Going for gold

When I lived in Tokyo I collected a lot of Japanese fabrics including kimonos and obis. The obi is the 'belt' that goes around the kimono and it often comes in bright colours and bold designs. They are perfect for making into clutch bags that make a statement and stand out from the crowd.

This clutch bag is made from a combination of obi fabrics that I bought whilst living in Tokyo. I love the combination of design - giant chrysanthemums mixed with an organic geometric in shades of red, white and gold.

The zipper pull has a white tassel attached to it.

The bag is fully lined with a red and white polka dot fabric and has a red zipper closure.

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Green goddesses

Check out these green goddesses that have recently been added to my store. Each one is an envelope clutch bag made from a selection of vintage Japanese obi fabrics from my collection. The obi is the 'belt' that goes around the kimono and they are often thick and heavily woven. These ones use a combination of greens, along with a good dose of metallic gold to give it some bling.

This gorgeous envelope clutch is made from two Japanese obi fabrics. The main body of the bag is a vibrant green satin, and the flap is made from a green and gold Japanese design. The lining is a turquoise blue cotton and the bag is held closed with a silver metallic snap.

This clutch bag is made from a decorative vintage obi fabric on one side and a vibrant green satin fabric on the other side. I gave it a bright yellow lining for a shot of colour.

The bag is held closed with a vintage button and elastic loop closure and then folded in half.

Unfold the bag and it also doubles up as an iPad case!

These bags use the same fabrics as the large clutch bags in my store. They are the smaller, cheaper option but have no less of a dramatic effect and are the perfect accompaniment to a night out.

You can find them in my store here.

One more christmas cutie

Christmas is so close you can almost touch it! And I've just added one more christmas cutie to my shop. Check out that stunning mix of green and gold obi fabric. I can only imagine what it must have looked like teamed with a kimono. I often wonder what kind of life my fabrics have led before I found them, and like to imagine they have a few stories to tell.

My favourite part of this item is the flash of hot pink lining when the bag is opened. It matches the small clutch bag that I added to my store recently, which means there is a choice in sizes. The large clutch has a detachable chain handle and can fit all the essentials for a night out. The small clutch is perfect for a posh meal out, or could even be used as a cosmetic bag. Either would look stunning with a little black dress.

You can find them in my store here.

Large clutch bag

Small clutch bag

Fabric Friday

It's beginning to feel a lot like christmas! Check out this Friday's fabric choice, a stunning red, green and gold Japanese obi fabric. I bought it at an antique market in Tokyo recently and couldn't resist its rich colour scheme. Can you see the hidden bird?! I've used some of the fabric to make a clutch bag, but have enough fabric for a few more.

You can find the clutch bag in my store here.

Bling it up for christmas!

Check out this bunch of stunners!

They were all finished off this morning and have just been added to my Etsy store.

Each one is a clutch bag made from vibrant obi fabrics that I collected from antique markets in Tokyo. I chose bright colours with a big hit of gold for some extra drama and each has a bright contrasting lining. You can also use it as a handbag as each of them has a chain handle that flips nicely inside the bag for storage. You can request whether you would like a long chain that fits across the body or over the shoulder, or a short chain that can be worn over the shoulder or on the arm.They would make the perfect accessory for a christmas do and add a shot of bling to any outfit.

You can find them in my store here.

Red, green and gold clutch bag

Multi colour floral clutch bag

Green and gold decorative clutch bag

Multi colour chrysanthemum clutch bag

A new family member!

 A new member has recently been added to the Cheeky Leopard family! 

I have been meaning to try out an envelope clutch for a while and I've finally done it! I'm really pleased with the result, which is made from a Japanese obi fabric. The front of the obi has been used as the outer fabric of the bag (a stunning turquoise, orange and metallic gold hexagon design), and the back of the obi (a deep orange silk) has been used for the lining. The bag is held closed with invisible magnet snaps and folds over to create an envelope clutch. It can also be left unfolded, to carry larger items such as iPads.

You can find it in my store here.

Purple and gold

One of my recent fave Friday fabrics featured a stunning vintage 1960s coat in vibrant shades of purple and gold. 

I have now made it up into a stunning clutch bag and you can find it on my Etsy shop here.

Golden nugget

Check out this fab '2014' Etsy treasury that my black and gold clutch was featured in! Click on any image to find out more.

Vintage White Ceramic Number... shavingkitsupp... $12	Shabby chic chandelier embro... jerseymaid $28	Black Diamond Necklace - Gol... noemiah $92	24k gold plated Sterling Sil... ikcha $90
Paper Mache Bowl in Black an... etco $15	Whiskey quartz and rhodolite... ElfiRoose $65	Large Arrow Earrings - Handm... SPARKLEFARM $23	Filigree: Vintage Brass Fili... WomanShopsWorl... $13.5
Industrial Cage Table Lamp- ... WorleysLightin... $60	Holiday Card Set. Christmas ... CraftColorfull... $3.75	Gorgeous Antique FRENCH 1930... NeverNeverTrad... $65	Vintage Brass Pineapple Mirr... thewhitepepper $66.5
Gold and Black Woven Blossom... cheekyleopard $50.76	GOLD dipped black feathers -... Stuffnfeathers $8.5	Golden star -set of 7- wood... BotanikaStudio $15	Druzy Solid 14k Gold Ring, B... PointNoPointSt... $270

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