I attended the Woodlanders Retreat in Mineral Point again this year. Shake Rag Alley brings the best instructors/workshops to this event every year!. I signed up for "Handsewn Leather Boho Bag", taught by Jim Kern. We were able to pick from various hides to use for our bags. I was drawn to the combo of light and dark. Students chose from one of three basic bag patterns. Of course, you could "make it your own" if your vision was different than the samples presented. That's what I did! While not required, I had brought a few supplies along with me. I ended up using my (fake) sinew AND the painted coconut shell button I had with me. The button was a Joann Fabrics find. Lots of hole-punching and hand stitching was involved, along with the generous use of glue. Jim, and his wife, were very helpful with some of the tasks that required physical strength! The bag I made in class is shown in the photos below.
All text and images ©️Suzanne Myers Otto
