A Recent Custom Job - Upcycling a Leather Coat into a Bag

I always love to accept custom jobs.  This is what upcycling is all about!  Last week, a client approached me with a beautiful leather jacket that had classic 80's styling and a fox fur collar.  Between it being outdated and way too hot for our New Orleans climate, she found that she just did not wear it anymore.  Ever.  And it was a shame because it was in such beautiful condition!  So - she was ready to give it a new life and do some upcycling.  Here are a few shots of the coat... BEFORE:

Before - front

New Orleans: Beyond Bourbon Street

I can’t say enough about how much I just love New Orleans, but admittedly it is not a place for everybody.  It is often said that you either love or hate New Orleans (kind of like patchouli or cilantro!).  It will either totally intoxicate you and weave its way into your soul, or give you an adverse reaction that makes you wonder why people ever wanted to live here in the first place!  Understandable – especially if one only comes to town for a  convention or bachelor party, stays in a hotel downtown, parties on  Bourbon Street, and then goes went home sweaty, over-saturated,  and draped with beads and trinkets from the tourist shops.  But – beyond Bourbon Street - it can be an endlessly inspiring and wonderful place, with something unique and beautiful to soak in at every turn.  If you let yourself see it, that is.  I can’t get enough of it, and I’m sure I’m only just scratching the surface here so far…