What I've Been Up To

Its been about a month since my last post, yikes!! and a lot has been happening since then. The kids are out of school so we've been having fun swimming, biking and enjoying the river. I have made it mandatory to start taking time for myself, even if its only an hour. Its made a huge difference in my productivity and stress levels. I would work 24/7 if I could, but it doesn't make a very happy me.

I have taken a little turn in my designs. I have been thinking for awhile about incorporating some of my leather, vinyl and other fabrics into some recycled materials. I have been hanging on to years of denim jeans and some cargo pants because I thought they would make great bags someday. Well, I finally started digging into my collection and here are a few things that I've created. I am loving painting lots more too as you can see in the next photograph!



and a ...Cargo pant bucket Tote with graphic t-shirt and thread painting on my commercial machine.

and Here are a few more pictures of some denim I have done so far...



This one made it to this cute treasury created by designedbymere on Etsy


I am just now beginning another bag made out of some recycled plaid and camo pants with a graphic t-shirt mixed in. Here is a progress shot.



I hope to have something to share with you soon. I am going to try and be better at posting on my blog.

LEATHER - Small Raspberry Red Rose Purse with Leaf Accents

My latest leather bag made from strips of leather sewn in a circular pattern. This is my first one in leather in this style. Look for more coming soon.

This one is available in my online shop for $56 + 5.40 shipping. Purchase through Etsy or uses Paypal and buy direct from me.

Gift certificates are now available on my website
at www.uniquehandbags.net/gift.html

VINYL - Metallic Teal Rose Shoulder Bag

I have been working on some random things for my shop. The weather has been so beautiful, I dont want to be inside sewing. But I must! Must keep on creating. When I cant be with the flowers outside, bring them in right! Here is yesterdays creation inspired by roses! I used some teal blue green metallic vinyl and cut it into strips and attached in a circular pattern. I love the texture that showed up with it, the background already has some texture, so it worked out very nicely. I will be working on more colors in upholstery and a mixture of other fabrics. Leather is also coming soon! Right now this one is listed at $55 + shipping.

Red Blossom Tote

Just listed a few minutes ago. I was thinking of a cherry blossom tree when I created this one. This one just sort of developed as I went. I started cutting scrap pieces of dark green leather for the branches and then continued with the flower petals. This is the type of thing that I really like, utilizing the tiny scraps of leather and making flowers out of them. Its fun to see the final result.

Newest Creation ~ Zipper Top Blossom Totes

Its been awhile since my last posting. Things have been a little hectic lately, I have been searching for a job and doing some freelance photography on the side as well as all the normal everyday things that come along with life and having a family. I am going through some interesting changes in my life right now and wonder how it will all work out, I battle with the thoughts of quitting my art and moving into something full time. But I know that whatever I do, I must not quit my art, Really! I have done it before and its not something that can be quit. Its part of me. I don't feel complete without it. Well enough of my rambling on about things....Breathe!! Here is a photo of my most recent work, which I just love! I will be creating a variety of these in different colors and random scenes. The first one I created is in a beautiful yellow upholstery fabric which has a very heavy weave texture to it. I cut some orange leather flower petals and applied them to the background and used contrasting yellow thread to sew them down. This one is now available in my shop here. uniquehandbags.etsy.com

Last night I started working on a red flower tote using a green upholstery background. I will post the final photos later today.
This is a progress photo which gives you an idea of the colors and what the bag will look like.

GROW Sunflowers Tote in Progress

Here is a picture of the final tote from yesterday(left). It is now listed in my Etsy shop for sale. It is priced at $98 + 9.85 for priority 2-3 day shipping. (Optional 4.95 for 5-7 day shipping). I am working on another sunflower tote bag today(right) This one says GROW. I just finished laying the artwork in place and will now begin machine applique around each tiny 1/2 inch leather flower petal and the small letters.

Silky Multicolored Floral Patchwork Evening Clutch

Here is the finished bag. Its been listed and sold but you can see more photos of it here.
I will be making more of these next week.

Mini Patchwork Duffle Cases

I just realized that I hadn't posted my last creations yet, so here they are. Some mini zipper cases using the same patchwork style as my last larger bags.

New Patchwork Satchel

I love it! Its just perfect;) I am absolutely in love with these new bags. How much fun I am having using random scraps and piecing it all together ! I will be spending the next month getting ready for my show at the Nevada Museum of Art and I cant wait to add these to my collection of bags to display! I am very excited.

New Patchwork Duffel Style Bag

Fun new bag! I love the way it turned out. It has sooo much texture.

Raw Silk and Leather Mosaic Shoulder Bag

This is what I came up with. I left the yellow center out that is shown in the previous photos. I wasn't too happy about it just floating there. It didn't seem to do anything for the overall design. This new bag is now available in my etsy shop. Click here to see more

HandPainted Tote

Posted today in my Etsy shop. Love it! It came out great.
I will be working on many more in different colors.

I only have a small amount of this green vinyl left.:( its my favorite. Will have to keep my eyes open for more.

See more pictures of this bag here

Hand Painted Bucket Tote With Decorative Stitching

I love the color in this new tote! I have been preparing the surfaces of some scrap upholstery for a few days now and have just completed my first bucket tote. The plan is to make a large series of these; some in other styles and also some wallets as well. I am excited about them, since I get to paint! I love to paint, it really lifts my spirits.

You can see more photos of this tote up in my shop here

Self Portrait With New Peacock Bag

I have been thinking about adding some models to my work for awhile now. Only problem is that they aren't available when I need them:) , which is right now!...I'm sooo impatient sometimes! so, I decided to be the model and take a self portrait. I like the drama of how it came out. I need to get myself a tripod, it would make things a whole lot easier. Well, I am getting ready to tackle my next creative project for the day, I haven't quite figured out what I am doing yet. It will come to me. Stay tuned:)

Peacock Reverse Applique Case

Love it!

Multicolored Vinyl and Leather Applique Bag

This came out really cool! I love the reverse mini pockets that I added. I had originally made a drawing in my sketchbook of a bag that had these pockets everywhere and I called it " Not Enough Pockets Bag" This is one that I will be creating very soon. I love the color! I admit that I am very much into color and don't use it quite enough in my work. It makes me happy and that is something that I will be focusing on for the New Year - "Doing what makes me happy!" I think that is important:) !!

Colorful Applique Bird Tote

This is what I ended up with today. I like it. Its not something I would normally create, but its cute. For more photos visit my Etsy shop at uniquehandbags.etsy.com

Three Birds In a Tree Mini Messenger Bag

Here it is:) Its now in my shop for sale. Check it out here
I am thinking about doing something in the peacock category soon. I will post more progress photos of what I am working on tomorrow. Probably more flower applique work.

Happy New Year Everyone!

Small Shoulder Bag with Strap

During one of my last shows I had a customer mention that it would be really nice to have a strap on some of my smaller pouches, so I took her advice and will be making more along this line. I am always open to suggestions and ideas. If you have any you'd like to share, please throw them my way:)

Applique Star Hobo

Here it is:) all complete!
I think I might do another one similar to this in black. I will be working on it tomorrow and will list photos as soon as I can.