The wild honey clutch - part of the new Red Ruby Rose collection

I'm so happy to finally have the first part of my new collection listed on Etsy, and to be able to share what I've been up to these past few weeks. The new collection forms three main parts - the first of which are leathers and suedes in a new clutch style. Many of these leathers are unusually printed, embossed or patterned and are so soft to the touch. I think that Toby's photographs have captured the texture and quality of the clutches amazingly well but it's their tactile quality when they're in the hand that I'm really loving. They are kind of hard to put down!

The new clutch design has a solid construction internally so it is firmer and has a lovely curve with no bottom seams. I'm also using different frames which I previously found too slender for my fabric clutches but which are perfect for this design.

Peacock Palace - original printed leather clutch

Next up, something that I'm so happy to share. I finally found the perfect way to achieve full colour-printing onto leather that doesn't involve silk-screening or heat-transfer. The company who do this process have achieved something miraculous I think and I'm so delighted I found them. I've been wanting to do this for years - ever since I struggled at art school with transferring print to leather and suede and wished I could translate full colour images. The results I hope are reflected well in the photographs - really rich colours and a high-quality permanent finish that won't rub, fade or peel. There will be more printed leather clutches arriving in the shop next week - I'm currently making the newest batch up.

Silk peacock feathers clutch

....and last but not least... some old favourites from my previous collections which look are looking lovely and fresh with their gorgeous new photographs. I'll be adding more of these embroidered silks next week too.

I've been meaning to start a new blog for ages, one that encompasses different strands of current projects, thoughts and musings. Although it will partly focus on my Etsy shop Red Ruby Rose I hope that this space will be more than a promotional cheer-sheet and will act as an extension of the cluttered work space in my head and will cover my photography, illustration, band and work in progress as well as curios, favourites and other oddities.

To kick things off, I'm going to host a giveaway. Yay! Simply visit my Etsy shop and then tell me in the comment box below a) which is your favourite and b) what creature you would like to be if you weren't human and why. I think I'd currently like to be a Scottish eagle for the awesome flying skills and views.

I'll pick the winner on the 1st May, prize is a clutch to the value of $75 from my Etsy shop - and that includes free international shipping.