Listening to classics

I have been spending quite a bit of time in the studio lately: new orders, new ideas, an urge to create...
I don't know if you are like me, but when I work with my hands, my mind wanders, and I often start thinking about things that I shouldn't be thinking about: things that happened at work that annoy me, what somebody said that was not very nice, the fact that I will eventually HAVE to go food shopping... You get the picture...
I get tired of listening to the radio (I love music but the ads and the chatter really get to me), so I was trying to  think of a different solution to "entertain" myself while working. Then I got it : audio books!
Following my instinct, I did a internet search on audio-books. Many companies offer subscriptions, but well, I really did not want to pay for anything just yet- I wasn't sure I would love it-, so I searched for free audio-books.
I came upon this really cool website : librivox.org. This organization has volunteers record public domain readings (so, sorry, no New York Times best sellers...), and they are free for anyone to download.
I was thrilled to listen to Treasure Island, The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, and Tom Sawyer while sewing during the last couple of days.
I love to read and this is the next best thing!

In the meantime, these came out of the studio - infused with literary thoughts, no doubts:):

iPad Messenger in Organic Brown Cotton with Organic Yellow Cotton Lining

iPad Messenger in Bedford Cord with Organic Cotton Lining

Waxed Canvas Tote with Leather Handles and Detachable Strap

The bags are available at Zakken on Etsy, and Bag du Jour on Cargoh.
Have a wonderful week.
Genevieve

A Kir recipe and a Happy New Year!

Happy New Year! May the Year of the Dragon bring you Health, Happiness, and Love!

I wanted to share one of my favorite drink recipes. It's called Kir, it's French, it's lovely! And best of all,  it's very simple to make.
You will need:  current liqueur (Creme de Cassis), or current syrup (for the taste and the sweetness without added alcohol) and your favorite dry white wine (I like a not-too-oaky Chardonnay or a nice Chablis).
               - Pour about one tablespoon of Creme de Cassis in a stemmed glass.
               - Pour 4 or 5oz of chilled, dry white wine into the glass. The wine will turn a lovely shade of pink.
               - Taste and add a tad more liqueur if you like a sweeter drink or more wine if you like a drier drink.
               - Enjoy with a bowl of "biscuit sales" (crackers), chips (potato chips), or cacahouettes (salted peanuts). Oh, and put on Edith Piaf on the CD player, and Voila! You are in Paris without even leaving your home!

For a totally decadent drink, make a Kir Royal: replace the white wine with a dry champagne...Out of this world!!!!

 Aside from making- and enjoying-  French cocktails :) , I have been busy in the shop. Here are the two latest additions to Zakken (zakken.etsy.com):

The Holdall in canvas and leather

The Slim Tote in brown waxed canvas and leather

I absolutely adore the Holdall. It's simple, stylish, sturdy and a bit rough. I could see Indiana Jones, or some adventuress on the back of an elephant, carrying the bag around... 

I made a gray version of the Slim Tote for a friend, and it was a total hit! The Slim Tote is also available in tan waxed canvas ( it is sitting on my workbench right now, ready to come to life).

Well friends, that is all I have for tonight.

Take care of yourself, spread the love, and have a wonderful year!

Genevieve