Wednesday, September 29, 2010

"Centerfield"

I had a light bulb moment yesterday.  I'm talking a great big "spotlight bulb moment"! I'm off to buy a couple new supplies and will be back later to show you what the mystery is all about.  In the meantime for your viewing pleasure watch this video and listen "Centerfield" by John Fogerty.  I dare you not to smile while watching...

Monday, September 27, 2010

Leather iPhone Cases


 
Summers were spent at the baseball diamond when I was young.  My brother played on any and all the baseball teams he could.  As a dutiful, loyal sister I went along to cheer him on. The fact that there were a LOT of cute boys at the same place certainly made it more appealing. 

In early June of this year I saw a beautiful, simple painting of a baseball. Waves of nostalgia hit me and I began to wonder if I could incorporate this feeling into some of my work.  The baseball itself is the key, or more specifically, it's the stitch.

After much practice and trial and error, I learned to make this intricate baseball stitch. Visions of a new line of leather cases featuring this stitch began to take shape.  Several different prototypes were made before settling on the final designs.  The first case to be introduced is the iPhone case! 
 
First an admission.  Up until a couple of months ago I didn't carry my cell phone in any kind of case.  There is a pocket just right for a phone in my purse so I didn't think I needed a case.  But once I completed the first prototype for this cell phone case, I started using it.  When I started hearing comments like, "Wow, where did you get that?" and "That is so cool!" I knew this was the right design.  These cases are built to fit the iPhone 4 and 3 and most other types of cell phones.  They will also hold your iPod Touch. 
These leather cases use premium veg tan leather substantial enough to have a lot of body, but not too thick that it won't bend and shape. They are hand rubbed with the favorite Antique Patinas in Tan, Saddle Tan, Brown and Mahogany.  The Antique rubs give the cases a used, worn look as well as bring out all the grains in the leather.

The cases are cut from one single piece of leather, making them very sturdy.  The protective flap slides into the strap closure keeping your phone safely inside.  This closure will be tight at first, but will loosen up just the right amount with use. Just like a new pair of quality leather boots or shoes.  Monogramming is centered on the bottom portion of the flap and at no extra charge!
The last detail to be added to this case is the little thumb notch on the inside.  When my phone would ring I was having a little trouble pulling it out of the case in time to get the call.  This notch solved the problem.
 
The real star of the case is the baseball stitch. Strong, sturdy braided cord is woven in and out of the hand punched holes to create the well known stitch up the sides of the case. 
 You can see these leather iPhone cases in my Etsy Shop, or on my Website.  I hope you'll take a look! 
As the week progress more leather cases with this look will be released.  Stay tuned!
 


Sunday, September 26, 2010

The Workshop


As you stand in the entryway of our home, you can tell right away this is no ordinary house in the suburbs of Indianapolis.  The enticing smell of leather, waxes and oils lingers in the air as you walk into the open living space.  The walls are lined with stacks of paper and rolls of leather, along with assorted machines and tools.  In the center of it all is the workbench.  Everything needed to craft our leather journals and accessories is within arms reach.

The sounds have become familiar to all of us. The kids hardly bat an eye when the sewing machine is clacking at a furious pace, or the hammering sounds of punching holes is non stop. The volume of the television and conversations ebbs and flows with the noise from the workspace. I never hesitate to pound or stitch into the early hours of the morning. No one wakes up, not even the dogs.  They've all grown accustomed to the sounds of "home".


This is the center; the hub of our family business and our home. In the last few months we've been considering moving the workshop to a different location. To take more of our living space back, work normal hours and be able to entertain again without putting everything away.  The decision, made by a family vote, was to stay put for now.  Each member of our family plays a vital role in the running of this shop.  Even teenage friends that stop by will lend a hand if asked.  This place works for us. Here in the suburbs of Indianapolis we have the very definition of a comfortable working home.

In the next week we'll be releasing a whole new line of leather accessories. We've worked hard all summer to get them ready to show you.  Today the final preparations are being made. We hope you'll join us this week each day for a close up look at each item. We think you'll be glad you visited.

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Fast Days

Did you see that?  That's the sight of these days flying by so quickly I can't keep up.  It seems like I just wake up and before you know it, it's time to start all over again! 

Is it only me, or is this phenomenon occurring to you too?

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Anticipation

The waiting is killing me!  I'm so excited to get these new things in my shop.  I've worked hard all summer making prototypes, refining them, and finally getting the stock ready.  My new collections are having their photos taken tomorrow so it won't be long now.  Keep checking back to this spot for your first look!