LAST ONE! Isla Tote in Basket Weave Black

I only found enough of this leather to make 3 Isla Totes in Basket Weave Black. Now there is just 1 left!!

Before & After- Denim Satchel

I have been trying to find a way to use denim without having the end product look like a D.I.Y gone horribly wrong. I wanted to use the fabric because its soft and durable but I did not want it to look like I sewed the leg a some jeans up and threw it over my shoulder. I'm not sure if you have browsed Etsy lately, but there are PLENTY!!  I think I managed to stay clear of that look. CHECK HERE for more pictures.

Love A Little Texture

I only found a tiny amount of this vintage leather. I was able to make 3 of these structured totes. They are so light weight and hold their shape perfectly.
More photos & details HERE.

Mixing & Matching, Colours & Textures

Mixing leathers and fabrics gives a simple shape a much more interesting look.
More photos and details HERE.

The Perfect Carry On is Essential

The right carry on makes all the difference. You need enough space to include all the necessities but you don't want it to weigh you down so much that you need a cart at the airport. Traveling light makes travelling enjoyable.
For more pictures and details check HERE.

Mix it Up- A Little Fancy, A Little Casual, A Little 80's

1.  Who Ya Gonna Call- Pre Loved T-Shirt
2. Kenneth Cole Strap Sandals- Pre-Loved
3. Jeans For Someone With Less Thigh Action Then I- Pre Loved Guess Jeans
4. A Bag For the Day- Entourage Mini Tote in Black Made of Repurposed Leather
5. For After Work Cocktails- Entourage Wristlet Made of Repurposed Materials 

Pre Loved is as Pretty as Fresh Off of the Rack

1. I am a Cheetah- Pre Loved Shirt
2. Honey Embossed Belt- Pre Loved
3. Entourage Mini Tote- Made of Repurposed Leather
4. If I Were Rich & Skinny- Pre Loved Jeans
5. Marni Peep Toe Platforms- Pre Loved 

Finding a Home.

Getting these pretty ladies ready for the shop.

Stocking the Shelves

More pretty things to come.

New Obsession- Urban Sketchers

I used to draw and paint for hours. I never got bored and never got frustrated. But over the years sewing has taken that space. Until recently it was a pastime that I rarely missed. That is until my Dad sent me a email with a link to this website Urban Sketchers.  This site showcases the work of 100 invited artists. Work ranges from pen and ink sketches of fellow passengers on the subway to bright and beautiful drawings of landscapes from all over the world. After a very long break I am a bit intimidated to draw. What if I can't, what if my drawings resemble that of a 5 year old?!!? But really, who cares if I am the only one who can decipher my scribbles, I just need to start.

CHA CHA Samples

I have a added a few pieces to the CHA CHA Samples shop and will be adding more before the weekend. Check it out......

3 Days Left!!

FREE shipping within Canada & the United States on all handbags in the CHA CHA SHOP.
Enter code JUNE at the end of check out to have shipping charges removed. Enjoy!

New Clutch!- SOLD OUT.

SOLD OUT.
I like this one because I was able to use a feature from the original garment. It's not always easy to do that when working with smaller bags but this one was a perfect fit. This zipper pockets is great for easy access to your phone, some lipstick, maybe some cash. Only ONE made!

Thrift Store Finds

I have been looking for art work to hang on the very naked walls of my office and yesterday I found these two prints. I'm happy to give them both a new home.

New Bag- Olivia in Purple SOLD OUT

SOLD OUT.
I love this leather. This light weight bag will be great for Spring & Summer.
Only 1 made.

Shoe Habit - SOLD OUT

THESE HANDBAGS HAVE SOLD OUT.
For the last year I have been making a serious effort to curb my shoe shopping. I even sold a few pairs on ebay. Since I am trying to be responsible, I only buy shoes if they are one sale, seems like a responsible compromise right???

I had been stalking these Diane Von Furstenberg heels online for months and they FINALLY dropped to half price and they had my size! I considered it was a sign.  I love them, they don't hurt my feet and in my opinion they go with almost everything. I would wear them with either a large tote like the Entourage or for a lunch date with the Agatha Clutch.

Pretty in Purple- SOLD OUT

SOLD OUT.
I have just 2 of these soft bucket bags left, perfect for Spring/Summer.

Elizabeth Wrap Belts- Recycled Leather-SOLD OUT

 SOLD OUT.
Elizabeth Wrap Belt. Same pattern as the wrap belts I have made in the past, the difference is that these ones are made of 100% recycled leather!!

Join me at Crafternoon Tea!

Normally at this time of year I would be getting ready for the Toronto One of a Kind Show but I have decided to sit this season out. Since I recently made the decision to switch from working with new leather to recycled leather I wanted to make sure I had the new line just right before I made the huge investment into such a large show.
So this Saturday I am looking forward to taking part in Crafternoon Tea. This is the 7th edition of the Indie Craft/Fashion Market. There will be 25 local vendors and the admission fee is either a donation of toiletries or stocking stuffing or a $2 donation to the target charity.
I will be bringing along scarves, recycled clutches, pouches and small bags. Stop by and say hi this Saturday!

When: November 26th 11am to 5pm
Where: 947 Queen St. East at Carlaw ( Queen East Pres. Church), Leslieville

A Little DIY- Hand Dyed Cotton Scarves

1. I like to use a nice light weight cotton. Something soft, but still durable.
2. I get my fabric ready cutting it to the size and tying some loose knots. This will give the fabric that marbled sort of look after its dyed.
3. Next I put on some huger rubber gloves. This is a MUST, I learned this the hard way.
4. I chose the colours I want and dilute them in some water. I use a vegetable base pigments.
5. Then I soak my fabric in the dye. Not for very long, just enough time to get it really covered.
6. I ring them out and let the knotted canvas sit on a drying rack for a few hours to ensure the dye has taken.
7. Now I rinse them. I like to do this to give the scarves a subtle look. I don't want the colour to be to intense. After they are rinsed they are ready to be silkscreened.
8. I pick out my favourite image that I have had made into a silk screen, lately I have been loving these zig- zags.
9. Once the fabric has dried I go over the whole scarf with a hot iron to set the ink. You could probably get away with just that step, but i like to then wash the fabric. This softens it up as well as insures that NO DYE WILL TRANSFER TO YOUR CLOTHES. Worth the extra step.
10. The very last step is carefully sewing the edges so you have a nice clean look. I keep the ends raw, but you could sew around the entire scarf if you would like.

All in all, not to difficult to make, just a little time consuming.  Worth it in the end.
I think these will make great gifts for the holiday season!