Make things and feel like this!

I made this happiness!

It is acknowledged that time spent making things can have a positive effect on your mood – a notion I feel that is supported by this photograph. Can you tell I might have made that bag?

This photograph was taken at the end of a two day leather working course. It was my first time learning traditional saddle making skills to cut and stitch the leather. Two more courses and many happy hours cutting and stitching leather later I’m still at it.

That bag continues to bring joy. Each time I use it someone will say ‘I like your bag’ and I’ll reply (a little giddily) ‘Thank you, I made it!’ and the conversation will continue with a discussion about how, yes, the stitching really is done by hand not machine.