scenes from the studio

Hi there.  I hope you're having a wonderful, short week full of newness and creative endeavors.

As for me...
The comfortable feeling of designing and creating bags isn't always instantaneous upon returning to the studio after a long break or holiday.  When this happens, I grab a cup of coffee and look for inspiration through sketches, idea boards, and by playing with the leather, fabric and bits of recycled hardware. It's only then that things begin to click.  Hopefully. 

Here's a peek at what's happening this week...

original sketch on the left and the resulting applique

(this will be a dark brown, rather large leather bag)

something new - I've added flaps to cover some of the inside pockets

(for keeping girlie things safely tucked away)

new leather straps in brown and black

(yes, that's my messy worktable.  you can just barely see spots of wood peeking through)

a couple more new bags

(wish I had more of that animal print leather on the left)

a little applique, too

now...

It's time for another cup of coffee or maybe tea.  I'm dreaming of cooler September days.
How about you?