Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Day 26- The Convertible Tote

3/26/14

Today I went to one of the coolest places to shop for materials: Canal Rubber. Canal Rubber has been around since the mid 50's and is a fixture of Canal Street. (I actually cannot stand Canal Street; the only shopping I do there is at Canal Rubber and Canal Plastic Center.)

Oh the wonderful treasures of Canal Rubber. 

I bought a pile of rubber tubing and some sheets of rubber similar to that used for jar openers, etc. They have a great selection of bright colors and tubing diameters.

Today's project is a style I was looking to try for some time- a two tone tote bag. I used the black rubber as the base and lined and topped it off with a natural colored duck cloth.

Black rubber sheet and natural colored duck cloth


Top is duck cloth and the bottom is black rubber

This piece is very simple but it has fantastic versatility. I added tote straps using wide twill tape which actually doubles as a closure, tied at the back, so you can transform it into a clutch. You can also use it as a clutch by tucking in the straps. 

The Transformer Tote: Natural Duck Cloth, Rubber, Twill Tape
 



 

This piece will translate very well into different fabrics and textures. Instead of the tie in the back it would be lovely with a handmade ceramic button. 
I'm thinking that this would be pretty darn useful on one of those days where you have to lug a tote around all day but need a much cuter bag for dinner...
Can't wait to tackle the rubber tubing supply!
xo,
Arielle

PS- This item is now available for sale in my Etsy shop! https://www.etsy.com/shop/SalkinAccessories

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