That's More Like It...

Orchid Print Cork Grab & Go Crossbody Clutches

So much was accomplished this weekend, but the most fun (aside from Father's Day with Handsome) was that I got back into my studio and actually created three new Grab & Go Crossbody Clutches. Two are in my newest fabric - a lovely orchid-color, tropical print cork.

Orchid Print Cork Grab & Go Crossbody Clutches - Purple Cork Backs

The backs of each bag are a lovely purple color, and the crossbody strap (not shown) is natural cork, 48" long. I can adjust the length of the strap, if requested.

Orchid Print Cork Grab & Go Crossbody Bags - Starfish Linings

The bags are lined in a starfish print, linen fabric. I've listed them in my shop HERE, in case you're interested.

Black Cork Grab & Go Traveler's Crossbody Clutch

I also made this black cork Grab & Go Traveler's Crossbody Clutch. This one is already spoken for, and on its way to a new home.

Black Cork Grab & Go Traveler's Crossbody Clutch - Map Fabric Lining

I used the same lining that I use in my Wanderer Traveler's Wallet, and a wristlet addition was requested. It's one of my personal favorites. 

I'm very happy to be back in my studio, and I'm looking forward to adding more items -  handmade and supplies - to my shop in the next week. I hope you'll stop by to check out my latest offerings.

  

Number 60...

Brynwood Needleworks - #60 The Wanderer Traveler's Wallet

This is my 60th wallet! This is The Wanderer Traveler's Wallet...and it's one of my favorites to make. I love the map fabric paired with the cork, and then I add a machine embroidered compass to the flap. I think it's a classy crossbody, for sure!

Brynwood Needleworks - #60 The Wanderer Traveler's Wallet Interior

 

Number 60 is already on its way to a new home, and I'm moving to number 61. It's good to always be looking forward, and I certainly am. 

Of course, there'll be some Balance this weekend. The Packers are playing on Sunday, so we'll be going to a Packer party, hosted by friends, to cheer them on. Go, Pack!

Washa, Washa, Washa...

Brynwood Needleworks - Pool Wash

I wanted to surprise Handsome when he came home from his week-long music convention. While he was away, I hired a service to trim up, move out and generally clean up our overgrown yard. Here, in Florida, you can practically toss a rock in the yard and it will grow (just kidding)! But seriously, it doesn't take long for the palmettos, shrubs, vines, and even grass to take over.

We had a too-large Pygmy date palm tree threatening to push out the screens in the pool enclosure, and the jasmine bushes were completed out of hand. After discussing the option of moving vs removal of the palm tree, it was decided to simply remove it and its root ball from the pool area.

After it was removed and the jasmines were completely cut back (to start over), I took on the task of power washing the pool deck and brick courtyard. Our next door neighbor loaned his power washer to me and it was game on (Saturday afternoon).

Brynwood Needleworks - Pool Wash

By dark, I had cleaned all the pavers on the house side of the pool. (In case you didn't know, the pool enclosure measures 40' x 40'.) That's a lot of pavers! By then, I needed to run out for more fuel. I got back with about half an hour of daylight left, so I turned on the yard/deck lights and kept after it. I really wanted to finish Saturday night!!

As it turned out, I got my aching body up early on Sunday and finished the courtyard and patio furniture by 11 am. Just enough time to hop in the shower and get dressed to go to Handsome's afternoon jazz concert in Sarasota. (It was fabulous, by the way.)

Brynwood Needleworks - The Wanderer Travelers Wallet

 

Needless to say, this project didn't get finished over the weekend. I'll complete it today, instead. It was worth waiting with this, though. Handsome was really impressed with the results of my hard work - and timely hiring (in the case of the yard cleanup). Now, if I could just get these old mature bones to quit aching!

As always, I'll take Tuesday off (from my blog) so Tag can weigh in. I'll be working in the studio on this - and the next - project. I'll share later!

Sweet Lavender...

Brynwood Needleworks - Lavender-filled Corgi Sachet

 

This lavender-filled Corgi sachet went on its way to a new home yesterday, and then I began work on another Traveler's Wallet. The bonus is that the studio is filled with the wonderful scent of lavender buds now, as I work.

Life is good when I'm surrounded with projects, dogs at my feet, and living with a happy husband. Handsome is in Bradenton, playing circus music this week, but we stay in touch as he makes music and I make up my orders...and lists for new projects.

I'm taking a break to have lunch with my girlfriend, Stacey today, and when I get back, I'll finish that wallet. It's hard to believe it's already Friday and we're halfway through January. Time sure flies when you're having fun!

Vintage Hibiscus Cork Wallet...

Brynwood Needleworks - Vintage Hibiscus Cork Wallet

I've finished the first cork wallet in this gorgeous vintage hibiscus pattern. The wallet will include the corded wristlet and a corded 48" long cross body strap.

Brynwood Needleworks - Vintage Hibiscus Cork Wallet Interior

The interior is a coordinating canvas fabric with cork card slots. I love that the exterior fabric is also used to create the card slots, rather than made with folded fabric. Another change is that the d-ring tabs are now on the outside edges of the flap, instead of incorporated into the seam between the wallet flap and body. I like this placement much better.

Brynwood Needleworks - Vintage Hibiscus Cork Wallet Back Exterior and Wristlet

Of course, I machine embroidered my Brynwood signature onto the back exterior of the wallet to complete my design.

I'll be carrying this wallet myself now, but I have five more that will be listed in my shop by dinnertime. I'll take better photos in daylight first. It's going to be a busy day. Once these are finished, I'll be making up a few of the Traveler's Wallets, too.

Almost There...

Brynwood Needleworks - Hibiscus Cork

This new technique is taking me a little longer to perfect than I originally anticipated, but I'm getting there. Of course, I have high standards for my finished creations, so I don't rush my process. The good news is that I've got it all figured out now, and plan to use what I've learned moving forward.

Brynwood Needleworks - Hibiscus Cork

 

I'm now ready to assemble all these components, so I'll be working toward finished products today. I think they'll be gorgeous, and I'm intending to carry one of these myself. I'm smitten with this cork.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - The Wanderer Traveler's Wallet

I also have new orders that need my attention. I'll be making up new Traveler's Clutches for clients - and to restock my shop. There are Corgi Pincushions to fill, with more to make for the shop, too.

 

Handsome has a week with the Windjammers (and circus music!) ahead of him. It's time for their winter convention. That will leave Tag, Bella and me to hold down the fort...and I'll be working playing longer hours to finish restocking my shop. You know where to find me.

Tag will be back tomorrow. He always has something on his mind, and this week will be no exception. 

Make this week a great one. If you're in snow country, please stay safe and warm. If you don't have snow, you probably have cold or colder weather. Heck, it's even nippier in southwest Florida. (It was 39º here last night!) With a high expected of 68º today, is perfect for a week in the studio!

 

Number Fifty Is A Wanderer...

Brynwood Needleworks - 50 - "The Wanderer" Travelers Wallet - Black

 

Number Fifty is a color variation of "The Wanderer" Traveler's Wallet. It's a custom request from a new client who wanted a black version of the original.

This one is made with a black cork exterior with the compass embroidered in black. The interior is a different map fabric that I have in stock. My client's initials are embroidered on the inside flap, too. I can already see that it's going to be gorgeous combination. This lady has great taste!

I'll show it to you again once it's finished. I'm so glad that Number Fifty is a memorable piece. I can hardly wait to see what Number Fifty One will be!

Rest and Play...

Brynwood Needleworks - 47 - The Wanderer Traveler's Wallet without Compass

Most of my weekend was spent resting with Handsome and the pups, but I did complete the order I had for another Traveler's Wallet.

My client asked that I omit the compass on the exterior, and I was happy to oblige. I completed her wallet and will mail it out this morning.

Brynwood Needleworks - 47 - The Wanderer Travelers Wallet Interior

 

The interior of the wallet stayed the same, so it was simply a matter of me cutting and preparing the pieces for assembly. After forty six previous wallets, this is becoming second nature to me...and quite enjoyable.

 

I received other Etsy orders over the weekend, so I'll prepare those and take them with me to the post office, too.

 

I'm waiting for more cork fabric to arrive for another outstanding order, and what I have in the studio right now is already committed. I'm going to create mini wallets during the week and will share those very soon.

 

We do have rains coming as a result of tropical storm Colin, so I may revert to more handwork for the next couple of days. I'm not concerned about the rain, except that it takes more to coax Tag and Bella outside. They'd rather stay inside and dry, but who can blame them? I just want to make sure that I'm not plugged in and sewing away if the power goes out. Destiny doesn't like electrical glitches. She gets a little testy...and so do I.

 

Here's to a productive week, and time to spend with my friends - whether online or in person! Later.

Rehoming These Dogs...

Brynwood Needleworks - 46 - "Day of the Dead Dogs" Wallet

Don't worry. I'm not talking about Tag and Bella. I'd never do that!

 

Yesterday's finish was the custom wallet using the "Day of the Dead Dogs" fabric from Timeless Treasures. Number 46 is in the mail today, along with the "Seamstress" wallet for the same client.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - 46 - "Day of the Dead Dogs" Wallet Interior

 

Cute and whimsical on the outside, with a bright, colorful pattern on the inside, too! The wristlet and keyfob were created from fabrics used in the making of this wallet. Like the "Seamstress" wallet, this client omitted the shoulder straps. These two wallets will be wristlets or clutches for the recipients.

 

Both wallets have been protected with Scotchguard™, and they've been carefully packaged to put in the mail today.

 

I'll set up Number 47 today for another client. This one is another one of my Brynwood exclusives..."The Wanderer" Travelers Wallet. 

 

My plan is to cut the cork and other wallet pieces this morning, and then take a lunch break with my girlfriend, Stacey. All work and no play, you know. 

 

When I get home, I'll be back in the studio for the rest of the afternoon. I'll should be able to get the wallet finished by the end of my work day. Then, I can play this weekend, because "everybody's working for the weekend"!

Number Forty - In Cork...

Brynwood Needleworks - #40 The Wanderer Traveler's Wallet and Accessories

I created my fortieth wallet yesterday. This one is the first of a special line I'm

creating. This is my Traveler's wallet, made in a decadent and delicious cork fabric.

Brynwood Needleworks - #40 The Wanderer Exterior

Cork is durable and feels wonderful in your hands. I've chosen a secure, flip lock 

closure for this wallet, and I couldn't be more pleased with the way it turned out.

Brynwood Needleworks - #40 The Wanderer Details

The wristlet is made in the same fabric as the interior - a map design that coordinates

perfectly with the colors in the cork. The key fob is cork with the interior map fabric

centered on the cork. It also has a snap clasp so it can be easily attached to the wallet.

I especially like the compass that I've machine embroidered on the wallet flap.

It's a nice reminder that wherever you may roam, home always awaits your return.

Brynwood Needleworks - #40 The Wanderer Interior

I thought you might like to see the interior fabric, too. This fabric is wonderful!

Brynwood Needleworks - #40 The Wanderer Back Exterior

  My Brynwood signature is embroidered on the back of the wallet for a finishing touch.  Visit my shop HERE if you'd like to learn more.    UPDATE: Sold 4/27/16 - Thank you!   As soon as one of my new components arrive, I'll be making an  exclusive Brynwood Needleworks wallet. I can't wait to share it!