A Dream Collab With Portland Leather: Designing My Personal Custom Tote Bag
Turning Leather Into Canvas: My Dream Collab with Portland Leather 🌺✨
As a custom artist, I’m always on the lookout for new brands and products that can serve as a fresh canvas for my creativity. There’s something truly magical about collaboration—when different minds come together to brainstorm, problem-solve, and create something beautiful, it's electric. Especially when that collaboration leads to a one-of-a-kind, wearable piece of art.
Whether it’s a handbag, a pair of shoes, or a jacket, I love helping my clients transform everyday items into timeless, expressive statements they can wear with confidence. These pieces aren’t just accessories—they’re conversation starters, ice breakers, and little bursts of personality that travel with you wherever you go.
Falling in Love With Portland Leather
When I first moved to the Pacific Northwest and discovered Portland Leather, I immediately dreamed of collaborating with them. Their leather bags are not only beautifully made—they have soul. The textures, the tones, the craftsmanship... I just knew I had to get my hands on one.
So, I took the leap and reached out to them about a potential collaboration—and to my absolute joy, they said yes! I felt like a kid on Christmas morning—giddy, excited, and ready to dive in.
From Concept to Canvas: Designing the Tote
As soon as we locked in the collab, I got to work. I sketched out four different design concepts, each inspired by the tropics and the warmth of summer—because, let’s be real, my heart always yearns for the island sun. It's in my blood. ☀️🌴 Plus, it was summer and the tote bag that I was to paint on was perfectly named The August Tote.
I then turned to my amazing Instagram community to help me choose the final design via poll, and you all nailed it. The winner? My floral design of Flor de Magas—a floral design that’s bright, bold, and fitting for summer. It felt especially fitting, as I was just a month away from a trip to Puerto Rico. 🌺🇵🇷
The Artist's Balance: Painter Meets Director
Documenting the painting process is always a bit of a balancing act. As an artist, I get in the flow and sometimes forget to hit “record.” It’s hard to be both the painter and the director—but it’s always worth the effort to look back, see the process unfold, and share it with you all. It adds another layer of storytelling to the piece. You can view my creative process here.
The Tote That Traveled With Me
For this project, I chose the Large August Tote by Portland Leather—because let’s be honest, I’m always on the go, and I need a bag that can keep up. It’s spacious, sturdy, and made with love. The Nutmeg color was a no-brainer for me: warm, earthy, and the perfect base for a vibrant tropical design. I hand-painted every detail of the Flor de Maga flowers and finished it off with a custom two-tone monogram in golden yellow and deep red. Every brushstroke is a tribute to the sun, summer, and my island roots.
This bag was my travel bestie all throughout my Puerto Rican vacation—chic, functional, and full of personality. And let me tell you, I lost count of how many compliments I got on it! 👜✨
Want One of Your Own?
If you’ve been dreaming of a custom leather tote—or need the perfect holiday gift—I’d love to create something truly unique for you. Whether it’s a nod to your heritage, a splash of color to match your energy, or something deeply personal, let’s make it happen.
📩 DM or email me to get started.
🎨 Open for brand collabs, too—let’s create magic together!
Big love and gratitude to Portland Leather for this incredible opportunity. This collab will forever have a special place in my heart. ♥️🌺