a few more details to attend to. But here is the Grosvenor, a birthday gift for my sister. (On the reverse there is another pocket from a leather jacket from Barney’s in NYC. Fitting, don’t you think?)  The whole tote is made from a recycled jacket and is great pebbly leather. More pictures soon once it leaves the studio for good.

I have been making some pouches, assorted sizes and colours. I find them very useful, and at any one time have three or four in my tote.  I even use one on its own for a wallet when I want to travel light. Here are the first three of the new batch. Once again, the linings are as important as the outsides of the pouches. Details of size, price etc. in the on-line shop by tomorrow morning–just press the button on the right.

The Georgian tote is made from a remnant of leather and I had just enough to do it. I seem to work well under that kind of pressure. I am also making a second tote from leather upcycled from a coat–an even greater restraint (but more on that later, I hope). Back to the Georgian. This is a rough tote, so it is unlined, with a double bottom and studs for protection. It has an exterior and interior pocket and a clip for your keys. It is made from a great piece of leather and will wear well, but it is not as stiff as some of the other rough totes. It slouches a bit when you set it down–a quality I rather like.

H 14″ W 14″ D 6″. Handles are attached by three rivets and have a 12″ drop for comfortable carrying. In the on-line shop today.

 The Sage Delta is finished and ready for delivery. This tote is 17″ wide, 15″ high and 6″ deep. It has a double leather bottom with feet to protect it. The deep zipper pocket on the front is cut into the leather. The handles have a 10 inch drop and the ample shoulder strap makes a good alternative–or can be unclipped and stowed away.  Inside is a canvas zipper pocket and a leather phone pocket sewn on lovely Tanzanian cotton. All in all a great travel tote.

The new tote is well on its way. The fifth tote in the series, it is the same size as the other Delta totes, with most of the same details, yet it has its own personality. Pictured above is the lining with the zippered canvas pocket. I have featured this piece of Tanzanian cotton Super Wax Mama before–but I am still studying the border design and its layers of colour and pattern. I am designing a new rug these days and am thinking about layers of background, one pattern over another.

In the meantime, here is the Sage Delta on its way to completion. This is some of the most beautiful leather I have worked with–a rich subtle colour with memories of your herb garden. This is not a recycled piece–when you see leather this good, it’s hard to resist–and there is enough for another tote!