It’s not everyday you come across something that is rugged enough for him and chic enough for her, but we have. In fact, we helped design it! We’re super excited to introduce and share the story behind our Limited Edition Black Waxed Canvas Musette Bag in collaboration with Sketchbook Crafts {that you can find in our Holiday Pop-Up Shop right now!} There were only 25 made, by hand, by Amber, founder of Sketchbook Crafts, in her artist’s studio in the small town of Marshall, North Carolina. We hope you enjoy this exclusive bag, perfect for him or for her, that is as beautifully crafted and unique as its story!

Amber is very much inspired by the the small mountain town of Marshall in Western North Carolina, where she both lives and works – out of an old high school that has been converted into artist studio spaces! Outside her studio windows runs the gorgeous French Broad River. Her small town vibe is one of the reasons we fell in love with Amber’s work. The craftsmanship and the methodical process, the artistry and accuracy of each hand driven stud really shines through and when you look at each bag, you can practically see the snow falling outside of her studio! Seriously, look how dreamy this classic town looks!

Coming from a creative family {her mother an interior designer, her father an architect}, Amber learned the appreciation of making something beautiful with your hands very early on. She taught herself how to sew and worked in her parents’ basement after receiving a B.F.A in drawing before eventually developing a full line of bags.

From Amber: “Working with my hands creating high quality, thoughtful work was encouraged early on and today is a part of my everyday life. The inherent tactile nature of working with textiles seemed like a natural evolution as I grew up and started my own company.”

Inside her studio, Amber crafted up something really special for us! We knew we wanted a bag with a classic neutral color palette and really wanted something that could appeal to both men and women- another thing we love about the Sketchbook Crafts line. We chose a thick black waxed canvas, a gorgeous natural leather and of course, beautiful brass hardware for our signature touch of glam. The ruggedness and durability of the waxed canvas paired with the carefully applied brass details and natural leather work absolutely perfectly together – if we do say so ourselves!

For him, he can adjust the strap and carry it across his chest like a messenger with iPad and notebooks inside. For her, she can wear it over her shoulder, having all of her daily essentials right where she needs them. She can even remove the strap and wear it as a modern, oversized fold-over clutch! Hello, three bags in one! Not to mention, the waxed canvas makes it practically waterproof and the double pockets with a middle compartment {perfect for stuffing a jacket between or water bottle!} makes it a GREAT travel bag. It’s just waiting for someone to take it on a wondrous adventure around the world with them!

Get Your Gifting On:

> Limited Edition Black Waxed Canvas Musette Bag
> Vintage Italian Notebook Set 
> Aesop Hand Balm
> ‘Things’ Pouch
> Exclusive Ombre iPhone Case
> Clare V. Leather Tassel Keychain
> Kinfolk Magazine

From Amber: “Since there is so much care and detail that goes into each bag, my hope is that the owners of these will also care for them as well as take them on wondrous journeys and exciting adventures. My hope is to create a timeless object that can be passed down and enjoyed by entire families.”

We truly believe that our Black Waxed Canvas Musette Bag is really the perfect gift. It’s durable and chic enough to last a lifetime. Whether it’s worn as a murse or a purse- this limited edition bag is going to make 23 more people completely city chic and ruggedly utilitarian!

Hurry and gift this to someone you love, or yourself, before they’re all gone!

image 1 original photography for apartment 34 by Aubrie Pick // all other images c/o Sketchbook Crafts // @sketchbookcrafts