Crystal Leather Key Chains

A few days ago I discovered my local leather store, LeatherWise. It is such a great place and I'm so excited to start learning how to use leather. Leatherwise has all the tools and materials I need to make all the thinks I've been dreaming about. Ron, who owns LeatherWise, is an expert on leather and was extremely helpful in answering all my questions as well as showing me simple techniques.

For my first project, I grabbed some gem stones I had forever and incorporated them into some of the scrap pieces of leather I bought. These key chains are completely sewn by hand. After the stone was set and sewn down tightly I added a rivet to the top, added black Edge Kote and Gum Tragacanth to the raw edges and added a stitch around the perimeter. Very fun to make, I've got a couple more in the works and they're on sale at Idle Hands in Santa Cruz, CA.

Dress up @ Idle Hands

Isn't she adorable!!!!!! My friends stopped by to visit me at work and decided to play a little dress up & photo shoot. Except for Jonny's pants and shoes everything they're wearing is from Idle Hands. Briana's wearing a red stretch skirt I designed and made, I also have them available in white, black and teal... Very Sexy Gurl!

Idle Hands Trunk Show

Last night was my first trunk show along with other local artist at Idle Hands Merchantile in Downtown Santa Cruz. Having been my first trunk show it was an awesome experience and a true inspiration. The other vendors were extremely creative and talented so I felt honored to be by their side. I'm so grateful for my family and friends who stopped by to check it out, it means the world to me. And THANK YOU Idle Hands for making it happen!

Quilted Bag for Friday's Trunk Show

Here's one of the bags I've made for the Trunk Show at Idle Hands Merchantile this Friday 6-9pm. This quilted bag is one-of-a-kind, layered with interfacing to give it a nice sturdy weight. It's bright and colorful with a mix of different textures and fabrics which easily catch the eye. The straps are braided and the inside has a zipper pouch and pockets. I also included a dangling clasp for your keys.

Idle Hands Merchantile

I have a couple of my accessories in a new retail shop, Idle Hands Merchantile, in Downtown Santa Cruz. The shop will be having they're grand opening tonight August 1, 6-9pm. The location is 805 Pacific Ave...Check it out!