bags and purses

Here are two more Ottawa bags in tan and teal. These bags have the same features as the previous bags–zippered exterior pocket on the back, interior pockets including a zippered one, adjustable strap, double bottom and draw-string closure. I enjoy choosing a contrasting leather for the inside of the flap and a great combination for the lining. After all, these are the pluses of buying handmade–the little touches that make you smile each time you use it.

It’s always good to look back at your work. I had a chance to check out this 1510 backpack which has been in constant use for two years. Here it is brand new. I’ve made a handful of these bags in both black and tan, but this was the first. It incorporates a used Diesel belt as its closure–so in that way is one of a kind. The leather has a few stains but overall has improved with age. The Ottawa bags I’ve been making this week are direct descendants of this design. I have two more to show you in the next post.

This is the fifth in the series of Ottawa bags. With each bag, I think this is my favourite. This one is made of beautiful smooth oxblood leather and lined in cotton from the market in Limoux. Like the others, it has an exterior zipper pocket, slip/zip pockets inside, a double bottom and an adjustable cross-body strap. The flap is lined in smooth black leather that was once a skirt. It is a great blend of beautiful colour and texture, a year-round bag that will carry all you need for years to come.

I’ve been using my orange Ottawa bag non-stop since I made it. It’s so easy and comfortable to wear and it carries all my essentials. I wear it as a cross-body, but it adjusts to a shoulder bag or shorter. Since the first one, I have made three more. Below is the espresso which you saw earlier, and the new cobalt. Both of these leathers are rich colours and have great texture. The contrasting leather under the flap is an added feature–in the cobalt bag, the leather lining is made from a recycled skirt. I love to incorporate gently used pieces of leather in my work. Like the others, these bags measure 12″x13″x4.5. They have a double bottom, an adjustable strap, back zippered pocket and zip/slip pockets inside and durable metal hardware. I think this style is a winner and I’m hoping to make one or two more. Contact me for more information.

Here is my favourite model is wearing two new Ottawa bags. These photos are great for giving an idea of the size and wearability of the new design. It’s easy to carry and holds a surprising amount. The zippered back pocket is secure and perfect for your phone or keys. Inside there is another zippered pocket and two slip pockets–so lots of help organizing.  The top bag in beautiful espresso leather, with the backside of the flap in caramel, is in the online store. You can see another view in the last photo. The bottom bag in caramel is sold–the photo is here for reference. New Ottawa bags will be coming in slate blue and caramel. 

Here is the second Ottawa cross-body bag. I have been carrying the prototype non-stop since I made it. It is a great size and easy to carry. I like the leather drawstring closure and magnetic snap.

This one is lined in durable tan cotton from the market in Limoux, France, with a leather phone pocket and a zip/slip pocket inside. On the back there is another zippered pocket, a handy and secure spot for keys or phone. The bag measures 12″ wide, 13″ tall and 4.5″ deep and will easily carry all your essentials. 

Check it out in the online store, button in the menu at top.

This is a new bag, the Ottawa. It has elements of the 1510 backpack and the daily tote, but combined in a new design. This first one is made of beautiful orange leather, the flap lined in pink leather–two great colours. The body is lined with a cotton striped duck form Ireland.  I plan to make another one in these colours and then a couple more, one in blues, the other neutral. But first I am going to take this for a test run this weekend in Ottawa to see how the design works. There is a zipper pocket on the back and two pockets inside, providing great organization. It’s 13″ tall, 12″ wide and 4.5″ deep. I think this is going to be a favourite.

Yesterday’s bag is all finished. This canvas from Collioure France is some of my favourite for bags and pouches. It is durable, bright and easy care–after all it is made for deck chairs! Here it is paired with beautiful orange leather. It is 10.5″ wide, 8.5″ tall and 3″ deep so it will carry phone, wallet, keys with room for other essentials. Inside there is a zippered pocket as well as a slip pocket. The leather shoulder strap is adjustable and the metal zipper durable.

I love to search for local fabric when I travel. So from Scotland, Harris Tweed, and from the south of France? Toiles-du-Soleil! We were lucky to spend a beautiful day in Collioure. It is an inspiring place with picture frames mounted about the town showing you the exact view painted by Matisse, Derain and others. We sketched and took the little train through the vineyards to the top of the hills but I also had time to search out a store I remembered which sold Toiles-du-Soleil. This bright striped fabric perfectly captures the atmosphere of Collioure. I bought enough for half a dozen bags and a couple of pouches. This colourway is called Collioure Rouge–perfect. So here are the first of the bags of this gorgeous fabric, trimmed in red leather.

The first is a cross-body bag, the perfect summer carrier. It is lined with moss birdbrain fabric, and has an interior leather pocket, an adjustable shoulder strap, red durable metal zipper closure and a leather bottom. It’s bright and cheery and will carry all your summer essentials.  10″ wide x 12″ high x 4″ base.

And then there is the tote. It has an exterior red leather pocket and leather base and woven cotton handles. Inside it is lined with moss green waxed canvas with a large birdbrain pocket. It closes with a durable metal zipper in red. This is a great summer carrier. 16″ wide x 13″ high x 5″ base