Trying to stay positive in these dark times can be a challenge. Bitching is easy, but what is the antidote to bummertown? 

Three things come to mind that have been keeping me sane:

HANGING WITH FRIENDS: cook a meal, go to a show, make some art, play a game, watch a movie, hit a gallery, kvetch over coffee!
​
SELF CARE make time to read, meditate, stretch, go for a walk or take a long, hot, mother-lovin bath.
Take note every morning of 3 things you're grateful for (or 3 good things that happened the day before) even if I'm depressed as hell I can usually name at least 3 things that are good in my life.. some days it's my pillow, my blanket, and the bed that I can't seem to get out of.

DO SOMETHING NICE FOR SOMEONE.. for a friend, a lover, a stranger.. no matter. It feels good to share the love (and who couldn't use some love right now?) Give that shoulder a rub, pick up the tab, give that homeless dude the other half of your sammy or a stranger a smile.  Or you can enter our "Win and Give" drawing and not only win a leather wristlet of your choice for yourself but for a friend as well! 

There are three super easy ways to enter: 

1. Comment on this blog post with a short sentence about the person you will share your prize with (1 entry)
2. Follow us on Instagram and tag a friend who you will share your prize with on the "Win & Give" photo (1 entry) 
3. Fill out the form below (you'll be automatically signed up to receive our email newsletters) (1 entry)

Winner(s) will be chosen at random, and notified via email or Instagram on 10/31 ​

​Y O U ' R E    I N V I T E D 
Jason Tschimperle | Opening reception
Friday October 6 | 5-8pm
snacks + bevs

xobruno
​811 E Burnside Ste 119
RSVP

Carrying only the bare essentials? Need your hands free for high fives? Just sneaking around? We are excited to bring back the Tremé Hipsak - our revamped version of the classic leather fanny pack. Not just for fannies anymore - now it converts effortlessly to a shoulder bag. As if that weren't enough, you can also buy this sweet little pouch for cards and cash. 

Available in black and natural vegetable tanned leather options, and handmade with the utmost care, this is the only hipsak you will ever need.

As a leatherworker, shoemaking has always been on my radar as an exciting but somewhat daunting new endeavor. I finally decided to dive into a 2-week shoemaking intensive at Hope & Industry (formerly Stalworth Shoes & Boots) in Santa Fe, NM.  I chose to make a pair of vegetable tanned, western style-inspired oxfords. 

Following is a photo journal of my 11 days of shoemaking (along with 4 incredible women
who were all such badasses and so fun to hang with during these 2 weeks!)

CRAFTY WONDERLAND
Preview night: Fri Dec 9th 5-9 
Sat/Sun Dec 10/11th 10-6:00
Oregon Convention Center - Exhibit Hall D
Portland, OR
*We are right across from the info booth, first row to the R as you walk in the main entrance

First Friday at xobruno shop: We're excited to showcase sculptural work and wearable objects by Aubrey Hornor. More of her work HERE