Summer Satchel

I LoVe blank canvases, blank books with no lines

and thick stacks of plain white paper.

To me they represent new beginnings.

So when I was gifted with this simple canvas satchel

and asked to decorate it,

my imagination went on overdrive with the possibilities.

I considered covering it in tapestry with corduroy

and a patchwork of fall colors.

Then the idea of using Sherpa suede with a wide tapestry trim in coordinating colors and vintage button detailing ...

or sewing a pocket inside for storing my paint brushes

and paint a color chart with labels of the various colors

on the outside as reference,the perfect tote for plein air painting.

Any of these would be great,

but last week I was inspired by the fabric paints

left out on the studio table

along with a collection of amazing seashells that caught my eye

and so I chose to paint a summer satchel

for the sun filled days of summer.

Perfect for toting my water bottle,

sun screen, sketch book and towel.

I added the hand crafted ceramic seashell

key chain as a fun little accent and

for easy access to the cottage house key

and the wide turquoise braid

seemed to be the perfect border for the painting.