But I went all a bit extra special this time.
I found out about the Exchange via Instragram (IG). I love Instagram. I've "met" so many more crafters via IG than I could ever have encountered via blogging alone and my life is richer for it. Even if occasionally I spend more time IG'ing than making. Oops...
This is the second year that Sanae and Ute have hosted the Exchange which is loosely based on a Scandinavian Secret Santa tradition called Julklapp. Sanae and Ute publicised it via Sanae's blog and on Instagram and invited any interested crafters to get involved. The idea is you are secretly partnered with another involved crafter and provided with some basic info about them - like favourite colours, prints and other interests, and links to their blog/IG profile/Pinterest account so you can
I thought cool, how hard could that be? Ummmmm, have you see the Flickr pool? And my partner in particular is ridiculously clever. Yep, cue fear and panic.
Furoshiki and a ridiculously clever husband enter stage left!
This time I fully lined my Furoshiki bag, which could in fact mean it's reversible, but I also added an internal pocket that my partner might not want to wear on the outside. So we'll go with it being lined. The outside of the bag is definitely more my sophisticated partner, whilst the inside is a reflection of
But it just didn't feel enough.
Me: Feel like undertaking a bit of leatherwork with that navy blue leftover leather over there??
Hubby: Sure! What have you got in mind?
Seriously how did I land him? He's a gem amongst men, a true craftsman AND just a little bit handsome. So he got to create and show off again.
I had in mind a card wallet for that inner pocket similar, or even exactly the same, as one he created for himself - he uses it for credit cards and slipping some paper (plastic in Australia) money in when he wants a non-bulky wallet.
But no, he needed to create, he needed to try new ideas, buy new tools. Uh-huh. And so we have this.
Unlike the original (which was more of a credit card shaped, unlined pocket) this is folded with leather outer and leather lining. He got to try out bonding leather and working out how to keep it pliable and flexible, but it is still hand punched and stitched. He also got a polishing tool thingy that finishes the edges making them smooth and satiny.
Inside are a few cleverly created sleeves or pockets carefully crafted to fit a credit card or two, business cards and/or a little cash. Did I also mention that most of his work is freehand? No? Well it is: no pattern, no template and flying by the seat of his pants most of the time. Including this time. Sometimes there is a happy ending on the first attempt. This took three goes and a bit of swearing and thrown out leather (!!). But yippee, he finally got it finished just in time for sending.
Seriously, where's mine? I love this idea. Slip a few essentials in your handcrafted wallet/purse, slide it in that inner pocket and sling your Furoshiki bag over your shoulder. You're ready to head out!
And what's more my partner loves her gift! Winning!
