my new handbag design

I have started work on a new handbag. It's larger than ones I normally make, mainly because alot of feedback I get it that my bags are too small. I only carry a purse and phone in my bag, so I am not a 'proper' girl. So this is probably one of the largest bags I have made. I'm going to give it a handle that means it will sit under your arm and on your hip.

What do you think??


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So  here is the final collar for Fenrir, sorry it took so long to upload, I was having some technical issues with Blogger!

Fenrir's new leather dog collar

It's been a long time since I got to do some 'proper' leatherwork.
2 operations this year, spaced so I wasn't quite over the first 1, before the next occured, made being physically able to carve quite difficult.
So the only things I have done this year were 3 guitar strap commissions. Whilst I love doing this, you are constrained by what you are asked to do, so I never really feel like it's MY work. 

Also the last custom guitar strap was poorly received, I knew when I took it on that I didn't like request. There was nothing artistic or colourwise that I liked. it was one I should have passed on as I think my distaste for it showed in the final product. This knocked my confidence though, despite teaching me a lesson. 

Anyway, today I decided I was going to make something I've been saying I'll do for 6 years! making my dog a collar.

For those who don't know the Norse Myth of Fenrir the wolf, he was the Son of Loki & a naughty tike. Well worth a google or read of the Prose Edda if you don't know the full story.
Anyway my Fenrir is aptly named.

It is the first carved leather dog collar I have ever made. Fen has been very intrigued all day as to what I have been doing with his original collar. Though I fear if I put it on him tonight he will want WalKiEs too.... he has also had three operations this year on a broken cruciate ligament..... I think we might wait until tomorrow.
It's been a strange relationship with he &I having our surgeries so close together, luckily our recovery seems quite well timed too, as we've managed 3 reasonably long walks together over the christmas holiday.
Hopefully, his new collar will be a good omen for us both.

Its a long road

It's been a long year, with an operation in April, then again in July I haven't been up to doing much, especially something strenuous like cutting and carving leather.  So disappointingly I haven't done anything new for months. 
However, once I heal up from this operation I have SO MANY new ideas to do that my sketch book is getting quite full.
I've taken some time this week to finally finish off the new website, so you can now buy my leatherwork via the website and paypal.
I have a new commission to undertake and the customer has been very specific on what he wants the design carved into his guitar strap.  Which is great in a way as I haven't got to do too much on the design front, however if I dont achieve what he clearly has set in his mind, he maybe disappointed.  Still will be nice to be able to get back to leatherworking, rather than knitting, which is all I have been capable of for the last few months.
Hurry up body and heal up!
Please have a nose round my website and see if there is anything that takes your fancy.
www.helisleatherpitt.co.uk

I am a bit late with announcing this, however since the 1st March my leatherwork has been on display in a shop called Three Little Pigs in Pershore.
The lovely owner Fiona, likes to stock goods from local suppliers, crafters and artists.  The Three Little Pigs also runs workshop days and has a montly Artisits exhibition.  Of which my work is the showcase for the month of March.
It was pretty exciting to walk past the shop one evening and see some of my work in the window.  I know that a few pieces have already been sold, though obviously I was hoping to have everything sold out and orders as long as my arm.
Though I think I am quite fortunate that that hasn't happened, as my poor dog's operation though mostly successful, left him not very well sewn up.  He is under my 24 hour supervision, which is restricting my activities alot.
I have lots of ideas that I want to get stuck into and a belt commission to start.
In the meantime, if you would like to see my leather work, there are plenty of handbags, wallets, belts and book covers on the website and in The Three Little Pigs in Pershore.  Each time I go in there I am tempted by something, so lets hope more people are tempted by my work!http://www.threelittlepigsgiftshop.co.uk/

Next Fair

2 October 2010

RNLI, Tewkesbury

There will be at least 20 stalls, with many different crafts represented, together with a tombola and raffle. An ideal opportunity to start your Christmas shopping! Refreshments will be available throughout the day. Situated on the 42 bus route from Tewkesbury town centre.

RNLI, Wheat Pieces Community Centre, Columbine Road, Tewkesbury, GL20 7SP.

Doors open at 10.00 a.m. till 4.00 p.m.