exclusive: leslie oschmann’s latest creations…
Posted in amsterdam, amsterdam: made by hand, handmade June 17th, 2010 by pia

As many of you know, I have quite a number of wonderfully creative and talented friends. I’ve featured them here in the (blog)house from time to time, some have  stayed as guests, and some are by my side when I have special events. These fabulous people inspire me daily, and Leslie Oschmann is one such friend who never ceases to inspire me. For those of you who already own a copy of Amsterdam: Made By Hand, you will know that Leslie is one of the incredible artisans featured in the book (please turn to page 55 for reference).  For those of you who don’t yet own a copy of the book, click here to read a bit more about Leslie’s work and background.

one of Leslie’s reclaimed objects made new, click here for more examples of her work.

Leslie’s work consists of reinventing and manipulating found objects. One of her recent series was “oil paintings on chairs” – a collection of old chairs made new by covering them in vintage oil paintings. Her juxtapositions are stunning, the effect: spectacular, and her chairs have not only featured in magazines around the world but were bought by renown retailers Anthropologie.

Last year Leslie made an incredible window display at Restored (also featured in Amsterdam: Made By Hand, page 19)  – her chairs were hanging from the ceiling by dozens of ropes, cascading down to the window ledge.

The other day at lunch, Leslie showed me her latest creations and I’m thrilled to be able to share them with you here today – consider this an exclusive “seen here first” peek at her new collection…

Made with vintage oil paintings, Leslie has fashioned a series of beautiful carry bags with leather handles. Each one is unique and handmade, and each one, I can tell you, is exquisite…

A combination of portraits, landscapes, and still life vignettes juxtaposed with patterned paper and fabric inserts (as seen above).

I’m smitten. I love every single one of these bags and I know they are going to walk out her door (almost all of these shown above are already sold!).  Leslie is in the process of making more so if you would like one (or ten for your store), email Leslie directly for more details.

Thank you Leslie for giving us a sneak peek at your latest work. I can’t wait to see what you create next!

……………………………………………………

all photos except for the first and third are courtesy of Leslie Oschmann from Swarm. The other two are courtesy of me and The Little Bookroom, for Amsterdam: Made By Hand.


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21 Comments

  1. linda dacey says

    Your friend is obviously very talented and I love the last Dutch style flower painting bag…

    June 17th, 2010 | #

  2. Will says

    The bags hanging from the trees are such fun! Nice post.

    June 17th, 2010 | #

  3. suzanne says

    brilliant, gorgeous, fabulous, I love them all too!!
    what a talent.
    Thank You for sharing!

    p.s. I’m smitten w/ the window display of yours promoting your newest book! congrats! from wisconsin, usa 🙂

    June 17th, 2010 | #

  4. Michelle Glauser says

    Hi Pia! I think everything I’ve ever seen on your blog has impressed me. I’m glad things are working out so well for you. I live in Germany and make some of my own lovelies, but I’m having trouble finding places to sell them. Do you know of anyone/anything in Germany? I’ve got some delightful envelopes made out of calendars right now, just begging for a home.

    Love,

    Michelle
    michemilycrafts.bigcartel.com

    June 17th, 2010 | #

  5. Julie says

    Inspired. Being a Boulderite, I love the recycled nature of the art you showcase.

    June 17th, 2010 | #

  6. Vivi says

    Wow. Just wow. Love, love, love those chairs. What a talent!!

    June 17th, 2010 | #

  7. Labiba says

    Just adooore these bags!….rustic stylish…where can I find them in the US? Also, loved the other projects on Leslie’s website…when I buy myself a house with a garden, I want one set of her chairs and tables!!! 🙂

    June 17th, 2010 | #

  8. Luis says

    Your friend got talent! Wow I´ve to say.
    This bags are really fabulous.

    June 17th, 2010 | #

  9. Lynn says

    Drop dead gorgeous……..seriously fab xxxxx

    June 17th, 2010 | #

  10. Jennifer says

    Oh, my goodness! The totes are incredible! I’ve known of Leslie’s work since there was a display of her chairs and other furniture at the Anthropologie in Rockefeller Center in NYC in winter 2009; I did a post about the Swarm exhibition and Leslie on my blog, if you’re at all interested:
    http://gemmifer-jennifer.blogspot.com/2009/01/more-from-anthropologie.html
    I hope I’m lucky enough to get my hands on one of these great bags!

    June 18th, 2010 | #

  11. Leanne T says

    these are absolutely gorgeous!!

    June 18th, 2010 | #

  12. bonjour says

    Leslie has a real talent. You must be grateful to have such a talented friends 🙂

    June 18th, 2010 | #

  13. mariska meijers says

    Beautiful pieces, artwork on your shoulder!

    June 18th, 2010 | #

  14. Sharon McKenzie says

    Love the reinventing especially the chair and cabinet, kind of like vintage collage, beautiful.

    June 18th, 2010 | #

  15. Leslie Oschmann says

    Thanks Pia for the lovely post!

    And thanks to all for their nice comments. I am busy making more bags – if you would like to see photos – please feel free to email at l.oschman@chello.nl

    June 18th, 2010 | #

  16. Her name was Lola says

    SMITTEN is an understatement. LOVE!

    June 24th, 2010 | #

  17. Thea S says

    These are divine! I can’t believe that I only just found your blog. Will be reading more and checking out your books. All lovely.

    June 25th, 2010 | #

  18. Tara Bradford says

    Such a gorgeous bag!

    July 30th, 2010 | #

  19. Bags by Leslie Oschmann « bredesigned says

    […] Read more about here work here http://blog.piajanebijkerk.com/WordPress/2010/06/17/exclusive-leslie-oschmanns-latest-creations/ […]

    September 6th, 2011 | #

  20. Janny says

    Super zeg! Wat een mooie dingen maak je. Moet ik er via een Blog uit Amerika achter komend at jij in Nederland zit;o)

    October 11th, 2012 | #

  21. Janny says

    Beter moeten lezen je vriendin dus maar mooi is het ;o)

    October 11th, 2012 | #


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