Leather Construction Classes

I've been teaching workshops at Donna and Toots on Division Street, and I have one class that teaches you how to use different rivets, snaps and glue to create a one-of-a-kind accessory. Sewing leather can be tricky. It requires a walking foot and a lot of practice. If you don't have a sewing machine and want to make your own studded purse, this class could be just up your alley.


Here I am just teasing you with these pictures, and you're wondering when this class is running again. Well, I'm taking a break from teaching leather classes for a few months. If you're really interested in this workshop, send me an email. That way I can keep you updated. Thanks!



This is Tamara in the background. She owns Redux on Burnside, right by the Jupiter Hotel. Her store is filled with beautiful one-of-a-kind accessories and art. I love her shop and you will too once you walk through her doors.

The Sugar Cube

I had the privilege to make a leather baking tool sleeve for Kir Jensen of the Sugar Cube.
This very talented woman is writing a cookbook for Chronical, and I was so excited when she asked me to make something for her photo shoot. I love how the white logo pops out on the brown leather. It all morphed together so well!



Don't forget to visit her food cart on 43rd and Belmont, next to Movie Madness. It truly is a badass dessert cart!

New Designs 2011

In Motion

I'm in my new workshop now! Production has been high and the wheels are turning on new designs. I've been in this new studio for a month now, and decided I needed some help breaking the space in.



It feels like home, really. When I walk through the door I can't wait to work.

Oh, I can't forget, say hi to Mr. Pfaff. Everything's really in motion now!

Hot August Days

Yesterday was a day to remember. For my family, Sunday's have always been a day to reconnect and feast. It's a time to slow down and not think about what needs to be done. I decided to do just that. I slowed down, walked Chico, watered the garden and made a peach cobbler. I tried hard to not think about what I "need" to do, but then it occurred to me, I WANT to work. I'm so excited to get into the studio and tackle this next phase of construction. But, I'm leaving that for this afternoon.
Last night I was invited to House Spirits Distillery for a little tasting and tour of their distillery. It was really inspiring! I've always wanted to try and distill something of my own. I've always played it safe and made my own fruit liqueurs, but how wonderful it would be to make your own whiskey or vodka! There's definitely an art to infusion and I'm so excited to experiment more. Soon, I will have to try an infusion with House Spirits, Medoyeff Vodka.



I almost forgot the best part! Jean-Luc Godard's "Breathless" was playing at Cinema 21. I'm not sure what actually made the evening....the bike ride, the viewing of this fantastic film, the moment on the East Bank Esplanade, gazing out at the perfectly illuminated city with my dear friend. I think it was a combination of it all. I saw Portland in a different light and felt in love. It really was an excellent August Sunday.

Photos at Akemi Salon

For the month of February, I'm displaying some (a very small fraction) of my photographs at Akemi Salon on Williams Street. Framing these pictures made me appreciate photography all over again.

The Pascucci Family

In Ravenna, Italy, in the heart of the cobblestone metropolis, there exists a shop that celebrates the art of woodblock printing on fabrics. What a treat is was to visit this charming store! The owner, one of the Pascucci relatives, briefly explained the business was originated by one of her family members over 100 years ago.
I did a little research and discovered an Italian blog about this company. The shop is called "La Stamperia dei Pascucci." I love the photos of their workshop. It's so interesting to see all men creating these beautiful textiles. And yes, I did have to treat myself to a few of their lovely linens. I had to bring home a little inspiration!