I sold a Dopp kit at a show recently to a man who proudly told me that he would be taking it on a trip to Marrakesh, Morocco this summer. Thinking about something I made included in someone's international travel kit is irrationally exciting. As a maker, you often hope that the things you make and sell get used and/or appreciated. That's why I tend to overbuild everything I craft. Solid hardware, heavy duty threads and proven textiles/leather aren't chosen just for looks. They are chosen because they work and will last. Looking good is simply a bonus.
We're officially in the dog days of summer, right? I was procrastinating on updating the Warbuck Wares online world and went upstairs to find one of our dogs really leaning into the laziness of early August. So naturally I took a photo of her instead of worrying about taking more photos of the new pouches I sewed this morning. I'm feeling a bit lazy myself after a busy first part of the summer, but I'm still working on making new pieces and getting them listed here. If you see something you like, I'd love to pack up an order for you and send it your way.
I have been playing with some new materials and a ton of new colors in recent weeks. I typically work with leather and heavy cotton canvas, but contemporary technical fabrics certainly bring something to the table that the classics can't. Cordura, for instance, is fairly lightweight, comes in crazy colors and prints, has consistent water repellency, and has measurable/reliable strength. I don't plan on moving away from cotton and leather goods, but the functionality (and fun!) of Cordura may just earn it a consistent spot in my product lineup!
A long run of shows is in the books and now I am deep into organizing and going through some materials that got set aside for a rainy day. Well, I have rediscovered some great pieces of leather that are just big enough for some utilitarian but good looking small pieces -- think leather zip pouches that can stash all sorts of good stuff or maybe serve as the ultimate pencil pouch for back to school (do kids still use pencils?!). These items are definitely one and done in the given materials, so if you like what you see, grab it now!
Whoa...is it already the second half of July?! I've been doing shows every weekend since May, so I have been a bit absent here. But after one more trip to Iowa this weekend, I should have some time to photograph new product and keep up with weekly updates. Like I said, I should be able to do this, haha. A number of products on my page are sold out, but the two Dopp kits pictured in this update were made this week and are now listed -- the fabric is awesome and almost gone from my stash, so grab one while you can to take on your late summer adventures!
A little spring getaway is in the books. This means one thing, it is time kickoff a new season of in person shows! Assuming my new tent arrives on time, I'll be setting up this Sunday at the Franconia Sculpture Park from 10:00-2:00. The weather is looking good and it is a really cool place to check out, so swing by and support local artists and farmers while checking out a super unique sculpture park!
Spreadsheets and calendars seem to be the tools of choice these days. Not necessarily because they are the fun tools to use, but they are part of the business. So rather than a photo of an Excel file, here is a quick shot of a few books that have been providing some inspiration and a bit of education.
I try to read as much as I can. It is an act that constantly stirs thoughts and generates ideas for me. Here is something I've been chewing on recently: "Authenticity is invaluable. Originality is nonexistent. Steal, adapt, borrow. It doesn't matter where one takes things from. It's where one takes them to. Devour old films, new films, history books, paintings, photographs, poems, dreams, whatever. Only steal from things that speak directly to you. If you do this, your work will be authentic." -Jonathan Anderson -- Fashion Designer
Well, what do you know, it's my first update here! I write this as the wind whips against my workspace window, creating a bit of a disconnect from the summer art fair planning at hand. Being a creative/maker feels a bit strange these days, but I also believe that it is important work to do. So, as I come up with new handmade pieces I will share them on this platform. If you dig something you see, grab it while you can, since a lot of what I do tends to be a one-off. Sure, I might make something similar, but you just never know!