just a quickie post!.. follow my Maker page on facebook

I have finally decided to separate my public ‘Making’ from my personal facebook page, by creating a “Cynthia Reynolds – Maker” page .. so please LIKE me and follow along on the ride —  find the link on the right hand side of this page or click here

leather handles on felt bags

A while back, I blogged about the raw wool felted laptop bag (see post) that I created for myself, and I thought I would show how the handles were made.

Store bought handles of all shapes, sizes and colours are available in most craft stores (or online), but in my opinion, nothing beats a good quality, handmade, adjustable thick leather strap with solid brass fittings.

Laptop bag - raw fleece, with 3 inside pockets and cowhide straps - this mannequin is a little size 8.. on me (178cm 5'10 tall) the bag sits higher.

 

I love the combination of warm leather, solid brass and wool

I have not used a pattern for doing this.. I simply gauge the size based on the bag and what feels comfortable. The only factor to consider is the width of your buckle. I cut five pieces of leather, one for the strap, and two shorter pieces that are doubled over and secured to the felt itself using chicago screws (leather bond optional), and two narrower pieces that are looped to keep the strap from flailing about.

undone.. this shows the part that is secured to the bag. It is doubled over so that the wool felt is sandwiched between two layers of leather. This is very solid, and can easily bear the weight of a laptop and more.

The side pieces are very simple.. an oval hole in the middle for the buckle to pivot, and in this case two holes matched up on each side.  Punch matched holes in your felt bag to line up with the holes you have punched in your leather, from there, the assembly is self explanatory. If you feel that the leather is took thick to bend smoothly where the buckle is, use the shaver to thin the area.. it helps!) You may sometimes feel like you need three hands to assemble it all, while screwing together the chicago screws, but it can be done!

the basic tools: a mallet & punches

the inside of the 'sandwich' held secure by chicago screws

The leather used on this project is a 6-7 ounce natural cowhide. You can buy precut leather straps in various widths, or use a strap cutter (see image below) and make it just the way you want. I treat my leather  (pre-assembly) with neatsfoot oil, it keeps the leather soft, and gives it that warmth of colour that only gets better with age and wear.

top: leather cowhide rolled up, from left: leather strap ,loop, neatsfoot oil, leather strap cutter, hole punches (round and oval), chicago screws, end cutter, leather shaver and mallet

Once you have both sides assembled, you simply need to take the long strap, punch the number of holes you want on each side (for adjustability) and put it on!

The life of a Maker… studio time

I managed to get in some studio time of late to finish off some orders, and get a few pieces photographed. Years ago I read that an artist should take photos of everything they make regardless of whether it is going to be a personal gift or go up for sale (or already sold for that matter). Time to start getting into the habit.

Jewelry photography is a tedious task, requiring very bright lights with a light tent to control reflections and shadows. I keep thinking I need to set up a photo spot in the studio, such that it is not such an effort setting everything up each time.

My children spend quite a bit of time with me in the studio.. asking questions, playing on the floor.. digging through all the tools and supplies while dreaming of what they want to make next (they now even have their own cupboard of supplies).

A typical studio shot.. on the right, the tripod and light tent (on top of the centrifuge), with laptop at hand. Workbench, with power tools underneath and packages in need of labeling to get to the post office. My daughter, forever curious going through my stash of jewelry... Silk shibori scarves hanging all over in need of pressing and packaging. In the background (next room) boxes and boxes of wool and silk, and ribbons hanging down from their spools over the window.

It has been a productive time, and with studio visits scheduled later this week with neighborhood children, there will be lots of laughter and fun in these rooms… but for now, a few images from last night.

words that touched me deeply

for mother and child

because sometimes we need a reminder

A handmade holiday

With the holidays fast approaching, it is time for my annual ‘buy handmade’ appeal. (click here and take a moment to read my post from 2009)

Every year, by the time mid-November rolls around our mailboxes fill to the brim with holiday catalogs from near and far. The vast majority of the stuff (for lack of a better word) is made in some far off place where people are underpaid and their work is under appreciated.

This year, as every year, I will spend my time making.  I had originally signed up for Epla’s 1st ‘in the flesh’ christmas market, which will surely be a grand success; but due to priorities and a heavy schedule… going into production mode was simply out of the question, so I have had to free up my spot — given the waiting list to get in, I am sure it made someone very happy!

Speaking of Epla, they turned 2 this week, and their success is admirable! I started with them when they first opened their doors, and have felt a sense of belonging from the get-go. They posted their Christmas gift list this morning and I was pleasantly surprised to have 2 of the 9 spots allotted for their ‘exclusive gift-picks‘. I truly hope they have a great market, and hope that I may even have a chance to pass by. For those of you who do not know of Epla, it is Norway’s marketplace for artisans to sell their work. They now, also have a fashion (vintage) and collectables section. If you are Norwegian and looking for that special gift, take a look, I am sure you will find what you are looking for, and in doing so, you will support an artist living in Norway, likely working from their home in their spare time, doing what they love most.

Support your local artist/maker.. it is a win/win situation. Handmade gifts, even if you did not make them yourself, are simply the best! Gifts with heart and soul, that show that you did take the time to find something special.

… and for my local (read: really local) readers, do make sure to visit Nesodden’s detlillestore.no  They have a lovely selection of work from some very talented local makers. I wish them all the best!

In the meantime, projects are in the works in our house, and as my children (and many of their friends) spend time making with me, you may start to see a new series of posts.. about the life of a Maker.

FeltUnited 2011 exhibit is online :)

Another year of FeltUnited comes to a close, bringing together a three year theme covering the colour wheel.

What started as a simple idea three years ago as a way of bringing artists together in a joint exhibit, has come together into an event with a following that we could not have dreamed of; over 66000 hits on the website, and well over 1250 artists in close to 40 countries. Given those numbers, one of the big topics covered while Elis Vermeulen and I met in London earlier this week was the future of FeltUnited. Things need to change.. for the betterment of all Stay tuned for more information after the new year. Until then, we will be taking time to enjoy our families and rest up before the holidays are upon us.

In the meantime, make yourself a warm cup of something good and peruse the exhibits :)