By now you should know that I not only design handbags, but I make them as well. It wasn't that long ago when someone told me they thought that I purchased my bags from a supplier and just sold them on my website. Oh NO honey! Blood, sweat and tears go into each bag! That prompted me to start making some behind the scenes videos to show what all goes into making leather bags. LOTS of work!
The response to those videos have been beautiful. I believe people have a new found love and respect for their customized bag! That was always the idea when developing THE GREY BUTTON. I knew that people had many choices out there when deciding on investing in a quality handbag, but I wanted my brand to stand out. I liked the idea of having a classic shape (style) but also being able to make if fun in customizing the color or even patterns to distinguish it from all the other bags.
what's my thing?
When I graduated from fashion design school, I had no idea what direction I would go in with my designs. I started school wanting to design Oscar worthy gowns! All my classmates where going into various apparel fields and since we had no training in accessories, I figured I would do the same. But a trip to downtown L.A. changed everything as I discovered a purse handle that I immediately fell in love with and ultimately was the inspiration that prompted me to make my first bag. The next couple of days I proudly carried my bag to work and on one of those days someone stopped me while I was on break and complimented me on my first bag I had ever made! After I explained that I had actually made it, she followed up by inquiring on the cost to make another, for HER!.... a complete stranger! Right then and there I knew handbags could be my something special! .
That was fifteen years ago and I am still going. I have grown so much over the years. Like I said before, during my time is school the thought of leather never crossed my mind. I can remember always loving how it smelled and the quality it brought to accessories but maybe there was some part of me that was intimidated. I always thought that leather craftsmenship was passed down from generation to generation. And since I didn't know a single person working with leather, I never thought I could be a part of this industry.
It's so funny because now I can't imagine myself taking any other path. I have always had an eye for detail, and plus I enjoy working with my hands, so this career journey is right up my alley. It was either this, culinary or carpentry school. Either way I was going to be creative!
So what goes into making a bag anyway? Well it starts with selecting the right leather for the right job! Not all leathers are created equal. The type of leather, finish and thickness are extremely important when selecting the right leather for the right design. Also being able to manipulate that leather while sewing is reallyimportant too. Often times the leather has to be prepped and treated before it can even be worked with or sewing can take place. It's a process I've learned to love!
One of my favorite things to do is to create a custom design for my clients. Why? Because I enjoy the fact that often times I'm creating one of a kind masterpieces just for that person! They don't have to worry about any other person having their EXACT bag and I believe that makes having a bag custom made for you even that more special.
Sometimes I choose leather that is already prestained. Those are fun to shop for because I usually find unique hides without duplicates! Most of the time I select a leather that has been prepared to allow me to custom stain before sealing in the color with a finish because my clients truly enjoy having a custom colored design. Each leather I purchase has its own uniquness as I don't shy away from skins that has blemishes or scars. I actually love them as they provide additional character the bag. When a color is added over these markings, it further enhances it's beauty. Think of it as a beauty mark!
So much goes into preparing the leather before I even get to sewing and then the actual sewing itself. Which is why I always say that leather bagmaking is a LABOR of LOVE and mainly because of the amount of time that goes into crafting each piece. My hope is that love is felt when my clients carry their bags!
Sewing used to be one of those things that I didn't particularly enjoy. When I was in my "learning" phase, I actually HATED it. Til this day if I mess up a stitch, I'd rather start from scratch then to use a seam ripper. LOL! I guess all the mistakes I've made in my career has made me despise that little tool! But nowadays I don't mind sewing so much. With my workhorses (my machines) I just zone out and in no time I'm looking at a finished project. And NOTHING makes me more excited than a completed project!!!!
Well maybe there's one other thing that just may get me even more excited.....When my clients receive their bags and say they LOVE IT!!!
With all that being said, I love what I do! It's so rewarding to see the fruits of my labor actually turn out to be something people admire and want a part of. Thank you for all of your support!
WATCH ME WORK!
In case you missed me on social media this week, here is the latest video I uploaded of me customizing the BIG MARLENA for a client. She has a boutique in Florida and wanted a unique way to display her store logo on her bag. What do you all think???
JUMPSTART
to XMAS
It feels kind of weird to be mentioning Christmas and it's still blazing outside. But one thing I know for sure.......the season defintely creeps up on ya! I've already received many messages inquiring about special orders during the holiday season. As you can imagine, during the months/weeks leading up to the big day, my production times are usually extended as my workload increases. Don't let time get away from you this year, order TODAY to make sure that your gift is ready just in time!
FINAL DAY TO ORDER TO GUARANTEE CHRISTMAS DELIVERY IS
OCTOBER 25TH
Don't miss out on the Chaka Clutch sale!
GREYAWAY
ORDER TODAY & SPREAD PAYMENTS
Don't forget about our GREYAWAY program......place your order today and stretch your payments out over 6 months. No additional fees added. What's even better is you can take advantage of sales by locking in the marked down price and still spread the payments out. Mininum deposit required. Click here for details!
host a show
Last year I was blessed to be able to travel with THE GREY BUTTON to several cities and share my work. I enjoyed every bit of it! This year I would love to revisit those same cities as well as some new ones. If you would like to host a pop-up shop/bag party in MARYLAND or Southern CALIFORNIA, please let me know! This is the year of expansion and I'm going to need your help! Contact me here and let's talk!
The BEST and easiest way to keep up to date with all we are doing is on Instagram! Are you following us? Click here to see what we've been up to!
We would love it if you would share us with your friends and family! Thank you for all of your love and support!
need a photographer?
All images in this blog post were captured by Ray Howard of