Happy Patterns (leather purse)

Happy Patterns is a very bright and abstract handpainted leather shoulderbag purse by "Wilson's" ( with a flap front magnetic snap closure) that I repurposed for this month's nibblefest theme of "Plaid and Polka Dots".

The "plaid" section is on the bottom of the bag, and is my VERY whimsical take on a "burberry" plaid pattern (which you can see in the 2nd photo here). The "polka dots" areas are basically found in several different areas of the bag. I just started painting and applying differing colors and patterns in a very fun and abstract way, wherever and whenever I felt like it. I didn't stop until I was satisfied that all the colors and patterns looked "right" together. I must admit, I am quite pleased with the outcome - it is a UNIQUE and fun bag and I can guarantee you it is ONE OF A KIND! None of your friends will have THIS bag, although they all might be jealous of it, LOL!

To create this piece, I thinned down acrylic paints to a very thin consistency of glazes, and then applied them to the bag in many layers starting with the thinnest layers first. This "prepped" the bag for the later layers of pigment. Because the paint I used was so thin (like fabric paint), the paints act more like a "dye" on the leather bag so it won't be stiff, and the paint won't "chip" off... the leather is still VERY pliable and soft - not stiff at all.

Some of the colors I used were: cadmium red, bright yellow, ultramarine blue, (both light and dark) white, copper, brown, black, magenta, cobalt teal, permanent green light, copper, orange, pthalo green.

Obviously, this bag is a piece of art, and should be treated accordingly (it's not to be used as an "everyday" bag). If it should become dirty and need a cleaning, I would suggest just wiping with a slightly damp cloth.

As I mentioned above, this leather handbag is by "Wilson's" and the tag inside the bag reads: "Wilson's Leather Maxima" (crafted in China). The leather strap is black and approx. 1/2 inch thick, and is adjustable and has a drop of approx. 20". The "hardware" on the strap looks to me to be brass. There is a magnetic snap closure on the inside front flap, and also one large (main) compartment inside as well as a smaller inner zip pocket compartment (for small items such as keys, mints or lipstick etc.)

Yes, ladies, this is ONE FUNKY CRAZY COLORFUL HANDBAG!