Amongst Good Company

I was having one of those days when staying in bed would have been my best option. The sales I made buyers either forgot to pay or left out important information that I needed to start their order. My heavy sighs of frustration could be heard throughout the house.
With little energy or enthusiasm I had left in me I sat down in front of the computer and read my emails. Nothing piqued my interest until I came across one that read, "You have been featured in Dedicated Follower of Fashion - dated August 19, 2009. The Fall Forward: Stunningly Studded - Loud #4.

Without hesitation I clicked on the link and there they were, my studded earrings, in the middle of the "Loud"spread. I was so excited. My earrings were in the company of Nordstrom, Guess and Forever21. OMG!! My dream of having my products out there amongst the greats had started - if only in this single feature.

DIVA - Pyramid studded earrings - $17.50

Although it may be a pipe dream - dreams do come true. This was a crowing moment and I relished every second of it with total excitement.

P.S. Thanks so much, Edi for you wonderful words of support. <3

Anne ^i^

Minimize and Accessorize

Over the years I have found that less can be better. Once that diaper bags and huge messenger bags full of kids' teddies and toys were no longer required, I liberated myself and carried only what was necessary. The large totes that I adored in high school and college no longer hold the appeal they used to. It's hands free all the way. I do wear a mini leather shoulder bag, across the body, and that is it. And on days when even that is too much, I carry my cell phone on my belt.

Alligator Embossed Leather Cell Phone Case $30.00


I wanted something elegant and durable. This cell case has two layers of leather. I finished with a matching topstitch and celtic concho to dress it up. I used a velco closure to prevent damage to the phone.

Also available in our ArtFire shop.







The interior was finished in a rich black dye with two coats of waterproofing conditioner.




The metal spring belt clip that was used on this cell case will secure nicely to your belt. All interior rivets are covered with felt to prevent scratches.

This is a sample of our handstamped cell case. This is the classic basket weave pattern with rope concho closure.

Our cases will hold most flip phones and can be personalized with initals and other patterns.

If you are looking for something unique this is where you will find it.

We have various colors including; walnut, med brown, acorn, mahogany, red, blue and green.

If you have any ideas that you would like to pass by us, send me an email and we can discuss the possibilites. Visit our shops at Etsy or ArtFire.

Thanks for viewing and have a great day,

Anne ^i^

A Band For All Seasons

I don't think Paul Scoffield would mind the deviation in the title of his book, Sir Thomas More, A Man for All Seasons, if it is for the good of higher learning. :P

When I started in this business of customizing leather work, I experienced certain growing pains. As a matter of fact, we still have our ups and downs while discovering and testing new techniques and methods.

The word band we introduced a year ago has progressed from a basic name/text band, with a neat and even dyed finish, to a more distressing and aging appearance. We believe we have mastered the style pictured with positive results.

Coming from an era where a new product should appear crisp and clean, and then finding ourselves lost in this ever changing fashion world where no rules apply, can be quite a shocker. 0_o!!

Sorority - Fraternity House 5/8 inch Leather Wristband - $12.50

This item is available in our ArtFire shop

Or it can be made via our Etsy shop under Personalized leather band

This new look of thinner bands of distressed and worn out finishes was quite removed from your old school practises. But once I dabbled with the leather - mistreating it beyond my very belief - it was rather fun. I have formulated a new appreciation for this style.

I know we did something right when our teen children suddenly acknowledged our work with a "looks good, mom, " rather than the usual grunt of approval or half nod. *big grin*

My oldest daughter is looking at her university options and when she saw these wristbands, it piqued her excitement.

1 inch wide band in medium brown or mottled walnut OR

Order via Etsy under Personalized Leather Wristband

These bands are custom made and can accommodate up to 30 characters (including spaces.) We can engrave team names, fraternity and sorority house names, sayings, band names and text - the options are endless.


The bands are available in both 1 inch wide bands and 5/8 inch bands for only $12.50


Come visit our shops and take a look around. If you can think it, I can make it. Etsy Shop OR ArtFire Shop


Your comments are welcomed.


Anne ^i^

The Ring is the Thing

It was about 2 weeks ago and I was working on a project when I looked down at the table and noticed a concho laying next to a strip of leather I had cut. *light bulb* The powers that be presented me with a very neat idea..., not an original one..., but a neat one non-the-less. I dug into my supply drawer and pulled out a ton of things. *big smile* I made my first ring. I showed it to my oldest daughter, whom I might add doesn't care for leather products AT all - *sigh*. She loved it. She put it on her finger said, "cool" and walked out of the room. I had to chase her to retrieve it or it would have disappeared into the abyss - her bedroom - never to be found again. 0_o!!

Florentine & Crystal Leather Ring

Wow, I thought! She liked something I made without coaching for a positive reaction. I was feeling pretty good about myself actually. I had stepped out of the box for a moment and was pleasantly surprised.

Well, needless to say I went ring crazy. I pulled out all my best fasteners, rivets and rhinestones and went to town. I was looking at everything thinking - this will work.... *whew*

Turquoise & Celtic Leather Ring

I was on a roll. By the end of the day I had created four rings and....yes I was very pleased with myself. *pat on back* Amanda would walk through the room periodically and smirk at me...., "Very nice, mom", she said, patting me on the head like a well deserving child of praise. Yes, But I had succeeded in creating a teen "cool" item. ah-huh.. that's right!! You know it :D

Rope Edged Concho Leather Ring

The best idea came later from John. He said, "You how people sometimes tie a string on their finger to remind themself to do a task. Why don't you make a ring like that but with leather cord instead." I thought it was hilarious..., but perfect..., and so novel. Why "knot" ?

Forget-Me-Knot All Leather Ring

And that is how I started making leather rings. Funny though, I was never one to wear leather jewelry when I was younger ...., times have changed and so did I... sounds like a song. :D

If you have an idea you want me to try out for you, drop by my shop and leave me a convo.

Smiles,

Anne ^i^

TREASURE HUNT - PIF

A super nice friend of mine, Delina, who owns a jewelry shop in New York, had a giveaway on her site yesterday. I thought it was a wonderful idea eventhough I didn't win. LOL

The concept of a giveaway is a great idea. I get to do something nice by PIF (passing it forward) and the recipient gets a free gift for participating. It's a win - win situation!!

But my nature dictates that it was too easy. Hehehe! Where's the sport in that? Lets make it interesting.

So here's my plan. Sometime during the month I will change the price on one of my listings in my shop Leather Made Nice to $0.00. (Normally there is a monetary value of no less than a dollar but since it was already listed I should be able to change the value to $0.) In the event that it does not accept the $0.00 value, I will change the cost to $1.00 and the buyer will need only to complete the transaction stopping at PayPal.

Shipping included.

I will post the winner and the item won.

Happy hunting!!! :D

Anne ^i^

Our One Year Anniversary Celebration with Etsy

John and I are thrilled to announce that we have crossed a major milestone as Internet sellers in the Etsy community.

Our road was a slow and unsure one but with perseverance and some wonderful buyers we did it. We want to share our good fortune with the community and listed many of our items for sale at greatly reduced prices.

Below are just a few of the items that are listed on sale.

Leather Earring with Concho and Turquoise

John is very fussy about incomplete edges. So, as you can see from the passport folder he made below, it was finished, in what I now consider, his signature double laced edge.

All Leather Passport Folder W/ Double laced Edge

This is one of my mini shoulder bag designs and very much my personal favourite. This style of bag was designed to be hands free and spacious enough to carry all your essentials without the clutter. I prefer the thicker leathers like this one for its durability.

Mini Chap Shoulder Bag

John and I started out in this business handcrafting belts. The pattern on the belt pictured below has been our most popular selling designs for both men and women.

Black Leather Stepped Southwest 1.5" belt to accommodate trophy buckles

We invite you to visit our site and take advantage of the sales. Feel free to convo us with any questions you might have.

Our sister sites are:

Catch A Shining Star

CK Signature and

All Things Inspired

We look forward to working with you for another great year.

Thank you so much for your support and a wonderful beginning!

Anne & John

The Stud In Me \00/_

Like every mom, I try to encourage my children to succeed. Not in a bad way but a supportive way. My son, Chris, has an artistic eye. He can sit down and make something out of anything - even a remnant piece of leather that I have discarded.

Last year, for a lark, I gave him a piece of leather because he wanted to try his hand at leather work like his dad and I. I figured why not..., he usually wears what he makes anyway.

The wristband below is what he came up with. I have to tell you though, working with pyramid studs is tricky..., they are slippery suckers that pop right out of your hand just as your about to set it in. Well, *proudly* he mastered it quite nicely - and some, showing up his ole mom. :P

It wasn't until recently did Chris make another one, the first one he kept for himself. If you get the chance show your love to an up-and-coming young artist and view his shop.

Studded Leather Wristband from CKSignature.etsy.com

Good ole mom tried her hand at something new too. I aspire to be unique in my designs. I don't want to be usual - I want to be superb! This was my attempt to be stylish without overworking the design. This is a wristband I made. I offset the diamond clusters - which was a "B" to do *pat on back* while keeping the clusters aligned. It can be viewed it in my shop. :)

CLASSIC ROCK Pyramid studded wristband

I've always wanted to design studded earring too. For about a month now I have been awake at nights tossing idea around in my head. Maybe if I just slept I might have dreamt up something sooner. This pair of earrings are my most recent creation... I am so proud of them... It is quite a challenge to line up the pyramids and center them on a small piece of slippery leather... GAWH!!! but with perseverance I did it. \00/_

DIVA Pyramid - Diamond Studded and Leather Earrings.

This was my first attempt at designing pyramid studded earrings. I am so pleased with them.

Now that I have accomplished this I have a ton of ideas bouncing around in my head. I am hoping to have more designs in our shop soon.

Pyramid Studded Linear Earring and Leather.

Thanks for dropping by!!

Have a Happy Easter everyone!!

Anne ^i^

"SEX AND THE CITY" GUINEA!!

This is Spike \00/_

To lift spirits - I would like you to meet one of our pet guinea pigs.

This is Spike!!

He's not your average everyday, garden variety guinea pig ..., he's a punker pig.

My son, Chris, made this wristband before the movie, "Sex and the City" aired. Imagine our surprise to see SJP wearing the very same belt!!

We are huge fans of the show and we were thrilled to see it.

It just goes to show you that fashion has no limits. \00/_

I would be remiss if I didn't also introduce to you the other punker pig, his brother - this is Smokey. He is the noisier but smaller of the two.

I hope this brought a smile to your face - because we have to live for today because our tomorrows may be few!!

Drop by and visit our shop!! \00/_

Anne ^i^