Handbags by Karen Kalashnik

Latest black tote

Finally finished the wallet i was working on after 4 failed attempts the 5th time finally worked!! So proud of myself! This was by far the hardest project i've ever tackled. Looks easy but it's not! LOL

Latest creation!!

Been working on this wallet for a while! Photo on the right is the card section (there are two of them) and the left is the inside of the wallet done, complete with the card sections on either end. I still have not finished the wallet, i've tried 3 times already!! I'm self taught when it comes to sewing leather goods and this is the first project that i haven't been able to complete with ease in about 250 projects that i've taken on!! I'm having trouble attaching the outside of the wallet to the zipper and then inside. I won't get into details about why it's not working so i don't bore you, but i have a few ideas as to how i can get it to work on my 4th try!! I have yet to be defeated by a sewing project and it won't happen this time! I won't let this wallet defeat me!! I'll keep you posted on my progress.....

Latest creation!

All done the studded bottom bag!! Snake skin printed leather combined with gold purse feet looks fab!!

Brown purse is all done! Http://karenkalashnik.etsy.com

Two BROWN bags I'm working on. I like to work on the same coloured bags at the same time so I don't have to keep switching my thread. Finished pics to come soon...

I had an unexpectedly amazing day!! I found out from a friend that there was an Hermes exhibit at The Design Exchange in Toronto, so of course I dropped everything and went!! Hermes was showcasing how all of their different items were made. There were silk scarf printers, porcelain painters, glove makers, saddle makers, seamstresses, watch makers, gem setters, and of course leather makers! I went around and saw all the different craftspeople doing their thing but I was most interested in the purse maker. (Because that’s my passion too!) She was making an orange Kelly bag. She couldn’t confirm how long it took to make a bag from start to finish all she said was she takes her time to make sure it’s all done properly. No bag goes out unless it’s perfect. She inspects it as she’s making it and then after there are more quality control people who then inspect her finished product. If it’s not perfect they fix it and then sell it. She does EVERYTHING by hand! Even all the stitching that looks like it’s done my machine is done by her/him using an awl and a needle and thread. I learned some new techniques to do hand stitching too J The orange bag as you see it in the pictures is actually inside out. They stitch it all together and then flip it right side out. She makes the bag from start to finish after she receives the leather from the leather cutter. There are about 2000 craftspeople that make bags at Hermes in France and there are 10 different manufacturing buildings in different cities. She went to school and then interned at Hermes for a year. She said it takes about 5 years to be good at making bags J She currently works on 4 different styles and works about 8 hours a day. I asked her if her hands get tired and she said she’s used to it by now. None of the craftspeople spoke English; all were French and had translators so the crowd could understand what they were saying. It was truly a magical experience being there today and getting a glimpse into the world of Hermes. Now I know why the bags are soooooooooooooooooo expensive!!

This is what i love about my job! I can sit in front of the TV and make the straps on the left for the bag on the right :) Getting work done while i relax on the couch!! During commercials i'll sew the leather strap and then when the show comes back on i punch the holes and put the snaps into the straps. Tomorrow during the day i'll hammer them all in. It's going to be a busy month, already have 6 orders for different bags and it's only Oct 3rd!!

So for all of my million Tumblr followers (LOL), i'm sure you are wondering where i get all my leather. Well there is an amazing place in Downtown Toronto called Perfect Leather on King Street and that is my heaven!! They have every colour of leather you could ever want and the prices are good too. Everything from cow leather to ostrich leather (which is SUPER expensive so i found out yesterday!!!) The store is run by a lovely Greek family and the store associates all know me by name :) If i'm not at home you can usually find me here :)

Ain't that the truth!!!

(Hebrews 11:1 ERV)