Keepsakes from adventures should add joy to our lives; not end up in a landfill or the shelves of a thrift store. On this third installment of traveling through Thailand, my partner and I spent the day in Phuket making leather goods. Lor, the instructor, guided us through crafting a bracelet for my partner and a headphone case for me.
The Studio + Introduction
We arrived Left or Right Studio, an intimate and chill atmosphere that inspires creativity with Lor’s creations on the shelves.
We took our seats and Lor went through the selections to customize our items. I went for a soft and girly aesthetic with lavender, pink, and green for my case. My partner opted for a black and red color scheme.
Hands on + Inner Artist
Next, Lor had us glue leather and the interior pieces together. Once it was glued we cut the leather to size and began sewing. Sewing is an activity that transports me to high school. I wasn’t the best nor the worst, and in this moment I was ready to take up the challenge.
Lor helped me thread the needles, showed me a double stitch, and I was on my way to creating my case. While I was doing it, he helped my partner with his bracelet. The process took up most of our time but it was incredibly rewarding. Thread and needle making its way rhythmically through my fingers until I reached the end of the piece. My mind hyper focused on the process and I felt clear. Creating does something to the brain that is both tangible and abstract.
Finished Product + Final Thoughts
In the end, I completed the sewing as Lor did finishing touches of adding a button and a hook to my case. Finally, I had a custom headphone case that was perfect for my keychain.
Lor was a great teacher with patience and understanding of my partner’s and I’s skill levels. I recommend booking a session with Lor and his studio for a unique experience of crafting a leather bracelet, case, or wallet while in Phuket. Find his tour here and tell him a New Yorker sent you!
Check out my previous articles in my Thailand adventure series here ~!
