Gift of Grrrrr in Open Diary 2001-2018 (Pre-Prosebox)

A couple of weeks ago, Grrrr and I attended a benefit for a woman who lives in our building (um, yeah…I just wrote “our”—wow!). This woman is dying of cancer and her bills have all stacked up, and she was in danger of being evicted. In fact, I think she may have even gotten an eviction notice at that point. So one of the amazing artists who lives in the building (and is something of a father figure to me—will get to that later) held an incredible party/benefit to raise enough rent money so that she could live out the rest of her days comfortably in the building.

It was a special evening, and Grrr and I walked through the artist loft and down into the hallway where a silent auction was taking place. One of the items for bid was this AMAZING belt—a wide, black, double buckle belt with tons of studs on it and embellished with a zebra-like fur inset…super cool.

I tried the thing on, and though it was a bit big, I still thought about making a bid. I looked at all the other things for auction, and even placed a few more bids, but I kept coming back to that belt time and time again. There was something drawing me to that belt.

A short while later, a man came up to me and said he’d heard that I was looking at the belt, and if I actually won the auction that he’d be happy to make any necessary adjustments to it so that it would fit me right. Turns out, he was the designer and creater of this little gem of a belt. He then asked if Grrr and I would like to come see his studio and the other things that he was currently working on.

Of course, I was terribly curious, so Grrrr and I followed him to this unbelievable little workshop where there were more spectacular belts and bags and watchbands and boots and…on and on…it was amazing! And I was incredibly inspired—especially when he mentioned that he gives classes on leathercraft! All my sewing juices started flowing again!

And sure enough, I won the auction and grabbed that belt and took it back to my loft, waving goodbye to Art (the designer), telling him that I was going to come visit him very, very soon to have the belt resized.

Early last week, I went down Art’s studio to have the belt adjusted…but it was funny, he told me that he wanted ME to make the adjustments myself (under his guidance, naturally, but how exciting!). He showed me how to measure the adjustments and add more eyelets and move the straps and hammer in new studs. And when I tried it on, it was like a second skin. And I had all kinds of ideas pumping through my little brain….handbags and satchels and more belts and cuffs, and on and on~!

I was sooooo excited about doing my own leathercrafting that I called Grrrrr before I even made it back inside the loft!

Cut to my birthday. Do you see where this is going? Yes!! Grrrrr got me private leathercraft lessons for my birthday!!! I am sooooo thrilled! And I had my first lesson with Art yesterday.

I brought him a photo of my inspiration—the Coach Legacy Satchel (this is inspiration ONLY…my bag will be completely original):

And we have started working on the template for the bag:

And Art gave me some swatches to think about until we see each other again. See, I’d originally thought about using black hide since I’m in need of a black purse, but I’m thinking that I want to use a more “natural” color so that I can see all of the beautiful imperfections and wear/love that I’m going to be giving this special creation (plus, Art is taking me to his leather source so that we can look at/pick out a hide just for ME!!):

I have to say, this is one of the most special gifts I’ve ever received. Grrr was so sweet when he gave me the “certificate” (that he handcrafted, mind you!). He told me it was a gift for my SOUL. And you know what? That’s exactly what it is….

It’s really awakened that old creative side that I thought had gone dry. I’ll try to post photos as I go.

Oh, and in case you’re wondering about the benefit? I talked to Roger (the host), who told me that they raised waaaay more than enough for our neighbor to live out the rest of her life at home—our home.

Things are good. I’m so inspired. And I love the guy—this thoughtful man who sometimes makes me crazy. I couldn’t have ever asked for a better birthday gift.