Simple canvas tote

Embellished!

Painted using the detail from a manhole cover 

at the Sawdust Winter Fantasy!

I began by choosing a plain canvas bag and then combing colors

 for a custom blend.

Below is a photo of me rolling the paint colors over the metal cover.

Then I inserted cardboard into the bag and used a rolling pin

 to achieve the fun look!

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I had an old shirt that was the perfect plaid colors to line it with, 

and it even had pockets on the front 

that were perfect to have inside for your phone and keys.

So, I chopped it up, added some vintage turquoise rick-rack,

just for fun, and sewed it together!

Some simple stitches with embroidery thread added to the design 

and one of my ceramic fish was sewn into the center for a focal point!

Making magic with mixed media!

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Latest sewing project

is a canvas tote with a Ralph Lauren paisley pocket 

and blue cord detailing.

It was one of those wonderful canvas bags 

that comes with the company's logo printed on the front

that my neighbor was giving away.

 I chose to cover the logo with a great big pocket

and a little embellishing.

Perfect for toting your favorite magazines in!

Grateful to have it published in Greencraft Magazine!

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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.

Speaking of shoulder weight...

I've had the opportunity to page through most of the paraphernalia collected at the CHA show. My mind filling with ideas, visualizing much more than what is being shown in the pile of collected catalogs and after several hours,

It is time to take a little creative break.

There is a heavy canvas bag calling for my attention....

Unexpectedly, I find myself back in my studio digging through some of my past clients upholstery fabric samples for a swatch with dark blues and white as I was drawn to the heavy cotton canvas bag so generously supplied by the company

named Merchants Overseas.

I was thrilled to come across an Italian cotton paisley swatch from Ralph Lauren that was a perfect match, and considering the company's logo had served its purpose,

being exposed at a trade show, I chose to do a remake of the tote covering

the wording with this fabric.

The new look is simple, chic, fun and a super quick sew.