HandPainted Art Collage Tote

My latest bags included some thread painting and utilization of old scraps that I had painted for some previous work. I had no use for them and had been holding on to them for the perfect project and this turned out to be the one! I created 2 bucket totes using a large piece scrap of upholstery that I painted with random artist acrylics. (you can see the fabric being painted in my profile pic) Then I continued using some random bits of leather and other scraps to create a collage of interest. I also used some cotton fabric from a recycled skirt that I altered. It was fun to add some thread painted accents as a design element on the handle and also within the bag design itself, something I had a lot of fun with!

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.

New HandPainted Tote!

I am very happy to show you the new tote I just completed this afternoon. This one took me a little more time than I originally planned, but I am happy with the results:) The colors are amazing, they just pop, love the lime and red combo! and it has so many pockets. I am posting it in my esty shop and if you'd like to see more photos please visit this link uniquehandbags.etsy.com
or click on any of the above photos for a larger view. Its a gorgeous day out, time to go out for a long walk and prepare for work on a custom order:) !

Posted on the wall behind my machine in the first photograph reads...

Be gentle with yourself,
You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars,
In the noisy confusion of life,
keep peace in your soul.

Enjoy your day:) !!

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

New Large Teal Tote

I finished this amazing new bag this afternoon! First photo shows the progress of adding the eyelets and the beginning design. I love this color! These would be great in smaller versions too or even a duffel bag style.

Large Red Fabric and Leather Tote

I just finished a large red zipper top tote today. I have been working on it for a few days now off and on and am happy that I was able to finally get it done. I love the size of this one although I may make the height a little shorter for the next time around. Its a great size for everything and carries very nicely. I will be making more of these in a few different colors this week.

Black White and Red Tote

Just listed a new tote now available in my Etsy shop.
Click on the photos to view larger or Click here to go to my Etsy page.

Festive Tote

Its completed! The circles remind me of the little umbrellas you get with your cocktails. I will be listing it in my Etsy shop this afternoon and is now available to see in person at LaBussola in downtown Reno.

Time for a Little Fun

I made a sunflower tote today. This one is a re-make of a previous bag that I sold last summer. The only difference is that the petals are different. I like to randomly cut all my flowers so no two are alike.







Here I am starting on a new bag, mixing things up a bit.
I made a mens bag yesterday and was so bored with that I decided that today I needed to have a little fun. I am just taking random upholstery fabrics and cutting circles out. I will machine stitch the inside centers with contrasting thread for effect. I am going to have some fun with this one.
Posting more progress photos soon.

Purple Applique Flower Tote

This new tote is now up in my shop and available for purchase. I am loving the colors in this one and the contrast is awesome.
Now I am ready to tackle the others that I have lined up.

Hope to have a new project to share with you soon.

See this bag in my shop HERE

Purple Flower Tote Construction

I am currently putting together a new bag. I'm working with some purple leather and the scraps from the last flower bag I made. I am cutting the petals in freehand, without a pattern; just going by what is in my head and off of one of my sketches. I like when I work like this, as it allows each piece that I create to be one of a kind while every part is created in a spontaneous way.

New Leather Rose Tote

Just listed a new tote that I have been working on for the last week. I love the size of it; its deeper than your average bag which allows room for all those xtra items. The softness of the leather is another thing I love. Its made from distressed leather ,which naturally has an aged look to it and will continue to look better with use. I will be working on the other ideas I have for bags in this line and hope to get lots accomplished next week.

This bag can be seen in more detail here in my Shop



... and thanks to all of you who have been voting for me everyday! Its made a huge difference. I am getting warmer but still need to be HOT so keep voting everyday! Here is where I stand currently with my votes.
<----------see , I'm almost there! Thank you
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