We Are The Ocean 'The Waiting Room' official video

Second single taken from the forthcoming album 'Go Now And Live'. 'The Waiting Room' is released 18/04/11 'Go Now And Live' is released 25/04/11 Pre-order 'Go Now And Live' from the following places: Hassle Records - hasslerecords.sandbag.uk.com - with exclusive t-shirt & tote bag bundles Play.com - http - with exclusive We Are The Ocean badge set iTunes - tinyurl.com - with exclusive extra track 'Distances' We Are The Ocean tour the UK/Europe in April / May. All dates & ticket links available at www.facebook.com

All About Leather Messenger Bags

If you want to trade in your briefcase or attaché for a stylish bag, leather messenger bags are the answer. A messenger or courier bag is a rectangular bag with a long adjustable strap that is worn over one shoulder and along the front of the torso so that the bag sits on the carrier's back. This type of bag has been used since ancient times for anyone that needed to carry something. Notably, Pony Express riders used these bags, and the contemporary style of messenger bag is based on the style of bag used by linemen to carry their tools sixty years ago.

These carryalls are a growing fashion trend in urban areas and are used especially by commuters, students, bicycle messengers, and men who need a manly version of a purse to carry their bulky items. The long adjustable strap makes the messenger style of bag very comfortable for wearing while riding, and some bags even have anchor straps, which make them less likely to slide around on the wearer's back. However, the advantage of these bags over more traditional backpack is that they can be slid to the front of the body so the wearer can access their contents without removing the bag.

Messenger bags come in almost every material and are made by many different designers, but if you want a long lasting durable bag, you will probably need to get one of the many leather messenger bags. Leather bags can be purchased for as little as eighty dollars or as much as several hundred dollars. If you want the best quality leather, you may need to spend about three hundred and fifty dollars. While you are browsing, remember that there are four main types of leather and which type you choose will dramatically affect the quality of your bag and in particular, will affect how long the leather lasts. Full grain leather is cut from the top part of the animal's hide, which has all the grain. It will have subtle markings that show the animals' veins and scars. The second highest top of leather is called top grain. The third best is genuine leather, and perhaps the worst is bonded leather, which are basically pieces of leather stuck together.

For both style and function, leather messenger bags are a great addition to your closet especially if you need to transport a bag of heavy or bulky items every day to and from home and work or school.

The author has spent a lot of time learning about messenger bags and other related topics. Read more about leather messenger bag at Lucy Greenswood's website.

Unboxing a Gucci "Sukey" Handbag

I purchased my first Gucci handbag and I'm unboxing it for the very first time! So excited! This is the newest trim color just released instores. I originally wanted one with the black trim, but it's an online exclusive.

Tote Bag Tutorial

Learn to create a cute little tote bag. This is not an original idea however. Enjoy!

How to Make Leather Flowers - What Do You Need?

It's easier than you think to make elegant and sophisticated leather flowers! Never fading, you can wear handmade leather flowers as jewelry or hair accessories, dress up a bag or belt, or fix them to wire or dowel stems to make a striking and permanent bouquet.

In contrast to many other leather crafts, you actually need very little equipment to start making leather flowers.

The first thing you'll need, naturally, is some leather. Try to choose leather with a smooth surface on the reverse side - if it is a little ragged then you can gently go over it with sandpaper, but too much sanding may make the leather less absorbent and prevent it from soaking properly. You can buy leather for the purpose from a craft store, or recycle unwanted shoes, bags or leather clothing. Match the weight of your leather to the type of flower you are making - the more delicate the flower, the thinner leather you can use. This gives your handcrafted leather flowers a more natural look.

A pair of strong sharp scissors is a must. For best results your cuts should be neat and clean. I use a good quality pair of general-purpose craft scissors.

For moulding the leather, you need to soak it until it is saturated and flexible. A simple bowl of warm water will do the trick. A bain marie or double-boiler can speed up the process, though you should take care as the hotter the water the more stiff and prone to cracking your finished product may be.

Most moulding can be done simply with your hands and a little effort, but you may wish to experiment with using forms. These don't have to be expensive purpose-made forms, you could use the back of a spoon, a large marble or rubber ball, or smooth rocks, as rounded and oval forms.

Though not absolutely essential - if you don't have many holes to make you can use an awl or even a hammer and nail - a good leather punch comes in very useful if you plan to work with leather a lot. The rotary type with long handles makes punching various sized holes even is several thick layers a breeze.

You'll also need some way of fixing layers and parts together. Rubber cement works well for gluing, if you want to sew your flowers - either in construction or to attach them to things later - then punch holes for the stitches and sew together with a stout needle and waxed thread. Leather will wear through normal sewing thread fairly quickly.

Now you know what you need, it's time to make some flowers! Why not start with this simple yet lovely leather rose tutorial?

Abigail Bailey is a craft blogger and teacher in Japan. She has been knitting and crafting for 25 years, and writes a craft blog at http://abigailscraftshowto.com

Accessories Design Course Shoes Design - Bag Design

Accessories Design Course Shoes Design - Bag Design Design Drawing & Coloring accessories bags and shoes with the right proportions: Our course brings you to the world of the creation of scholarships and shoes with a simple and practical. The lessons are built on each other. Consequently, the student can easily follow the entire journey of study, without ever getting bored. The lessons require being active, for example, find sources of inspiration - how to match a purse to a shoe. Worthy of special attention is the presentation of the art of coloring, very important to submit their best work.

Cheerleading Bags - How to Choose

You have your uniform, poms and your shoes. Now where are you going to put them? Show your spirit with a cheer bag. With so many styles to choose from, there is a perfect option for every cheerleader! But how do you choose the one that is right for you? Here is a guide to help you do just that!

When choosing a bag, consider what you are going to be carrying and how the bag will be used. Will you be carrying just your shell and skirt? Carrying just your shoes or poms? Perhaps a pom bag, backpack, or garment bag is all you need. Or will you be carrying your entire uniform as well poms, a change of clothes, and other accessories? Then you are in need of a duffel bag. If you are using your bag just to carry your things to cheerleading practice, then a simple in stock bag may be all you need. If you are using yours for games or competitions, a more complex duffel bag may be necessary.

There are many styles to consider, most depending on personal preference.

Duffel: The most traditional cheer bag style comes in a variety of sizes and shapes. The duffel has handles and/or a shoulder strap as well as zipper closure.

Backpack: Easy on the back, the backpack is worn over both shoulders and has a zipper closure.

Sling: Similar to a backpack, a sling is worn over one shoulder.

Tote: Simple bag with carrying straps with zippered or no closure.

Pom Bag: A bag sized just for a set of pom poms, usually with drawstring closure and shoulder strap(s).

Garment Bag: Hanging bag used especially for cheerleading uniforms to keep them clean and wrinkle free.

Whatever style you choose, you need to consider the features of the cheerleading bag. Inner and/or outer pockets may be necessary to carry your water bottle, cell phone, and keys. Sturdy straps are important as well. You may even want to consider a bag with a removable shoulder strap, removable inner bags, and one with a place for an id tag.

No matter what style you choose, be sure to get it in your team's colors. Show your team unity and order matching bags for your team, complete with your school initials embroidered on them. Most cheerleading bags can be purchased with an in-stock design, customized with a team print, or with no design at all.

Here are our top picks for cheer bags!

Competition Duffel - This sturdy bag is a basic duffel with room for everything.

Custom Pom Pom Bag - With custom colors and tackle twill, your bag is as unique as your team.

The Ultimate Cheerleading Duffel - This is the must have for any cheerleader who is on the go with every feature one could need.

Visit our website http://www.cheerzone.com for more cheerleading resources!

Sewing Patterns and Trouble-Free Tote Bags

Sewing is a well-known craft that dates back to olden times. Its beginning stemmed from as early as the Paleolithic age. The advancement of sewing machines had made sewing procedures much quicker and simpler. There are various stitches and methods used.

Patterns are graphical sketches in a paper that will be basis for a sewing project. Sewing patterns are normally comprised of two elements:

1. The individual parts that make up the item
2. The instructions for fitting together the item.

Use a dressmaker chalk to transfer patterns onto cloth/fabric, or trace the pattern with a tracing wheel.

Three Methods of Making Patterns:

o The drafting pattern method entails sketching or outlining a pattern straight onto paper pattern with the use of lines and curves. This is common in sewing apparels.

o The draping pattern method is three dimensional. A fabric is actually draped onto a subject to see the actual flowing effect. This method is best for more decorative and intricate designs that a sketch can not capture.

o The flat pattern method starts with the crafting of a sloper. A sloper is a pattern for a tight skirt or fitted corsage or bodice customized to the measurements of the user. Slopers are often made of cardboards with no specified styles or seam allowances.

Here is an easy project to hone your sewing skills:

TROUBLE-FREE TOTE BAGS
Tote bags can are functional small bags fit for traveling. Here's how to make one:

Materials:
(Feel free to alter materials to your taste)
a. Nylon fabric
b. 20 pieces of 1-inch thick nylon webbing. You can decide for the length of the straps that can go well with your needs. With the use of a candle or lighter, melt and unify the nylon webbing's raw edges to thwart it from disentanglement.
c. Thread. (Choose one that fits your fabric material)

Procedure:
o Fold the fabric in half.
o Sew the two side seams with a ½ inch margin
o Turn the raw edges by ¼ inch and sew.
o Turn under 1 inch of the upper border to the inside portion of the bag.
o Pin in position and stitch edges.
o With the wrong sides of the bag out, fold the sides such that they only on top of the underside fold of the bag.

Strap Placement and Finishing: o Cut bag strap to desired length.
o Position the straps at an even gap from the side seams.
o Sew a square shape to the strap ends connecting the side seams.
o Accentuate your new bag with laces or beads.

For more information on Make your own sewing patterns and Sewing Pattern Reviews please visit our website.

Leather Bag Care and Cleaning

So now you've purchased your beautiful new leather handbag - and you want to keep it that way! Leather requires special handling and maintenance to keep it looking and wearing its best.

First of all, remember not all leather is created equal! There are different ways to care for and clean patent leather, suede leather, and finished leather bags.

Here are some tips that should keep your bag looking it are best for years to come:

Patent Leather

Patent leather requires the least amount of care, as it already has a protective coating of varnish or lacquer applied in the final steps of tanning.
It's a hard finish, not very breathable, but that means it's much less susceptible to stains and easier to clean.
A quick wipe-down with a mild soap and preferably distilled water (as tap water often has dulling elements of chlorine and minerals) is often all that's needed.
To restore the luster when needed, use a quality silicon product applied with a soft, clean cloth.
Never, ever use a wax or Vaseline on patent leather! It will become a dust magnet instantly, and start to look muddy and dull.

Suede Leather

While suede is certainly beautifully supple and soft to the touch, it's often the hardest to clean and maintain, and is very susceptible to staining and discoloration.
Of course the first thing to remember for suede is, keep it away from water! It has no protective coating to guard it.
You can apply conditioning or waterproofing products to help protect your bag, often available at shoe repair shops; you should also invest in a soft suede brush, and use it every 3 to 4 months to remove surface dirt and renew the nap of the suede.
If your bag does get wet, allow it to dry naturally. Suede will dry stiff, so brush the nap gently to restore it.
When brushing the nap, always remember to brush in one direction. Circular brushing may damage the nap.
If you get a grease or oil stain, try applying talcum powder and allowing it to sit for 24 hours, and brush gently.
Another stain removal remedy that's been highly useful on a variety of stains and scuff marks is a natural or uncolored pencil eraser! But avoid using vigorous force; again, be gentle.
Under no circumstances should you use soap or any water based product to clean suede items.

Finished Leather

Moisturize often. Leather needs oils to keep it supple. A conditioning cream such as saddle soap will serve your bag well.
Applying protective conditioners before use and at regular intervals (at least twice a year) will help prevent your bag from drying out, cracking and staining. Also, it's a good idea to use a leather protector. Leather cleaners and protectors can be found at almost any shoe repair shop.
Always apply products with a clean soft cloth, never directly to the leather as it may cause staining.
Some stains can be removed with ordinary chalk powder! Crush white chalk and let it sit on the stain for 24 hours, then just dust off with a clean cloth.
Keep in mind that your leather bag will age with a natural darkening of the color over time.

General Tips for All Leather Bags

If your bag should get wet, allow it to air dry naturally. Never, under any circumstances, use a heater or hair dryer! This will dehydrate and damage the leather.
Never use cleaning solvents or chemicals on a leather bag. Remember, leather is a natural product, so use natural products on it!
Keep any small items you might carry that could leak (like cosmetics or pens) inside a pouch.
When storing your bag, stuff it with paper or bubble wrap to hold its shape. Never use a plastic bag to store it in, as it can emit chemicals that might damage the leather, or encourage the growth of mildew as it's not a breathable material. Use a dust bag or natural fiber pillowcase.

Remember, a good leather bag is an investment. Following these tips to properly care for your investment will ensure you enjoy your beautiful leather bag for many years to come.

Janet Black

Also know to friends and family as the lady with the answers on how to care for your leather bags and shoes and keep them looking good.

Janet learned at an early age how to shop for good quality at affordable prices when her mother told her she had to pay for her own things. She has a large collection of leather bags and boots that always look as if they are brand new because she takes the time to care for them as she takes them off and puts them away.

Belstaff Cotton Canvas Messenger Bag

 

This bag gives the right look without looking like you are trying too hard. It is something I can imagine being suitable even for the men who refuse to carry a “man bag”. The khaki cotton canvas with worn brown leather trim gives a manly appearance while being completely functional with the two front pockets, interior pocket, and fold over flap closure. The Belstaff emblem reminds me of a pilot, which again scores some super cool points.
I know every dude out there won’t carry a bag, but many dudes need to and finding a carryall that works for them and their style is most important. If you are or know the casual laid-back guy who would never want a leather bag, consider this option for Belstaff for $395 via Mr. Porter. Or Click for More Certainly Related Handbags