Shitty weather = re-decorate.

I’ve been having the urge lately to re-decorate my apartment. Someone told me today maybe it’s because of the snow and the cold and the salty boots. I am so ready for summer and it shows through the fabrics I bought at S.R Harris.

Golden and white stripe curtain, aqua and red for a new pillow, and fur….well fur is sexy all year round, so why not have a fur pillow.

I’m also hanging more sheer white curtains which adds a nice softness and warmth to mi piso luminoso.

I’m back. For now. Writing this blog.

cheers. xoxo

Finding ground again after summer fun!

It has been awhile since I’ve sat down to write. Summer came and I didn’t want to be inside. Not sewing. Definitely not sitting at a computer! My summer isn’t quite over yet, I’m taking a trip to Black Rock City again this year. When I get back, my schedule will be school, work, and increasing inventory for thee ‘ol etsy shop.

I have been sewing a little, making small leather goods. A simple leather pocket purse for a friend, and a small 3 x 4″ coin purse for my key leash. I’m feeling inspired to create again, school is starting, working less hours, doing more yoga.

Feeling much gratitude.

Here are the photos of the leather pieces, I think they’re pretty dang cute! Cheers.

 

 

Summer = needing a cross body purse

I bike a lot and also carry a lot of shit around with me. A cross body purse holds my stuff and stays out of the way. I also find it easier for festivals, shopping (doesn’t fall off your shoulder), concerts, taking a walk around the lake, and travel in general; to the grocery store or to another state/country. This one is made from a long leather jacket. I cut the leather into about 1″ strips and wove it together. It has a magnetic closure, strap is the belt from the coat, and pinstripe lining with a pocket.  Dimensions are about 9 1/2″ x 10″.

I have an idea to make a purse with a secret hidden flask compartment….I think that would come in handy sometimes. Thanks for reading! Happy May!

Recycled leather coffee cozies

Its earth day every day. Reusing is totally, like, cool AND now I can drink my soy latte in extra super cool style with these leather cup-cozies. I had leather scraps left over from previous projects and decided cozies would be kind of fun to make. They don’t slip around like knit ones. I make coffee/tea mostly at home and these fit on a 12oz glass. Hmmm….you could even use these when drinking a beer ; )

Cherio!

A sexy new clutch for hot summer nights.

Now if it could only get warm here in Minnesnowta! Made out of vinyl! Found a scrap of this metallic bronze faux leather at the bottom of the bin. Swirly stitching on the front. Unlined. Small strip of real leather on the opening (for durability’s sake.)  Magnetic closure. Soft. Great for a night out with the ladies. I’d rock this with a slouchy white tank, skinny jeans, comfortable heels and a long necklace. Easy, breezy, beautiful, metallic vinyl clutch girl.

Ha.

You’re in need of a new beach bag. wink wink.

Large, organic cotton bag with re-purposed leather handles and bottom. Unlined. Zips closed to keep your goods in. A pocket on the outside and a pocket on the inside. Large enough to hold what you need, and not too big that it weighs you down.

Shoot, I would even use this as a carry on for traveling. Thanks for reading ya’ll.

Organic cotton, birdie print zip pouch. Cute!

I’m getting better at zippers. Unlined. About 6 x 6″ with re-used leather details. It’ll go well with the bag I’m making next ; ) A large tote, made out of the same fabric, with leather handles and a zip top. Today though I’m going to clean up my “studio area” then make a maxi dress out of a simple blue jersey. The sun is shining and I want to get outside too! Thanks for reading, now go for a bike ride! Cheers.

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Business cards!

I finally have my business cards designed! A huge thank you to my sister, Katie Yokiel, who helped me. AND I found a local business to print them, on linen card stock, for a super duper reasonable price. Now I have something to give people when I’m telling them about my etsy store or blog. This is so exciting. Here is the design, I’m picking up the real thing on Monday. Yipee!

P.s I have 3 new purses made and will post them when I get photos! Cheers!

Vintage DVF scarf = cute tank!

I found this Diane Von Furstenberg scarf/hankie at the thrift store for $1.29 and thought it would make a cute summer top. I had a sheer, light pink 100% cotton tank I was going to give away (because the front was ugly) and decided to re-purpose and use that for the back. The two work beautifully together; slightly shear, sexy with a black bra barely visible. The neck edge is surged. Darts at the bust to give a little shape, although it’s kind of that boxy, roomy look we’re seeing e v e r y w h e r e. The arm edges were already finished (from the existing shirt I used) so I only had to finish the arm hole part of the “hankie front.” These are phone photos, pardon their okayness.

Thanks for reading! Next I’m adding the debut of my business card/logo designed by my sister!

 

Pausing to give thanks.

This top is by Uye Surana, a New York label designed by Monica Wesley.

Her website:      http://www.uyesurana.com/

I won this shirt through a contest with 20besttwenty and Uye Surana. If you liked them both on facebook and followed them on twitter you had a chance to win this shirt. I signed up for a twitter account and “liked” them on facebook. A couple weeks later I was notified that I had won!

Words cannot express the feelings when I opened the package and unfolded this silk, screen printed top.

I want to crawl into a whole. A whole way of being, thinking, creating. I won this shirt and I am so very grateful. It is better than winning money.It feels like another piece to my puzzle of life…..

I’m sending Monica a thank you card. Her work is inspiring and absolutely stunning.

Thank you to Monica. Thank you to all the people who support me and other artists. Thank you to people who support local designers/artists. You might pay a little more; and you also know what you’re holding, wearing, using, carrying, admiring was made with love and a genuine passion for creativity and expression. And that is more powerful than money.