Sandra

News · December 12, 2020

Vegan Wallet Inspiration: Kamala Harris

I named this navy wallet after Kamala Harris, the first woman Vice-President of the United States.

While designing this wallet, which has a rather fun and playful bicycle-print cotton inside, I reflected on how you need balance to ride a bicycle. The timing couldn’t have been more serious. The vice-president debate had just occurred, the United States was on the eve of a crucial election and a pandemic was (and is) sweeping the globe. And yet. Here came hope. It rode in, seemingly unstoppable and yet never a sure thing. Following the vice-president debate media outlets described the balance Ms. Harris struck between masculinity and femininity.

As I stared at this wallet’s pieces on my design wall, I kept returning to “Kamala”. Kamala in a navy suit. Kamala in white sneakers. Kamala, bringer of hope. My hope rides with her.

News · November 23, 2020

Fashion Show

I made a live video for the KSA Online Craft Fair. It’s long (30 minutes!), but gives you an up close look at my designs both completed and upcoming. So grab some popcorn, a big mug of tea or whatever you like best, and settle in for a personal look at these gorgeous wallets.

News · November 2, 2020

Upcoming online craft fair

I was lucky enough to nab a vendor spot in the popular Kamloops School of the Arts craft fair! You can view and shop online throughout the event weekend, Nov. 20-22. Join the KSA Online Craft Fair (Facebook login required).

There will be a vendor mix of handmade crafters and home based businesses.

** Shop for any wallets that you’ve had your eye on before November 20. Just in case!

Vegan Stripes · July 22, 2020

Fabulous fabric sparks change

In this “Toni” wallet, I chose an exciting, abstract fabric in vibrant colours and then designed the vegan wallet’s cork exterior around that fabric. It was a reversal of how I had previously designed wallets. I had been designing exteriors first and then selecting quality cotton fabrics for the interiors.

Why change the process?

What prompted this change was running into a sticky point. Fabrics I’d chosen, like this fabulous fabric, did not fit with any exterior that I had already designed. They were square pegs, the exteriors round holes. Then it hit me: the fabric had to lead the design.

It felt risky to do things in reverse, like letting go. Now with this vegan wallet complete, it feels beautifully right.

Letting go is the hardest asana. – Author unknown

News · June 22, 2020

Vegan Wallet Inspiration: Meghan Markle

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex made their last final appearance as senior royals at the Commonwealth Day Service in early March 2020. For the event, Meghan Markle wore an emerald green dress by Emily Wickstead. She shone in a glamorous, fist pump statement. Not only that, but she schooled on just how to wear a green dress.

Like many others, I follow news about the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. I would have been blind to have not seen the marked difference in how British media treated Meghan, versus how they treated Kate.

Through her glamorous style, Meghan had the last word. This vegan wallet was inspired by Meghan and her green Emily Wickstead dress and nude heels. Meghan’s strength, intelligence, style, and love for Harry and Archie, keep me rooting for her.

I think the biggest part of being a girl boss in the office, at home or anywhere you go is just knowing your value. – Meghan Markle

V is for Vegan · June 19, 2020

Vegan Wallet Inspiration: Dr. Roberta Bondar

This starry vegan wallet is named in honour of Dr. Roberta Bondar, the first Canadian woman in space. She flew into on the Shuttle Discovery as part of a NASA mission in 1992. Her experiments in space helped pave the way for astronauts to stay in the space station for long periods.

To fly in space is to see the reality of Earth, alone. The experience changed my life and my attitude toward life itself. I am one of the lucky ones. – Dr. Roberta Bondar