Upcycled Leather Bags - Finally!

If you are looking for the Lampwork Earring Giveaway, please go here.  Good luck!

Those of you who know me are aware that I love to do both lampwork beads along with other jewelry making AND I love to sew.  I have been sewing since about age 8 or 9 with my first 4-H apron.  Most of my female relatives (grandmothers, aunts and mother) sewed and passed on those skills.  My mother and grandmother also made lots of our clothes while we were growing up.  We were soooooo lucky!

So, for a while, I have been promising some upcycled leather bags and purses.  I have made a couple of bags as a test and am now ready to reveal one.  Get ready 'cause it is a BIG one!

See how big!!  Check the magazine in the pocket.

 

And look at this fabric used for the lining.  I love, love, love it.  See the bird?  And there is a butterfly hidden down inside too.

 

 

 The handles are so soft and comfortable riding on your shoulder or arm.  

This bag is padded so you can carry your tablet and maybe even a lightweight laptop.  And so many extras inside - center zipper pocket, key fob, side pockets... 

 

 

and pen slots.

The big secret is that this bag is made from 3 upcycled skirts - 2 of soft, dark chocolate brown leather and 1 of red batik.  I love giving garments a new life.  When using the leather skirts or jackets, I try to use any interesting seams or pockets from the original item in the bag design.  On this one, it was seams on the front of the bag.  With jackets, I often get great pockets which you will see on future bags.

So what do you think?  Do you like it?  Would you carry it?

Keep creating,

Carol