Thursday, July 26, 2007

Treasured Totes (aka The Secret Project)


Copyright Tattered Edge 2007
My tote is finally finished! It measures about 15 inches square and has a magnetic closure on the front.

Copyright Tattered Edge 2007

Under the front flap are two pleated pockets, large enough to hold a travel mug or whatever else my partner needs to stash. It's lined with aqua alphabet fabric and I created a "key leash". It's a long strap with a clip on the end that in attached to the inner lining of the bag. You clip you keys on it so you won't lose them in the bottom of the bag.


"Prairie Dawn"

Copyright Tattered Edge 2007

My partner is Kristin Steiner who is such a sweet and gentle soul and I wanted to create something really special for her. The art part of this bag is a digital collage I created. The girl image was taken from one of my vintage photos. I scanned it into my computer and used Photo Shop CS2 to edit out the entire background of the original photo. Once I had just the girl, I created the scene, enlarged the girl image and incorporated her into it. I used PS to "paint" her dress and cheeks.

I printed the collage onto a t-shirt transfer paper and ironed it onto the fabric. Once I had that done, I hand appliqued the panel onto the flap of the bag. I hand dyed the rick rack yesterday at 4:30 a.m. when I couldn't sleep! I really like how this image came out-it reminds me of growing up on the prairies and I know Kristin will see the heart and innocence in Prairie Dawn's face.

I have added some goodies inside the tote, specially made for Kristin but I'm not going to post them until after she's opened it-I'd like her to have a surprise.


Copyright Tattered Edge 2007


My best friend Lisa stopped by the other day with this post of red (!) gerbera daisies to cheer me up. They are such a happy flower and red's my favourite colour. I have them on my desk where I can enjoy them, though I don't know how much time I will be spending at my desk in the next while. My back has gone from bad to worse and I am at the point where I am hardly able to function. (Seriously!) It looks inevitable that I am going to have to go on bedrest. I am bored senseless just thinking about it, but at this point, it's a necessary evil. Thank heavens I have a laptop and the internet cord reaches to the couch! At least I can surf the web, chat online with friends and email. I'd be lost without my window on the world! Maybe I will have a chance to do some updates on my website.



I have a class to teach tonight and after that, I am off till I feel better. Aside from the laptop, I am going to stock up on library books and dvds to keep me amused. Liz suggested the Life on Mars series. Lisa loaned me one on vampires. I am going to see about watching the first season of House as well. I must be the only person on the planet who hasn't watched the show!



Hopefully, I will have some good news to share shortly. I am really excited about this particular thing but I don't want to say too much till it's confirmed. Let's just say doors are being opened and I couldn't be happier about it.



So...post away those of you who blog! I have a feeling I will be looking for news and eyecandy alot over the next while!

7 comments:

lindaharre said...

Hey girl......the printing is sooooo small in some areas of this post that I can't read it:D Help us out and make the print a little bigger so us Ole Folks can read it:D Love the bag and the pockets are great under the flap! Great colors and patterns! Really CUTE!!!!!

Anonymous said...

Your bag is wonderful!! She's going to love it! There are so many good tv series out to get caught up on or hooked on. I'd think you'd be able to keep yourself pretty busy. I hope you are feeling better soon. And try to enjoy your (enforced) down time ;-)

Kristen Robinson said...

Oh sweetie your tote is lovely Kristin is going to love it! Feel better my friend.

XOX
Kristen

Deb said...

This bag is YEE HA FABULOSO! I don't think Christine will like it, so just go ahead & send it off to me! BWA HA HA! I know, dream on! But I love the color combination, the image, & all the wonderful little pockets. What a grea swap!

Deb

liz elayne lamoreux said...

oh it is beautiful!!! love the fabric! and of course, you know i love those colors...

can't wait to see all the rest...

Judy said...

Yum, nice tote. Ooh watch house - its such a great show. Hope your back feels better very soon.

Judy said...

Yum, the tote is so nice. Ooh watch house its such a great show.
Hope your back gets better very very soon.