Dala Horse Handbag

A Dalecarlian horse or Dala horse (Swedish: Dalahäst) is a traditional carved, painted wooden horse statuette originating in the Swedish province of Dalarna (Dalecarlia). In the old days, the Dalecarlian horse was mostly used as a toy for children; in modern times it has become a symbol of Dalarna, as well as Sweden in general. Several different types of Dalecarlian horses are made, with distinguishing features common to the locality of the site where they are produced. One particular style has, however, become much more common and widespread than others. It is stoutly carved and painted bright red with details and a harness in white, green, yellow and blue. (Wikipedia)

Some of you probably knew that already (especially Ikea fans), but if you didn't know, it will be easier for you to see what inspired me while making this bag. 

I think that folk art is amazing to refer to if you are looking for new ideas and techniques.

I decided to cut out the horse shape in a black washpapa with a shiney finish and back it with an acrylic felt. The cutting was quite time-consuming as well as precise sewing. But I couldn't be more pleased with the effect to be honest.

 

So far, I think that this version of washpapa is one of my favourite ones. Maybe because it is softer than others that I worked with so far. But also because it looks like patented leather. I wish one day it will be available in red!

As you can guess, I used one of Ikea's printed cotton fabrics to line the bag. I like nice linings in garments and bags as I think they are like cherries on the cake. You know that the person who designed the item thought through the whole process. So much so that one time the more fancy lining determined my choice of a black winter jacket :) I just like when things are pretty even inside.

OK, now you have a proof that I am a tree hugger. 

Balloch Castle Country Park

Another thing I wanted to mention are the shoes that I think could be the only choice to wear with this bag. The iconic Vivien Westwood design 'Rocking Horse' was finaly available in a vegan version from Melissa. Surprisingly, they are comfy and steady to walk in!

And don't be fooled by this beautiful sunshine you can see on the photos. The day was beautiful but still chilly. And, as soon as we were done with shooting, dark clouds came over... In Scotland, you need to be like ninja to grab the opportunity of the nicer weather.

Finally, I wanted share some good news with you. Soon, I am expecting a delivery of the Adler industrial machine that will be more suitable for sewing heavier, leather-like materials. It is very exciting for me because using professional equipment will allow me to achieve even better quality of my products and I am hoping to launch some designs in my Etsy shop and on my website www.tochastudio.com soon.

Maid of Paper Fanny Bag

That feeling when you make a bag and it looks like a maid's little apron, haha.

Quite often, I start making things without any specific project in my head, sometimes I change it half way through. I always keep an open mind. 

Very often ideas come to my head when I open boxes with my haberdashery, beads, etc. This is how I decided to use this black lace to decorate this flat clutch bag. 

The idea of adding a belt came later. I wasn't sure how it would work, but I tried anyway. 

So there you go! I have a little 'apron' like fanny bag made of platinum washpapa (washable paper). I added some Swarovski crystals and Czech glass pearls to jazz it up.

I thought it would be good fun to take photos of this bag when worn just to show how quirky it looks. 

I remembered that I made a collar using the same lace, so I thought I would go for that matchy-matchy look.

Another thing that I really like and thought would go well with the whole look is the faux fur shawl made of a fur remnant. 

A lot of vegans don't like promoting faux fur, but I think it is great to show how good quality man-made fabrics are being manufactured nowadays and that you can still enjoy all the fashion accessories without harming anyone.

 

 

Dragonfly Fanny Bag

Shine bright like a diamond!

Shine bright like a diamond!
 

And why not?

Unfortunately I wasn't able to catch those shy rays of Scottish sun to show you the real beauty of these sew-on Swarovski crystals and silver Washpapa. I didn't want to postpone the shoot for another week, so I decided to take photos usingour building's staircase as a set and a self-timer as a photographer. I even recorded a little video with the hope of showing all the sparkles in action.

As I already mentioned, the bag is made of a silver-coated version of Washpapa. I really like the wrinkled and creased effect that you get on the final product after turning it on the right side. 

Initially, I didn't have a plan to add any decorative motifs, but I think that the silver colour encouraged me to make it even more sparkly.

Happily, I still had a lot of crystals that I could use. I glued them first to the surface, in a shape of a dragonfly, and then stitched them on by hand with an extra-strong thread. I also poked little holes in Washpapa to make my sewing easier.

The bag has a lining, but of course I forgot to take a photo of the inside, so you have to take my word for it.

I took the opportunity to include my black collar-necklace in this photoshoot. I made it a while ago and never got around to taking pics of it. The collar is also decorated with Swarovski crystals, but the centre-piece is an actual silver brooch by Polish jewellery designer Motyle. I bought it when I was on summer holidays in Gdańsk. I like nice souvenirs.

If you would like a bag like that, or a similar one, don't be shy and message me.
I am sure we can sort it out.  

 

Silver Tote Bag

Need some brightness in the winter gloom? Here’s a shining example of my latest bag designs. Matching silver studs protect the bottom of the bag.

Made from silver Washpapa, with black straps, it has a black and white cotton lining. 

If you have been following my blogs, you will know by now that Washpapa is a vegan-friendly pleather made of a combination of paper and latex.

Like paper, it creases naturally, giving a stylish, individual character.

It’s ideal for your daily shopping, a stylish way to carry your packed lunch, or even for a classy night out.

Lime Lunch Tote Bag

Initially, I wasn't going to share photos of this bag as I planned it to be a really plain tote for my husband to carry his lunch to work. But it turned to be a quite funky bag after all, so I took some quick photos to show you.

I especially like the contrasting lime green handle on this black, crushed Washpapa* background. At first, I was going to make a very simple bag, but I couldn't resist and added colourful, matching lining.

I don't really have a lot to say about this bag as you can see everything on the photos. I will only add that it is part of a birthday present for my husband. It's been a year since I started giving him handmade gifts and, as we counted recently, he is a lucky owner of two jackets, four shirts, two sweatshirt-type tops and one short-sleeve top, all made by me. Now he can add a bag to his collection.

 * washable paper material made of cellulose impregnated with latex.

Cut-out Bag

I was so excited to have the opportunity to make something new from this vegan-friendly leather material, Washpapa.

 Unlike other pleather products, this one is made of paper impregnated with latex. The combination means that, unusually for paper products, it is washable. I even washed the black paper in the wash machine before sewing to see what will happen with it.

 The half circle bag was inspired by the bright printed cotton fabric I found in a Polish on-line shop. It is a lovely example of wycinanka łowicka, the Polish version of Eastern European folk art paper cutting.

This made for a stunning lining. The outside of the bag is black Washpapa that I crushed to give it a more natural leather look.

 Meanwhile, the platinum Washpapa design on the outside was again inspired by the paper-cutting tradition.

If you would like a bag, or something else, made of Washpapa, write to me via the website or come talk to me at the Flying Duck Vegan Fete on 11 February in Glasgow.

Hector the Mathematical Cat

I think some of you will be very pleased to meet Hector The Mathematical Cat. Maybe for some of you maths was/is a nightmare, but worry no more, Hector is here to help and solve all your problems. Or at least cheer you up a little bit. 

His dream is to find a new mate and live a life of leisure on a bookshelf or some computer desk. He promises to not disturb you and he won't lounge on the keyboard or chase a mouse ;) He has too much dignity for that kind of nonsense. However, he doesn't mind being taken to school or uni from time to time to bring some luck during exams, etc.

Hector reckons that he could be a graduation gift, maybe a present for a teacher, or just a little souvenir for that beloved geek in your life. 

Hector's coat is made from Academic Club Math Genius cotton fabric by Benartex from Frumble. This good-quality fabric has a white maths scribbles print on the teal background that looks like an old school chalkboard. He measures approx. 20cm, so he is literally a pocket cat. 

He is available here.