Looking for the perfect leather handbag? Skip the Chanel, LV and Dior, and learn to make your own! Customise the colour, size, and so much more at this hands-on workshop led by an inspiring female entrepreneur....
Rainy weather scuppering your outdoor family activities? Looking for something fun and different to do with your tween or teen in Singapore after trying all the craft ideas and indoor activities you can think of? Why not try your hand at making your very own leather bag or pouch, complete with your name embossed! No screen time, testing all sorts of creative and fine motor skills, and a stylish keepsake bag to take home? Yes, please!
At the launch of the new female-centric curated space at Uniqlo showcasing ‘LifeWear’ for Her, we had the utter joy of attending a make-your-own bag workshop with the incredibly talented Anastasia by Raine. Raine is following her passion for designing and making beautiful artisan leather goods, and lucky for us, she is sharing her talent and skills with the world in super fun workshops so we can all create something beautiful (no design skills needed!)
Meet Raine – teacher by day, leather artisan / designer / creator at all other times
Anastasia by Raine is the brainchild of the uber-talented design maven Raine. Feeling the pressure to follow a ‘steady’ career path, Raine played it safe by studying marketing and merchandising; however, she couldn’t stifle the itch to design and create. Finally, after years of dreaming, she took the plunge and launched her business. She now helms Anastasia by Raine as a leather artisan, designing and crafting super cool bags and accessories right here in Singapore.
About the workshop – design and make your very own leather bag
Start by reaching out to Raine through her Anastasia by Raine website and book your slot. Chat to her about the design you’re after. You just need a rough idea of size, what you want to put in your bag, if you want fringing, zips, buckles or any other key design features you’re after. Raine will help to bring your idea to life – these designs are 99% customisable under her care.
Time to create your very own personalised leather bag!
Now it’s time to choose your favourite leather colour; there’s 40+ to choose from! Next, you can select your metal hardware (gold, silver, rose gold and more). Raine hand-embosses each bag with your own name or initials (or any word you like, really!) and then it’s time to assemble your masterpiece!
Raine is there to guide you and show you what to do and how to handle the tools. There is just enough hands-on craftiness to give you little proud goosebumps when you finish. It was pure crafty fun and didn’t feel like a chore or too tricky. Our experience was to make a small wrist pouch; it was so much fun, and the end product is lovely and of high quality, so it will be worn with pride for years to come.
This is a great activity to do together with older kids as a special day out or a fun party idea. We think this would be a fantastic option for tween or teen kid’s birthday parties. In Raine’s words: “Drop them off with me! Keeping kids occupied and making pretty things has never been easier.” Amen to that.
This workshop is also a great option for hens parties, fun with friends or family and team building days. Give it a go yourself!
Snaps to Uniqlo for supporting women entrepreneurs in Singapore
Uniqlo has brought some local flavour to their ION store, providing a wall space where entrepreneurs can showcase their wares. Hopefully, with support from all of us, this will boost sales and help to build more awareness for their businesses. Make sure you check it out next time you’re in the Orchard area. We love to see women being supported to achieve their dreams in business and big snaps to Uniqlo for enabling Raine and her fellow female entrepreneurs and giving them a space to show off their hard work.
Anastasia by Raine, artisanal leather workshops, book now
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