“Some periods of our growth are so confusing that we don’t even recognize that growth is happening. We may feel hostile or angry or weepy and hysterical, or we may feel depressed. It would never occur to us, unless we stumbled on a book or a person who explained to us, that we were in fact in the process of change, of actually becoming larger, spiritually, than we were before. 

Whenever we grow, we tend to feel it, as a young seed must feel the weight and inertia of the earth as it seeks to break out of its shell on its way to becoming a plant. Often the feeling is anything but pleasant. But what is most unpleasant is the not knowing what is happening. Those long periods when something inside ourselves seems to be waiting, holding its breath, unsure about what the next step should be, eventually become the periods we wait for, for it is in those periods that we realize that we are being prepared for the next phase of our life and that, in all probability, a new level of the personality is about to be revealed.” — Alice Walker

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This bag is part of the New Beginnings Series. I had a collection of bags that weren’t quite right or needed some additional attention. I knew it was time to slow down and tend to them. I started separating what each of them needed and found myself with a pile labeled “deconstruct”. That is essentially what I was doing to all of them in some capacity. I was starting over to various degrees. Some needed cut apart and leather added. Some needed a new closure. Some reworked completely. I began the process and gave each the extra care it needed. This is one of those bags that received a “new beginning”. Each has some some added intention and reflection in them.

This beautiful leather crossbody bag was created from reclaimed leather and closes with a bronze latch. I tend towards being a minimalist when it comes to carrying bags, and the inspiration for this one was what I most frequently carry- a book and my journal. It turns out that an iPad can fit in here as well. If you are looking for something with clean lines and a little organic edge to it, this will be the perfect bag for you. It has a pocket outside on the front and the back and a smaller inside pocket perfect for carrying your wallet, keys, or phone in. It is unlined with the soft underside of the leather exposed. The leather strap is removable with snap hooks that swivel so you don't have to worry about the strap getting twisted. You can wear the strap the length you like because it is adjustable up to 55 inches. It works well for every day use.

*This listing is for the first 2 photos pictured. The others are examples. If you’d like one in a different color that you do not see listed on my site, please contact me.

Body: 8.5 inches wide x 9.5 inches tall x 1.5 inches deep
Strap can lengthen up to 55 inches (adjustable)
Outside Back Pocket: 7 inches x 7 inches
Outside Front Pocket: varies
Inside Pocket: 5 inches tall x 6 inches wide

Confession: I actually went on a hike with one of my bags on and ended up sliding down a mud hill toward a river. Needless to say, me and my bag were covered in mud. It was several hours before I could clean it, and I only used a damp cloth. The bag looked good as new once it dried. It turns out that these are really durable for every day use or any adventure that you may want to take them on.

**For upkeep, you can use leather wipes or a commercial leather conditioner. I often only use leather wipes or a lightly damp cloth. It is moderately water resistant and will dry back to its original color (for softer leathers). Its best to not immerse it in water.

Your handmade product will be shipped within a few days of purchasing. A confirmation email regarding your purchase will be sent once it has shipped. Thanks for shopping ReImagined!