Details :: The Framed Tote

 Today, friends, I want to tell you about my current favorite bag from the G&M Things shoppe!  It's called the "Framed Tote" and is named that because, well, it's kind of tote-ish, and there's always going to be a frame around whatever prettiness is going on in the middle.  

The first design I came up with is a cute little chevron number.  So far all of the designs have been done in same-color leather, making the design more of a subtle thing than an in-yo-face thing.  I like it, but I'm thinking about trying something a little more striking as well.  I mean, I wouldn't ask you to disguise your awesomeness, I think the same goes for the things you choose to carry!

The other framed design so far is a fancy little feather!  I love the feather made out of leather.  I can't really even explain why, except that something so delicate being made out of something so sturdy, it speaks to me.

These bags are approximately 16" wide and 14" tall, making them the perfect size for carrying a laptop, files, or even as a diaper bag.  Why shouldn't you have a swanky bag for keeping diapers in?  I can't think of a reason!

The inside has two pockets, one on each side.  One side has a large open-top pocket, big enough to hold 8 1/2" x 11" paper without folding it.  The zippered pocket on the other side is smaller, and better suited to phones, chapsticks, and keys.  Wouldn't want the necessities to get lost in all that space!

Although not shown in this here example (^), there is also a magnetic snap closure to help keep everything under wraps!  This example above is the first one I made, and it's what I carry every day to the office.  I feel so fancy, walking past those kids in their backpacks, knowing that I've also got all of my stuff, and its in a gorgeous bag!

Shoulder  [Derby] Bag (L), Framed Tote (C), Cross-Body Bag (R)
Interested in a custom order?
Contact me via my shoppe!

Here's what I need to know, though.  I've got an itch to make some more framed designs, and I'm not sure what to make.  I'm planning to look through some classic pieced quilt blocks, see if anything speaks to me, but do you have an idea?  Some shape that you're loving this spring?  Tell me about it!  No need to order, I'm just looking for ideas ;) (although you can order if you want to...)

<3 M.

Details :: The Derby Bag

Details.  Sometimes, I'm not great with them.  Things like exactly what time the party starts.  Or whether it's a casual or business-casual or business meeting.  Luckily, I've been early, or too dressed up, or whatever side caution falls on.  

But when I'm making stuff?  Then its all about the details, baby.

An extra stitch around the edge is something that separates things that are "done" from something that is "finished".  Adding some hardware, even if its not a necessity, lends a professional air to a creation.  Garnishes?  Finishing touches like a sprinkle of parsley or a quick wipe down show extra care.  

I've recently had the opportunity to finish up 3 bags lately, and my oh my, these finishing touches really threw them over the top, if I do say so myself! ;)  And really, if you must know, the details make it so fun!

These Derby bags (so named because of the popular leather color, Derby Brown, but it seems to have stuck, and so I'm just rolling with it) have gotten some good attention.  After the first Derby bag, I realized there were a few problems with both the design and the materials.  The handle design needed some updating from the original round, and these new & improved handles have reinforced attachment areas, rectangular rings, and well-padded handles.  Really, the leather should turn to dust before these handles break.

I don't know what it is, but I love the proportions of this bag, in purse size.  It can be sized for laptops, but I'm partial to the purse size.  It holds plenty, but doesn't allow me to cart around too too much.  Handsome already calls my purse a black hole, making it huger (yes, that's a word) makes it that much more of a problem.  This 11x13 size gives me just enough room for my chapstick collection, my phone, wallet, sunglasses, and even a diaper & wipes, if RG and I are headed out on the town.  The inside zippered pocket keeps my keys separate from the rest of the black hole, allowing me to at least make it back home!

I've got big plans for more design additions for these bags.  I am still excited to be making them, although that doesn't mean that I'm not making other stuff, too!  Want a teaser?  Stay tuned!  Its not even up in the shop yet, although it should be soon... unless I decide I just can't part with it ;)

And now I've got to take a break from the making.  Because laundry.  And because vacuuming   And because PhD.  So cinderella has to see to her chores before she can go to the ball.  And by "ball" I obviously mean sitting in our spare bedroom sewing by myself and eating Cadbury solid chocolate eggs by the fistful.  That's the same thing, right??   

Shoulder  [Derby] Bag (L), Framed Tote (C), Cross-Body Bag (R)
Interested in a custom order?
Contact me through here!

 <3 M.

Risky Business, Take 2

I opened a shop.

Online.

Selling stuff I make.

*faint*

*revive*

Because I love to make things.  And if I can make things and get paid for it (at least enough to cover the materials, a little for my time is a nice bonus) then all the better.  I've done this before, but then I quit.  Because Grad School.  Because Pregnant.  And because Follow Through.

But now I've done it again.  The stakes are a little higher this time, because the material is a bit more pricey.  I mean, I'm purchasing cow hide in bulk - not cheap.  SO ridiculously fun, and something I never saw myself doing, but more expensive than thrift store fabric.  A bit.

I had gotten some feedback from instagram and the like regarding my prototype, and it was all positive.  A few people even said "I want that!  I'd pay you to make me one."  But... I've had the shop open for 2 days and there's been no paying.  Few views, actually.  And while "since Wednesday" is not real long, it feels long when you're putting yourself out there.  And it feels like you've already failed when no on is biting.

How did I see this going in my dreams?  Well, I open up the shop, I add my products, complete with witty description, carefully edited photographs, and lots of angst, and BOOM!  Both purses are bought up, and then there's orders for 4 more.  And Oprah wants one.  That's pretty much how I saw it going.

And yes, that was ridiculously optimistic, but I'm a romantic - I imagine all outcomes will occur in the most fabulous way imaginable.  And its not.  But.  BUT.  I'm not done.  Because January is the month of riskiness, and this definitely qualifies.  I think, because myself and a whole bunch of blogger friends (they are friends, now, by this point in the journey) have been so decidedly open to risking things, and because we're willing to be rejected if that's what it takes, it wasn't such a hard choice to make, the decision to try-to-sell-my-precious-handiwork-online.  

I'm not going to lie, there's a part of me that wants to say "Ok, I tried, time to pack it up."  Because a  little rejection (I know, its only been two days, but SERIOUSLY!) stings and, were I more afraid of rejection than I am, I would do that; had I less support than I do, I would do that.  It would be easier.  I could brush it off and act like it ain't no thang - I didn't really want the hassle of an online shoppe anyhow...  But I do.  I think it will be fun.  I think I make a pretty bomb-phenom leather satchel.  I think I have more creativity in me, and there is more leathercrafting to be done.  

So I won't quit.  I'll keep risking.  I'll keep trying things and putting them out there.

But do this for me, okay?  First, don't make a pity-purchase.  C'mon.  I can handle this.  Second, if I make truly awful stuff, if it is nowhere near as chic and stylish as I think it is, if my mom is lying to me when she says "You could make it big, honey," then PLEASE, for the love of all the cows, tell me, okay?  Its not very friendly to tell someone who sounds like a sick cat that they have a beautiful voice - don't over-inflate my ego, just for kicks.  In this house, we praise actual accomplishments and there are no participation trophies.  hastag: that's how we roll.

<3  M.

The Shoppe Is Open! (again)

Hey y'all!

I've been making things again.  I have been making progress on my actual "work" work, but after I put in a good day, I unwind with a little leather crafting.

Yes, leather crafting.  Don't you?

No?

Weird.

Anyhow, I've decided to re-open my shoppe, only instead of an Etsy shop, it is a Storenvy shop.  Because (1) Storenvy people are super nice, (2) they let you customize and tweak (not twerk) all different aspects of the display, and (3) they don't lift a little of your profit from your pockets while you're not looking.  Not that Etsy does that.  No.  I'm just sayin'...

Plus, I like their look.  They seem so... hip.  Thats it.  Totally hip.

I wanna be hip.  I want a hip place to sell my bags.  So its Storenvy for me!

I meant to wait.  To make a whole bunch of the same thing because it is my grand theory of design that anything looks pleasing, aesthetically, when it is presented en mass.  For example.

I'm not saying its the prettiest thing ever, but you're drawn to it, aren't you?
There's just something about repetition that makes you like it.
Don't deny.
If you feel more comfortable, imagine those toilets are purses.
Or kittens.

So I wanted to wait and to have a whole bunch of inventory ready to go.  So that they would look super nice all stacked up together, even if they didn't speak to you individually.  But they do.  Oooo they do.  They speak so loudly.  And so I decided to jump the gun and re-open my shop with only two purses in stock.  I'm getting new leather hide today, and so there should be new purses in the shop soon.  But for now, there are only these lovely two.

They speak to me so loudly that I very nearly decided to keep one.  I took it out for a day trip, just to try it out.  We drove around a little, saw some sights, etc.  It was a grand old time, but, well, the purse & I are not meant to be.  

I promise, it will look this lovely on your seat.
Take it some nicer places than I did, mkay?

So if you like leather crafts, and purses, or just small businesses in general, check out my new shop!  Share it, pin it, tweet it to your friends.  Or just look at it and then think, "Hm.  Those are nice."

<3 M.