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.

Completed Patchwork Clutch

I added some photos of the process and making of this clutch for fun.
This was a completely different design than I have made in the past. The handles are made using 1/8 inch thick signage scrap sintra covered with leather and secured with rivets. I worked in the signage business for 4 years so I am familiar with all these materials and feel extremely comfortable using razor blades for cutting this project. I had to use the drill with this part of the job because the punch tends to split the plastic and that is not what I want to happen. I added a top zipper which I didn't plan on but it made sense to keep items secure. You can carry this clutch under the arm or by the handles. It will be available in my etsy shop tonight.

Here is the link Patchwork Clutch

Final Construction of Patchwork Clutch

Ok, I think I am ready to start putting this one together.
Wow, its bright! My favorite part of this one is how soft the fabric is and even though it sounds like it can't be washed because of the words suede, it is completely delicate machine washable. But because I will be adding leather to it, you will only be able to spot clean this one.
My eyes are going crazy with these wild colors!! Time to get back to work.