Tools of the Trade

The Spring/Summer Collection features a lot of leather, so I've been learning how to use the tools of the leather trade. I am blown away by how much there is to learn and am just now getting comfortable with some of the more intimidating tools. The rivet press, for example, is a big heavy thing that at first had me scratching my head. But now, after watching a few online tutorials, I don't know how I lived without it. Straps are perfectly secured every time. Not to mention how cool it looks perched on my workbench in the studio. It's red and cast from steel. 

This week I tackled cutting my own straps from an enormous cowhide. Again, intimidating at first, but after a few tries it was easy. 

What I've learned: It's all about having the right tools for the job and mastering them. After a little practice it's like second nature. Now I love working with leather!

Leather Zipper Clutch in BRIGHT COLORS!

Leather Zipper Clutch in Red and Orange! I think I may have to keep one for myself.
Are you a red or an orange???

 

Pssst: Did you notice I'm still wearing my tape measure in the first photos? It's so crazy around here, I forgot to take it off for the picture!

NEW WORK: Leather Zipper Clutch

It's been a while since inspiration has moved me to work on a new bag. But yesterday it did just that! I dusted off my sewing machine and went to work. The result: Leather Zipper Clutches! I'm in love with the two-tone version in the photo above.
It all started with a leather jacket I found hiding in my mom's vintage clothing stash in the attic and a tunic that needed a new life. I fell in love with the subtle details of the leather and the pattern of the tunic.
These are just prototypes for now so you won't find them in the shop just yet. I always test out a new bag before it gets the stamp of approval for production. Luckily I'm off to Napa Valley next week! Perfect time to take these beauties out for a spin.
Ok, I'd love to know. Which is your favorite?

 

A Lesson in Leather

Leather is all about luxury. Its not just the association with buttery soft Italian handbags, or gorgeous shoes that only get more beautiful the more you wear them. It's about the moment you touch a piece of leather and you are seduced by how it responds to your own skin.
I haven't worked much with leather...yet. But, lately I've been curious to know more about this incredible material. So I decided to learn.
I signed up for a series of four leather smithing classes at Tandy Leather Factory in Chelmsford. Last Wednesday was my first class! I walked in twenty minutes early, I was so excited. The smell of tanned leather, the feel of swede, the beautiful hides hanging form the ceiling, I was instantly in love.
The first class was learning to carve leather. Yup, that's right, carving leather. It's hard! But I did it. You can see my handy work in the last image. Not bad, right?
I'm excited to try these newly learned techniques on a future line of handbags. It's so exciting to have a new skill and figuring out how to adapt it so it for the things I make. I have some ideas...