Hi Folks:
Here is one I just finished today. I made this for Gail Todter, Allan Sandy's partner. She wanted a good size "possibles" bag to carry while riding horses.
This bag is about 9" across the top, 10" or a bit more at the bottom, and 11.5" deep. It is made from bark tan deer and lined with hemp. There is a larger hanging inside pocket. The flap is backed with goat. The inside lip is calf wrapped binding. The bag and flap were colored with iron/vinegar dye to give it a very dark brown color.
Art bags are something I seldom do, but she wanted some decoration on it. The oak leaf on the flap was traced from one in my driveway. I added the light deer hide fringe around the edges. The leaf vines on the body are cutouts backed with goat and dyed a contrasting color.
There are two layers of fringe on the flap edge. I added a second layer to make it thicker and more interesting looking. The flap hinge retains an "uncut" edge on the front to give it some character. I thought it set off the flap and look of the bag. The cowhide strap is 1.75" wide and the buckle is a solid brass 1.25" unit.
As I said, I do not normally do this sort of thing, but it seemed to turn out okay in the end.
Your thoughts and comments are welcomed.
Thanks,
Jeff
