bags and purses

I enjoy using up pieces of leather left from other projects. I save even the tiniest pieces of bright leather to use as tabs and stops. Today I’ve been making glasses cases. These are some of my favourite leathers that I have kept for just this purpose. They are 7.5″ x 3.5 inches,  perfect to keep your sunglasses tucked safely in your bag. Your phone will fit as well!

I like this new design–understated zipper-top shoulder bags that will go everywhere and carry all you need. They are made of rich caramel leather with a double bottom layer in black. They have an adjustable strap in black leather and three interior pockets. Here you can see two sizes, small and medium and a peak at the great lining which I found in Dublin. These bags will be available at the show this weekend.

I love this Marimekko pattern–it is such a bright and interesting design. I’ve combined it in different ways to make pouches which are great for make-up, baby essentials, art supplies, or anything where you need to be able to wipe clean inside and out. The outside is coated cotton and the lining is dark waxed canvas–so a snap to keep clean. They are a generous size: 9″ wide, 6.5″ tall with a 2″ base, and have a heavy-duty metal zipper closure. They will be available at my show on December 3.

I’ve been making some new things for the upcoming show, but the weather has not been at all helpful for photographing. Yesterday there was a break in the rain and snow which let me take some shots of new work. This bag is the last of this beautiful slate leather. Two large pockets on the outside and four more inside, including a zippered one. It has a great wide cross-body strap, but you can also clip on another. It closes with a heavy duty metal zipper, has metal hardware, a wide double leather base and is lined in great wiggly stripes which I bought in Ireland. 13″ wide, 11/5″ tall and 5.5″ base. 

Here are three more bags which will be available at my upcoming show. Great day bags with adjustable shoulder straps. Each is lined with an inside pocket. The first two close with metal zippers; the bottom bag has a magnetic closure under the flap. Yes, that is a flash of pink greets you when you open the bag!

Sometimes it’s just all about the leather. These simple unlined shoulder bags are made from beautiful Italian leather. They are designed to carry your daily essentials, phone, keys, sunglasses and a small notebook or two. They have a metal zipper closure and an interior pocket. The leather in these bags will soften and deepen with age and use. A great bag on its own, yet still small enough to fit inside a larger tote.  8.5″ tall and 7.5″ wide with cross-body strap.

It is the leather that makes this tote a stand-out. A simple unlined tote the colour of melted chocolate. Two large outside pockets and another inside. Understated riveted detail, hand-finished leather handles and a double leather bottom. 15″ tall, 12.5″ wide and 5.5″ deep. The handles have a 9″ drop. Compact enough to carry every day, yet big enough for all your essentials including tablet, library books and art supplies.

When I can, I like to repurpose leather handbags, using them in new creations. The second tobacco waxed canvas tote has straps and front pocket which are having a second life. The front pocket has a magnetic closure and there are two large pockets inside. The bag is fully lined in heavy cotton and has a metal zipper closure. Both these totes are great for travel or everyday toting of books, groceries, art supplies etc.

I bought several yards of this sturdy waxed canvas on Biashara Street in Nairobi a few years ago. It makes a sturdy and handsome travel tote when paired with leather handles and base. This tote has lots of pockets inside and out and a metal zipper closure, making it an ideal tote for travel or home.  17″x15″x6.5″.