Meet Alva the Handmade Alligator Clutch

She is a special one, my little Alva. At the moment I am attending Savannah College of Art and design to receive a Masters in Accessory Design. There was a competition, 6 kids were chosen to create 4 products from Alligator skins. The mission was to utilize the skin as best as possible. So from one hide 4 products were born and Alva was one of them. It is a medium size clutch with a collapsable guest and a hand carved wood zipper pull that is backed with nu gold. The interior has 6 credit card slots as well as one large slip pocket. So excited to see how she does in the finals.

 Xo.OPhilya.

HAPPY 83rd BIRTHDAY OPA

This is the man I  am so proud to introduce. My Opa has been my inspiration since a child. Of course comes the natural fixation of loving your grandparents, but he has proven to be much more then just any average human being. This extraordinarily hard working man is capable of fixing just about anything. He has shown me a true example of passion for your craft, and what it means to work hard. 

Growing up in Bavaria with 7 brothers and sisters during the war gave him a unique perspective on the world. His father was a Granite stone worker, digging wells to bring home money to support his large family. 

My Opa's obsession with mechanics and the functional properties of objects started at a young age, when he would pull apart toys to see the inner workings. But with guidance in carpentry and studying gears at a technical college, he naturally became a fixing machine. 

There are so many factors to why this man has always left a magical glow within me. At times he might seem to be stuck in his German ways, but he is so uniquely him, and so beautifully different then any other soul. Humble and hardworking is how I would describe him. I love every aspect of who he is, and am so honored to grow up having him as my inspiration. 

HAPPY 83rd BIRTHDAY OPA!!

Ich Liebe Du,

       Schnukabutz

Handmade Leather side Pouch

This small hip pouch has several special features that I am so proud to share. This paisley print scarf was my Omas, sadly she passed away and this is what I had left of her. I attempted to replicate the print with acrylic leather paint, and paint markers, on a molded piece of Veg tan leather. 

Attempting new ways to construct the handles. Although I realize I am far from perfection or if there is such a thing. 

Yes is truly just a mock up of what is to come. But I am excited to have explored this construction. 

Xo.OPhilya.