SOMETHING NEW FROM JUNE

I'm usually all about the art and family stuff…but I realized, this is probably the perfect place to share this new hobby.

I had been looking, for literally two years, to find the perfect purse.  

Now this might now sound like a huge endeavor, however, it was for me.  I wanted that old slouchy leather, fringy, hippie purse I had back in the day.  Everything was either so generic, old lady, too she-she…or simply just not me.

I went onto Esty and finally found just what I was looking for…only thing, it was 300.00.  And that's fine for this kind of bag..however, that didn't include the shipping (from Poland of all places), and the main issue I had was when I looked closer at all her bags, this one in particular, I realized,  these are VERY hand made.   Seriously, I could see the unevenness of things, the belt she used as the strap..etc.  I thought, well really…if she can do it, so can I.  So I set out to make my own leather purse.

And I have to tell you…I'm very happy with the results.  

Don't get me wrong, there are definitely mistakes, but I researched a bit and figured out how to do a double stitched seam on leather (I didn't take a close up of this technique to share…it's pretty remarkable and really lends a very authentic look to the quality.)  I got a super duper sewing machine to take on the thick stuff.  
I wasted some good pieces of leather to say the least…it's a learning experience.  But I'm figuring things out.  
I learned how to use leather tools and rivets to secure the side loops for the handle... and patched around a bit and finally came up with something I could be proud of.  I even lined it in orange silk damask!  Zippered compartment and everything!  It's all leather and fringy and big.  I put my own special logo of a leather OM symbol on the back. (it looks a bit more orangey in these photos, but it's really the perfect brown).

People actually stop me on the street and ask where I got it!  I've been asked to create some for a local boutique as well, however my life just doesn't have the time to add another career into the mix…so my closest girlies (and you know who you are),  and friends are going to have to settle for my new found enjoyment of creating awesome vintage hippie bags….and there you have it!