Okay, so today I wanna chat about something I’ve been messing around with: lomachenko purses. Sounds kinda fancy, right? Well, lemme break down how I dove into this whole thing.
First things first, the inspiration. I saw a few pics online, just snippets here and there, of these super cool, almost sculptural-looking purses. They had this unique, folded, origami vibe that totally caught my eye. I was like, “I gotta figure out how these things are made!”
The Hunt Begins. So, naturally, I started digging. I mean, really digging. Hours on YouTube, scrolling through Pinterest, even hitting up some obscure crafting forums. The term “lomachenko” didn’t really lead anywhere specific, so I was guessing it was more of a style thing than a technique name. I tried searching for “folded leather bag,” “origami purse,” “sculptural handbag tutorial,” you name it. My search history probably looks crazy.
Trial and Error (Emphasis on Error). I found a few tutorials that got me close. One showed how to make a basic origami box out of cardstock. I figured, “Hey, if I can do it with paper, maybe I can do it with leather!” Big mistake. Cardstock folds like butter compared to leather. My first attempt looked like a crumpled mess. The leather was too stiff, the folds were uneven, and I nearly stabbed myself with the awl a few times.
Back to the Drawing Board (Literally). I realized I needed a different approach. The cardstock method was too rigid. So, I started sketching out different folding patterns, trying to visualize how the leather would behave. I also went back to my scrap bin and grabbed some thinner, more pliable leather samples. Think garment leather, not saddle leather.
Eureka! (Sort Of). After a few more attempts – and a lot of muttered cuss words – I finally stumbled upon a folding sequence that worked. The key was to make small, incremental folds and to use a bone folder to really crease the leather. It’s like ironing fabric, but for leather. This gave the purse a much cleaner, more defined shape.
The Finishing Touches. Once I had the basic form down, I started experimenting with different closures. Snaps, magnetic clasps, even a simple leather tie. I ended up going with a magnetic clasp because it was the easiest to attach and it gave the purse a clean, minimalist look.
The Result? Well, it’s not perfect. There are still some wrinkles and imperfections, but overall, I’m pretty happy with how it turned out. It’s definitely a unique piece, and I learned a ton in the process. Plus, now I can finally say I made my own “lomachenko” purse… even if I’m not entirely sure that’s the right name for it!
- Lesson Learned: Don’t be afraid to experiment. And always, always use the right tools for the job.
Future Plans
Next time, I’m gonna try using even thinner leather and maybe incorporate some stitching to reinforce the folds. I’m also thinking about adding a lining to the inside of the purse to give it a more polished look. Who knows, maybe I’ll even start selling these things!
Anyway, that’s my lomachenko purse adventure. Hope you enjoyed hearing about my triumphs and tribulations. Now get out there and make something cool!
