DIY botanical imprinted tote bag 植物印染皮包

Sometimes I got the hides for botanical imprinted with less pleased outcome but just don't want to waste it.  I made them into nice combination and practical use. Done a few botanical imprinted leather tote bags with swatches and up-cycled accessories.

有時我的皮革植物印染效果未如理想，不想棄之，最近買下幾片羊仔皮，誰知加熱後縮到一半原來尺碼，且硬如皮盾，唯有祇作冷泡扎染，於是就把早前的實驗碎塊與扎染羊皮及舊皮手袋手挽、拉鍊配件拆下重用，就這樣做了幾個輕巧實用皮包，送給好友，希望受樂受用！

 

Each of different sides of which the leather pockets are made of botanical prints while the whole bag is still of dyed leather. 

 

This one is a failed print which shrunk too much almost half the original size but the "wave of shrunken texture" is unique so I just sewed it as it is for the external pockets.

I bought a few hides in a local shop at very cheap price but after a trial found it's no good for eco printing as after heating it shrunk half the size and hard as a weapon.   It's better just to do cold tie dye with natural extracts. 

Made a damped tie dye in logwood or lac extracts for a few hours.

With those swatches done before I started the tote bag sewing.

Sewed the inner pocket with the canvas printing and dismantled the handles and zipper from the wore out bag for the up-cycle making.

Both sides of the eco dyed leather tote bag with upcycled handles and botanical leather imprints.

Tote bags of all leather,  soft and unique also with inner and outer pockets.  It's roomy and practical.  This special one I made for my daughter's mother-in-law.  Today a leisure walk to the seashore where my studio located. 

A gift of handmade tote bag is a touch of love.  I embellished with a ceramic button knot made it a two-styled bag.

 

Carry it to the seashore and listening to the wave......

 

Another cross shoulder purse accompanies the tote bag gift.  The zipper is also from the up-cycled purse.  This is eco printed linen fabric.

One side with the outer pocket of leather prints and zipper with my ceramic bird pendant with wool felt wings.

 

Thought this is something represents what I am doing. From ceramic making, wool felting to eco printing. Whenever I am asked what's my current profession.  I would show my style that's why I always wearing in my way with own creation.

 

Botanical imprints on leather is interesting.  If you can source reliable hides you can make colorful, soft and impressive printing.  I have instant download pdf tutorial of making leather botanical imprints you may find interested.

 

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