exactly the sort of think i love...

i stumbled upon totem...
and instantly fell in love....

what's not to love about salvaged needlepoints,
navajo rugs, textiles and leather
all mixed together to make totes, clutches,
and other fabulous pieces?

artist's statement: (found here)
I have always loved hunting for treasures at flea markets and antique shops. I love the thrill of finding some abandoned object like old horse reins that are beautifully crafted but need to be cleaned up and re worked into a strap for one of my bags. Something about giving new life to discarded objects is so satisfying. I am especially in love with vintage needle points , navajo rugs and old saddle blankets. I make them into backpacks shoulder bags and clutch bags.

I also hunt for old trade beads and what I call hippie beads ,turquoise wood and other unusual beads that I thread onto the fringe that hangs from the navajo bags creating a unique one of a kind bag full of treasure and history. I make all the bags in my L.A studio.