"Keep Saks" and Painted Bags

This pouch is gold deer skin and features an
edging done in brick stitch (Comanche) style.
The drawstring closure features a red feather
trade bead, which keeps the bag tightly closed.

The silver "cast" beads at the ends of the
drawstrings are from India.

These pouches measure about 2 1/2 - 3".  Just
right for your pocket.

Here are a few variations on the theme.  There
are endless possibilities and I enjoy seeing the
character each one develops as I make it.

The pouches that have beadwork around their
body edge have an additional step.  When sewing
the front and back pieces together, I sandwich a
narrow strip of leather between them.  Turning
the pouch right side out, the strip extends just
enough to give me a foundation to bead from.

I coined the name  "Keep Sak" as a result of
people calling these "Medicine Bags"...::sigh::
many of whom have no idea what "medicine" is.
And personally, I don't want to contribute to the
exploitation of Culture and Tradition.  :)

Designed for the belt, these somewhat larger
pouches are hand-painted  leather in an
assortment of designs and styles.  I enjoy
trying out different shapes and patterns and
rarely produce two alike.  

This bag features nine tin cones on the fringe
and makes a pleasant sound as you walk.  The
strap attachment is on the back and can be
adjusted for any size belt.

The bag measures approximately 3"w x 4 1/4"h
and has a "gusset" design to allow for a depth
of about an inch.  For it's small size, this bag will
hold quite a bit.

I use acrylic paint as opposed to oil.  It seems to
hold up better in damp conditions and does not
"seep" past the painted area like oil does.  The
bags get a nice "old" look to them with wear.