So love hearing all the ways we can fuel our inspiration…truly…the possibilities are endless…which brings me to SusanMarie. Our paths crossed a few years ago when we were both involved in sharing our photography and stories with a bunch of other women from all over the world. I was immediately drawn to her beauty, both inside and out. Fast forward, I had the wonderful opportunity while traveling this year to meet up with her. I mean really, we make all these on-line connections, but how often do we actually get to meet each other in the “real” world? There was an immediate connection…as if we had known each other all of our lives. So today, I want to introduce you to SusanMarie…an artist (who also calls herself a leather worker) from the gorgeous mountains of Colorado.
created and photographed by susanmarie
Her leather creations totally blow me away…so of course I was eager to learn how it all got started and how she learned the craft…
Long ago when we were all baby free spirits, a young gal moved back to town after living in a tipi up in the mountains and learning leatherwork. We called her Leather Mary. We became friends and she never minded when I came to hang out, watch her work and ask a boatload of questions. This didn’t last too long since we were all moving around, coming and going, but enough time for me to know that I had fallen in love with leather. Through many years I learned more in my own way with books and by doing, since this was pre internet days, and because of that I came to have a pretty unique style of creating.
Not only is she a creator of leather, but oh…so much more…
I knew leatherwork was something special, but I always played with many different mediums at the same time and actually still do. I really have a love for fabrics and enjoy putting them together with finds from nature, like sea shells, tiny branches, interesting bits picked up on walks, adding in lots of lace and some heart felt quotes to make beautiful wallhangings. I also go for long stretches of time when I only want to work with denim sewing “Love Note Totes” but the leather sparks a certain kind of passion and commitment and I think that’s mainly because of the sincere reaction that the work gets from others … usually the very first response is “oh, I love that smell!”
I also wanted to learn more about how her creations have evolved over time…
In the beginning I created vests and your everyday hippie halter tops, not coming close to anything as outrageous as Leather Mary, who made her own wedding dress out of gorgeous white deerskin with miles of fringe! (omg…can you imagine?) But I did make really big bags with lots of long fringe and just recently I have realized that now I need (and want) to keep things on a bit smaller scale. So I enjoy making what I call belt bags which are very friendly because you don’t have to wear them on a belt. And of course the medicine bags, which are very special to my heart.
And if you aren’t familiar with medicine bags…just take a gander at these little bits of swoon…
medicine bag created and photographed by susanmarie
amazing detail…
medicine bag created and photographed by susanmarie
I was also curious to better understand her process…knowing that she gives so much thought and energy during her creative process and also knowing that she only creates with deer hides…
Each creation will start in the leather shop where I spend time deciding which deer hides will come home with me. I love the big tables they have there, enough room to spread them out and run my hands over the entire thing and check out all the rough edges, my favorite part to incorporate into the bags … that is what really makes each one so beautiful and different. I won’t make that first cut on a piece until it seems truly the right time and that is after I sit with it awhile and say a little blessing, promising to pay attention to what it wants to become in order for it to continue to bring joy to another. (I mean really…does it get any more special?)
SusanMarie also shared with me that she had always thought it would be impossible to make a custom bag for someone else…thinking everyone would have their own ideas and expectations of their bag and then the fear of not meeting them. So when I asked SusanMarie to create a special piece for me…I shared that not only did it need to work for my travels, but for day to day life as well. There was really very little instruction other than an expectation on size…it needed to be big enough for my passport. Not only can I tell you that those expectations were met, but she went beyond…way beyond. Every time I place my bag over my shoulder that leather just wraps around me…already knowing my every curve and how it should hang. There’s a feeling I get that I just can’t put words around it…a feeling that she absolutely had me in mind the entire time…and as she would say…putting good and kind thoughts into every stitch.
Can you believe all this goodness? And this is only a part of her amazing talents…you’ll have to check out her blog – Windrock Studio – to see more. And while you’re there you can check out her husband Larry’s creations as well…as he works his magic in clay. Lucky me…see that adorable little clay feather in the the top image? My own little piece of his art work too.
I’ll keep saying it…how fortunate we are to meet and be inspired by such creative souls in our world. SusanMarie, you inspire me with your words, your art and your friendship. Thank you so much for being you. xo – RobinMarie.
This is such a beautiful post, I love how the images look, especially your bag with the natural elements. And I love knowing that it fits you just right.
And I love you ~ xo
I’ve never had a bag that I’ve been so happy with! Not only is it beautiful, but so functional…You nailed the inside of it…the perfect place for credit cards, the passport, the phone…it all totally speaks to me and just can’t wait to take it all over the world! xoxo
What a beautiful tribute and showcase of SusanMarie’s talents and friendship.
I love her story and wonderful bags that are created from her heart.
How lucky we are when we meet others who are so special they leave imprints on heart and we feel that strong bond, as if there had to be a connection in another life.
I can understand an artist’s hesitancy in being asked to create a piece and the fear that would ensue that one would be disappointed and the expectations were not met.
Your bag is beautiful and I just adore how you describe how you feel when you put that bag over your shoulders. How it was made just for you – because it was! The love and intention behind every moment of creating it had you in mind, with pure and loving intentions.
Thanks for sharing another beautiful artist, woman and friend.
xoxo
So fortunate to have such beautiful creative people in my life! Thank you Lisa! xoxo
Nothing beats pure leather. The smell, the feel, the look. SusanMarie does a great job creating and capturing her work. Indeed what a gift to have friend like that found on the internet and met in real life. Only few of us get that fortunate. 🙂
Great post.
Love and hugs.
Safe travels to the BigCity.
Oh so totally agree…that smell…amazing! Aren’t we fortunate! And to think it all started with the three of us! Thank you! xoxo
It is like a droplet of oil on the water…. you start with one and more will follow.
We had great times together 🙂
A happy memory added.
Don’t you just love how the circles and ripples just spread out all over the place in this Journey of life we are fortunate enough to live! To think I know both of these ladies you have now interviewed (Ruth and now Susan) just makes it all extra special. THANK YOU for sharing.
Oh how I do love the circles and the ripples…and like I mentioned to Astrid…it all started with the three of us on my trip to Amsterdam! So fortunate! Thank you!
What a beautiful post. And SusanMarie has created such a stunning and quite personal piece that will travel with you well. As a comfortable companion
Thank you so much Cynthia! Appreciate your visit!
What a lovely post… So nice to see more of Susan’s work and her story as well. And so cool that you both got to meet! Xoxo
Thanks Kelly!
Love, love, love all the pieces SusanMarie has on her website, but the one she made for you IS so you!! I know it will travel well with you and you will treasure it for years and years to come. And, the little clay feather you created is adorable. I love it and you. Thanks for sharing SusanMarie’s beautiful story and her beautiful creations. XoXo
It is totally me…and that little clay feather was made by Larry so I’m even more fortunate to get two artists in the package! Thank you my sweet! xo
I believe that your inspiration is fueled by every person and experience you encounter because you are open to receive it. You find the goodness in each person, celebrate it and revel in it. Susanmarie’s work is gorgeous and truly special. It’s her commitment to the craft and respect for the making that gives me goose bumps. I know that feeling . . . when you are doing what you are truly meant to do. Your one-of-a-kind leather bag is perfect and the friendship you share with Susanmarie reminds me just how precious it is to make such a connection.
You are so right Donna…we have to be open to receive! I appreciate you and your comments so much!
Oh Robin, I envy you so much for having met Susan! I really would love to meet her, too. She feels like a kindred spirit.
You write so beautifully about her. And that bag – just lovely, gorgeous, an amazing piece of art.
I still miss our Vision and Verb days…
Totally a kindred spirit! You would love her Carola! And yes, I miss our V&V days too, but feel so enriched to have so many of these amazing women still in my life! Thank you!
There is something intoxicating about this post and SusanMarie’s craft. I’m guessing it’s the connection with spirit she has with her work, and with you, and you with her and your gorgeous bag. Just fabulous! Artisans who create in such personal ways are a treasure.
Couldn’t agree more…and what a wonderful way to summarize it…intoxicating! Love that! Thank you Ruth!