Lisa 

I'm so excited to be teaching more Craft on Tap workshops at the PA Guild of Craftsmen through 2018! 

The first class is right around the corner, February 22nd, and since we are just kicking off the new year, I thought a great workshop would be to make leather journal covers. It's the perfect time to get our brains in order, get organized and have a place to write it all down! Whether it's a to do list, goals for the year, or just a place to doodle, it's nice to have a personalized journal at your finger tips. 

I made a couple of prototypes for the class and I'll take you through a few of the steps for a sneak peak preview on how to make these re-usable journal covers!

I found 4 x 6 journals that are a nice size to carry around in your purse. I cut my chosen leather bigger than the journal to ensure a snug fit.

I used my handy dandy, mechanical punch tool to create thread holes.

For a personalized touch, I cut out bird and leaf motifs for the front cover.

I love he contrast of the bright yellow and turquoise leathers!

Next, I use strong adhesive to affix the motifs to the leather.

The finished product is a unique, re-usable journal cover! Here are the two prototypes I made, but I can't wait to see what you come up with in class.

Click here to register for the class! It's held at the PA Guild of Craftsmen in Lancaster, PA on February 22nd from 6 - 8. The $35 class cost includes all materials, as well as a complimentary craft beer from Wacker Brewing Company!

Thank you for stopping by LPDstudios and I can't wait to see you in class!

After a nice holiday break, I am back in the studio and loving every minute of it. It's nice to take a creative pause, to let my mind and body rest and allow ideas and inspiration to come naturally. Then, when I step back into the studio, I am excited and energized to dive right into new projects.

During break, I brainstormed new ways to bring personalized jewelry options to my customers, and I really like what I have created so far! Drum roll please.....I'd like to introduce the Gold Bronze Flower Earrings and Birthstone Pendant Necklace. 

These petite flower motifs are made using Gold Bronze metal clay. I cut and shape the flowers, use a mold to create the dome center and fire them in my kiln. Once they come out of the kiln, I use hand tools to buff the metal, which gives it that low luster finish!

To make the pendant necklace, I take two domed flowers, place a cultured gemstone between the two pieces and use more metal clay to adjoin the two sides together. Once the pendant is formed, I put it back in the kiln to solidify the metal, making it a completely enclosed pendant. 

You choose the birthstone for a personalized gift (for yourself!) or someone you love! 

Like the flower motif you saw today? It's an LPDstudios signature motif, and you can find it on handbags, cuffs, and leather earrings. Keep stopping by the blog to see what else is new in the studio :)

I absolutely love these vintage winter coats!! Even though they are designs ranging from the 1930's - 1960's, they are all still relevant in today's fashion and I would wear them all.

You can see some design attributes were popular across decades, like the big collars, oversized buttons and trimmed sleeves. But each coat is so unique! From boucle capes, to cinched waists, to trapeze swing, I love all of the silhouettes. And the colors! They are all such beautiful shades of natural colors.

Which one is your favorite?

1. 1930's Indigo Wool Coat with Fur Collar and Cuffs  |  2. Foxton Court 1960's Vintage Trapeze Coat  |  3. 1940's Vintage Princess Wool Coat  |  4. La Foppa Vintage Wool Coat  |  5. 1960's Double Breasted Wool Coat  |  6. Powder Blue Vintage Wool Coat  |  7. Vintage Cocoa Wool Coat  |  8. 1960's Boucle Cape Wool Coat  |  9. Vintage Ivory Wool Coat