LaLa in LA

I have been working on this for a while. I wanted to integrate these three elements. When I get a problem (or situation as I have been to to think of it!), I mull it over. Sometimes the thinking part can take days and in this case, it was days and night (as in dreams). I try not to go forward until I have a clear idea of the path. With these three elements, decorated and painted leather, the handwoven wool from Colombia and the Boucle', it took a long time to gel. But what I hadn't figured out was how to get the structure on the inside of the purse. That is just as important as the decorative items. If you don't get the structure, then it will not wear well. This purse was taken apart a number of times. I needed to make sure the handles wouldn't pull out. I had to extend the handles on the inside to go all the way around so it would not pull away. Then I needed to put stiffening on the bottom of the bag. Let me just say that the inside is even more vitally important than the outside. The outside can always be glamoured up but the inside needs to "hold up". Especially if this is to be a tote.
The origin of the parts: The leather Cats (which is on both sides) came from a purse made in India. I salvaged the good parts. The Colombian handwoven Wool came from Colombia via my Uncle 30 years ago. And the Boucle' I purchased at FIDM about 5 years ago.
This all proves that I am not a "hoarder". I ended up using the lovely fabrics. Eventually!

Close of the sweet cats:

I have been working on this for a while. I wanted to intergrate these three elements. When I get a problem (or situation as I have been to to think of it!), I mull it over. Sometimes the thinking part can take days and in this case, it was days and night (as in dreams). I try not to go forward until I have a clear idea of the path. With these three elements, decorated and painted leather, the handwoven wool from Colombia and the Boucle', it took a long time to gel. But what I hadn't figured out was how to get the structure on the inside of the purse. That is just as important as the decorative items. If you don't get the structure, then it will not wear well. This purse was taken apart a number of times. I needed to make sure the handles wouldn't pull out. I had to extend the handles on the inside to go all the way around so it would not pull away. Then I needed to put stiffening on the bottom of the bag. Let me just say that the inside is even more vitally important than the outside. The outside can always be glamoured up but the inside needs to "hold up". Especially if this is to be a tote.