What's in a Name?

I have a double life... and it's about to be revealed!

I often forget that most people don't know I am really two businesses: AnvilArtshop, my online boutique of leathergoods and fashion accessories; and Abbey Hill Design, in which I design couture suits and one-of-a-kind eveningwear for diplomats and CEOs.

While there is some crossover between the two lines -- from techniques to supplies to logo -- the styles are quite different.

Here's an example from my AnvilArtshop boutique on Etsy:

Here's an example from my custom Abbey Hill Design portfolio:

Textiles and surface design pieces can fall into either camp. I have the fun, sassy pieces listed on Etsy...

... and the more serious, "status" silks are made-to-order for my clientele.

So the next time you see me with two hats on, don't be concerned... it's all good!

Bon Voyage!

My Victoriana messenger bag is on its way overseas this week... thanks to Etsy and its international fanbase of handmade artistry.
I love the mix of sturdy leather and mannish messenger style, alongside the more delicate elements like the vintage cameo and a feminine ruffle of Italian leather. I hope the new owner in Istanbul will enjoy it as much as I did creating it!

In the Beginning

We all start somewhere, right?

Today, I began my blog. My audience is few -- alright, only my cats -- but I hope they enjoy it nonetheless. Stop looking out the window, boys, the good stuff's right here.

I completed a new handbag design yesterday, the Solaris. I'd received a shipment of new hardware, including some jumbo gold rings that definitely looked a lot smaller in the catalog than spilled across my lap.

Let me just say, I love hardware... and hardware stores. I'm a sucker for things that clip and clink, that click shut and snap open again. When I was a kid, I used to design earrings from bits of circuit boards and multicolored telephone wires -- none of which clicked or clamped, which would probably explain why I gave up on them so quickly. Little did I know that I just hadn't found the right medium yet.

These jumbo gold rings were begging to be... well, clipped to something, and gold-studded straps became the answer. My original inspiration was a retro brass sunburst mirror, mixed with a dash of "Gladiator" thanks to Jack Whyte's Roman-to-Arthurian-Camelot history series ("A Dream of Eagles") which I've been re-reading lately. Salve, puella!