the making of a waterstone handbag

This will be interesting. Not that I'm being prideful - that's not it at all. It's just that everything I do is one-of-a-kind and mainly in my head. I usually don't sketch an idea. I decide what my main fabric or leather will be, then play until an idea is formed. While keeping that in mind, I'm going to walk you through my thought process and work experience. Entering my head can be EXTREMELY scary so we'll take it in baby steps. Capeesh?

Making a Waterstone Handbag - Part 1

I've had this gorgeous leather jacket for a good while now - pondering and thinking and not wanting to make a cut until a general idea had been formed.

The deconstruction begins. The process is slow, usually involving a seam ripper and small pair of sharp scissors and hours of mindless ripping.

I heart mindless ripping.

This is the reverse side once the jacket has been deconstructed and the lining pulled away.

My pile of fun stuff. If not used immediately, each piece, from the lining to the zippers, is saved for another project.

By this point, I've played with the larger pieces and formed a rough plan of action, mainly involving the size and main shape of the bag. I will either just measure and draw directly onto the reverse side of the leather or use one of my homemade patterns.

My exterior recycled leather, lining, and inner lining have all been cut now and I've decided on any accent fabrics I'll be using as well as the recycled zipper and handle.

Next Tuesday, I'll cover the next step:

Part 2 - What I like to call, "The Birth of a Handbag"
Work with me. You'll get the punchline in the end - I promise.