Inspiration: Saddlebags

There is a reason why certain bag styles have stood the test of time.  Simple styling, functional design, and durable natural materials are just some of the reasons designers return to these timeless styles every season.

The leather saddlebag is a perfect example:

Saddlebag Inspiration:
clockwise from top left: ralph lauren, leifsdottir laissez-passer, holding horses little bit, frye tonya saddle, ralph lauren harbridge saddle, hayden harnett barnard, marc jacobs petal to the metal, saddlers union, gucci, milly mini sophia haircalf, derek lam small ume 

The saddlebag is a bag designed for utility and traditionally made with leather for durability.
Originally these bags were made to be attached to the side of the saddle when riding horseback.  These days, most saddlebags are made with cross-body straps and worn at the hip.

The smallest ones are a perfect size for carrying the bare necessities (e.g. wallet, chapstick and keys), or small electronics (think small cameras, cell phones, etc.) while the larger ones are useful for larger loads.  Saddlebags normally close with a flap and can be secured with either a buckle (traditional) or a magnetic clasp (modern).

Saddlebags are probably my favorite style of cross-body bag.  Rugged and durable, yet stylish and classy.

I've been working on some travel-worthy saddlebags, incorporating non-traditional materials and construction techniques into this very traditional bag style.

My inspiration (shown above) include the very classic brown leather with buckle variety, but also incorporate some modern elements like the metal embellishments, zippers, polka dots, animal prints, and chains that are present on a few of the bags.

I plan to show you my version soon...

Oh Deer!

As it turns out, I've been planning some DIY holiday ornaments for a couple months now.  I have an ultimate plan of creating non-breakable and flat-packable ornaments, to save storage space when the holiday season is over.

I began pinning some inspiration on Pinterest knowing that I wanted to create some cute little reindeer ornaments (since they are representative of my last name).

I've had this beautiful red/burgundy leather in my stash for quite a few months, and I just knew I wanted to create some ornaments with it.  Leather is definitely NOT a traditional material for ornaments, but it seemed to be a perfect combination of durable yet "non-breakable and flat-packable".

But what? How?  First, let's look at some of my inspiration...

These little button reindeer from Martha Stewart were just adorable with their pipe cleaner antlers and legs

Here are some adorable leather ornaments, from here 

With these pieces of inspiration in mind, I took my leather, made the cutest little round reindeer shape I could, and added some ribbon collars and floral wire antlers.

I think they turned out quite well, if I do say so myself.  And in the close up picture, you can really see the texture of the 2 sides of the leather.  I love that these little dudes are reversible!

If anyone wants to make some, I can post a pattern and tutorial later.  They could really be made with anything that doesn't ravel, like felt or cardstock or vinyl.

But for now, these two little dudes are getting mailed to the west coast to live with a friend this holiday season.

And this little post is being submitted to the YHL Pinterest Challenge, so if you are looking for more DIY projects and inspiration, you should definitely check it out.

Happy Halloween!

Hopefully everyone had a wonderful Halloween (if you celebrate Halloween).  We did some reverse trick-or-treating this year, which involves going door-to-door in costume and giving other people candy.

I made our costumes last year, literally in the course of 5 hours, the day of our friend's Halloween party.  I was a zebra and the husband was a cave man.

 

For my costume, I sewed a cylinder of zebra-print fabric, stepped into it, and pinned some darts into it. It was kind of like impromptu draping. Then I attached the neck piece and added a zipper down the back.

   

My hair was transformed into a mane with a banana clip (anyone remember those? they used to be cool in the 80s, and I couldn't believe they still sell them!) 

 But my favorite part of this costume was my purse:  

My baby zebra has a secret pocket large enough to hold an ID, my phone, and a couple dollars for a taxi. Perfect for going out in the city! 

 Here is the caveman I married:

   

His costume was also very easy. Cut a hole for his head, drape the fabric over his shoulders, sew side seams, and cut jagged shapes in the edges. I used some leftover brown corduroy to make a club, which he then stuffed with a wrapping paper roll and some polyfil.  

He also got a matching backpack for carrying his wallet and keys. The backpack really came in handy this year for carrying extra candy while we reverse trick-or-treated.

Anyone else make costumes any costumes, whether for yourself or others?