Andrea Discusses Her Products

I enjoy working with leather because it feels natural, has a soothing scent, and conforms to the skin when worn. I've made it even more unique and luxurious by adding my original artwork. I paint portraits, flowers, or animal motifs on white or nude leather using acrylic paint and then coat them with lacquer to make them waterproof. Each hand-painted bag I create is one-of-a-kind and cannot be duplicated, which is why I sign the painted surface or number and sign the inside of the bag. I also craft 3D bags using soft, thin leather to create flower petals. I carefully shape these petals into a flower design that is beautifully placed on the bag, adding an elegant, fashionable touch. These signature pieces often feature braided or woven elements. Creating a leather bag involves multiple steps and requires time and experienced craftsmanship to ensure each piece is exclusive. I start by visualizing a flat sketch in three dimensions and then create the sewing pattern, which can take a few days. Most of my bag designs involve sewing patterns made up of 16 to 42 pieces. Once the pattern is ready, I carefully select the appropriate leather and cut out all the pieces. The next steps involve preparing the leather, such as thinning the edges for smooth folding. I use sharp, specialized tools for this process and then proceed to glue and match the pieces together before sewing. Completing a bag typically takes 2 to 4 days and may involve braiding, painting, and incorporating woven and hand-stitched elements.