We are in Montreal for a few days. We went to the Salon des Metiers d’Art and a lovely cafe cum grocery store called Fuchsia. Here are some photos from the day. I am using an app for my ipad and it is not as flexible as the usual program (understatement!). First are two photos of the work of guest leather artisans from France, Cuir et Terre and Deux Filles en Fil, the pouch a purchase!
And then Fuchsia…for the perfect cup of cocoa and a lovely friend. Check out her new website.
My son, Owen, is an avid sailor and in his spare time he makes goods from recycled sails. Below are his toiletry bags–he cannot keep them in stock. These are made from a sail that survived the Olympics. I am delivering them this afternoon.
And…today is Carissa’s 28th birthday. We will not see her until the weekend, so I can’t show you her present. But here is a small hint. Sshhh..don’t tell her!
It feels like I have been away a long time. Back home now in the studio and ready for an update. But first, here is a beautiful shot of my older son, Colin, doing what he loves the most. This was taken on the St. Lawrence River at dawn last week.
I was in Toronto to see the Chagall exhibit (amazing), hear the Tallis Scholars (also amazing) and connect with old friends. I also managed to get some new leather–but that is for a surprise which will have to wait until post Christmas. Today I have been back at the machines filling orders for Bird in a Hurry totes. Here are a couple that are complete.
The apple green paint is actually a good match for the leather–not sure why the photo makes it look yellowish. At left is the interior zipper pocket.
Below is a second tote–this one ordered as a diaper bag! Tucked in the pocket is a matching pouch which clips inside, so the new mom will have everything she needs in one place.
I’ve been screen printing and painting special order totes. I do like the colour combinations! These totes will have zipper closure, a double pocket on the front and a zipper pocket inside.
In November, my sister visited a journalist friend who is working in the Middle East. She had the opportunity to travel with him and see the area.
She brought this wonderful bag home for me, purchased in Ramallah from the journalist’s fixer/translator. The colours, the shape and the design are inspiring!
The top bag is another version of the Keller Bag–this one is great black upholstery leather with reinforced bottom panel, adjustable shoulder strap and exterior and interior pockets. The next is a red Luna Bag; like the turquoise one here, it has a double pocket on the front, adjustable shoulder strap and interior pockets. The final one is the Slouch, in this version in fuschia flocked leather. It has a front zipper pocket and an interior one and a narrow adjustable shoulder strap. I’m doing little drawings for the tags, so just getting them all straight. These bags will be available tomorrow at the show as well as much more. Hope to see you.
It’s been a bit mad here, trying to get everything ready for a couple of small shows. But sometimes your best work comes out of that pressure hothouse, that manic activity. Ideas flow and magically come to fruition.
Below is the Orange Keller Bag. I’ve made versions of this bag before, but somehow the leather, the stitching and the proportions all work beautifully on this one. Carissa has been after me to ‘sign’ my work–so I decided to apply a leather bird to the front. This version will not be the final one–it is actually a template for my dyeing–but I like the idea. It’s subtle but identifying. The leather was two remnant pieces I have had for some time, durable and great to the hand. It measures 12″ x 14″ x 4″.
A few changes in the interior too.
Below are two new canvas totes, Bird with Attitude and Bird in a Hurry. I made myself a prototype of this bag some time ago and I have found it an excellent size for toting all my gear or filling with market produce. They each feature leather handles, outside pockets and an interior zipper pocket.
Things have not been so busy that I haven’t had time for the important things–Margaret Atwood last night in Picton, delightfully incisive in support of important County projects, both natural and cultural, and today the One-of-a-Kind show.
I have been enchanted by the moon these nights, and it is still in full beauty when I get up to go to the studio so there is a little moon glow in this bag. It is made from beautiful turquoise leather with two big pockets on the front and 3 inside pockets, the bird with attitude peaking out from behind the leather slip pocket. I found a blue suede skirt at VV this week, so incorporated it into a matching pouch.The bag is 13″ x 13″ x 4.5″ with a long adjustable strap and a zipper closure. I will have trouble parting with this one.
This is bag #2 from the City Revival jacket. It is a smaller one, 9″ x 9″ x 3″. It is made from one side and a sleeve, so there is enough leather left (and a second zip pocket) for a second bag. But it will probably be different, because I have trouble making two things alike. I have yet to make a pattern for any of these bags. I try to record after they are made but my notes are scratches at best.
Below are the new Birdbrain pouches. Each is lined with a different batik fabric. They will be available at the upcoming shows. If you live in the area and are interested in coming, leave me a comment and I’ll give you the details.
