MP Leatherworks Travel Wallet Review

  I purchased this beautiful travel wallet from MP Leatherworks last month and thought I'd post a review, since they are new to Etsy and there have not been any reviews posted as of yet.

  Since I don't do much traveling any more (unless you can count all the trips I take to the grocery store...), I still wanted a wallet that I could carry alone (as a clutch) or in my bag.   After looking at several different ones, I decided to go with the small Travel Wallet in the dark blue croc-embossed leather.

(external pocket for passport--- or grocery receipts)

     I liked the fact that the wallet had a handy external pocket so I could easily stash items without needing to unzip the entire wallet.  The gold-toned zipper is sturdy, well sewn, and zips smoothly.  It does not interfere in any way with fountain pens that are attached to the internal pen loop, so I do not need to be concerned with potential scratches or damages to the pen. 

(Aurora Optima Sole in the pen lop -- and some candy for those hangry moments in the checkout line...)

     The internal pen loop is sewn-in leather (no elastic) and is wide enough for all of my fountain pens.  My largest Visconti (London Fog) fit with room to spare.  There was no concern for the pen scratching on the zipper, as the pen loop allows the pen to move away from the center and out of harm's way.  There is a slot for a cell phone and, while my iPhone does fit, it does not accommodate for the rather large protective/waterproof case that I have my iPhone housed in.  That being said, my iPhone still fits within the zipped up wallet and I can use the phone slot for something else until I get a different phone case.

     The wallet, itself, has two other pockets and one large slot for small notebooks, letters, cash, etc. and there are also 5 slots for cards.   These pockets/slots are lined and well-sewn.  

 (product image from MPLeatherworks' Etsy shop)

(product image from MPLeatherworks' Etsy shop)

     

     Overall, I found the wallet to be a great value for the money.  At the time I purchased the wallet, they had a shop sale an I was able to get it (including shipping) for about $74.  Since they are in Turkey, the shipping was about $14 and it took almost a month via USPS -- but the shop shipped it in less than 24 hours after I purchased it.  Prior to purchase, I did ask the shop owner a few questions, and the response was prompt and polite.

     I have made a video for YouTube about the wallet (please be kind, as I am a newbie):

     As mentioned in the video, I really only had 2 issues with the wallet.  The first, is that part of the lining is visible on the inside.  It is not very noticeable unless you open the wallet up and pull back the flapped part.  The construction appears to be very sturdy, so this is only a cosmetic defect.   The other issue is that it has a strong odor of "leather" -- much more than my vegetable-tanned leather products do.  This probably wouldn't be an issue for most people, but I am crazy-sensitive to smells.  That being said, the odor has diminished since it has been out of it's packaging and I anticipate it to be gone with further use. 

   Those two issues aside, I would not hesitate to recommend this wallet or company based on the service and product that I have received.  

    

Trollbeads Wishful Sky Bracelet

 

Trollbeads released their 2017 Winter Collection beads last week.  Part of the release was the much-anticipated Limited Edition Wishful Sky Bracelet.

 (I couldn't help but get two!)

This bracelet set includes a sterling silver star bead, a silver star lock, and the most beautiful blue bead I have ever seen!   The depth of blue and the amount of sparkles from within reminds me of a beautiful evening sky --- and of Vincent Van Gogh's Starry Night painting. 

(Looking gorgeous with my Amber bead)

In my opinion, the lock is not as difficult to open as the Sun, Moon, Stars lock -- however, it is rather pointy and may catch on delicate fabric.  That being said, I wore both of my bracelets with a wool sweater without any issue -- but it was a very tight knit sweater that doesn't snag easily. 

The little star bead is very cute -- about the size of the lucky knot bead.  It is a great bead for wearing in multiples, as it allows the larger beads to take center-stage. 

Taking my inspiration from the great Mr. Van Gogh,  I have paired my sparkling blue beads with gold, yellow, and white.

(Golden Rutilated Quartz, pearls, and gold.  Yum!)

I think the price point is amazing -- $109USD -- for what you get with this set!  I have a feeling they won't last long, so get yours while you still can!

(Golden Rutilated Quartz available in my Etsy shop -- see sidebar for a link to Sparrow Girl Collections). 

Grand Opening: Sparrow Girl Collections!

                                                My Etsy shop opened today!


I admit it: I am crazy for gemstones!   Labradorite, Golden Rutilated and Strawberry Quartz --- they all make me swoon! 

But to get a wrist full of them would cost me more money than I was willing to pay.  This was one of  the impulses behind Sparrow Girl Collections -- Gemstones and Beads. 

Labradorite, Strawberry Quartz, Rubies, Golden Rutilated Quartz are the current gemstones.... and Pearls to be added soon!    I use recycled 100% Sterling Silver (made in the USA) to line the beads, and use recycled packaging material for shipments.

Check out my shop if you are interested, and don't forget to use the code Sparrow5 to get 5% discount during the month of November!

 https://www.etsy.com/shop/sparrowgirl92?ref=ss_profile

Got Bugs?

There is something about amber that fascinates me.   I have never been a fan of the color yellow, yet I find myself drawn to this beautiful bead.

Perhaps it is the fact that the bead is composed of ancient tree resin -- maybe from the first tree ever created?

Or it may be the beautiful inclusions in the bead that sparkle and shine in the light? 

Or maybe it is is because if one looks very carefully, they may find that a poor, unsuspecting bug has met his demise and has been fossilized for all eternity in a bead? 

Yes, there is a bug in my amber.  (Do you see him?)

What's in your amber?

(Trollbeads Amber bead purchased from Swiss Flower and Gift Cottage)

Trollbeads USA Halloween Giveaway!

Trollbeads USA is giving away a free Inner Glow bead!  The Inner Glow bead is a stunning white bead that glows green in the dark.  It would be a great addition to any Trollbeads collection! 
Entry details can be found in Trollbeads USA Instagram profile.

 I don't have any Halloween-themed items, but that didn't stop me from composing this bracelent for my entry.  Dragons, wolves, owls and other things that creep in the night are spooky enough for me! (yes, there is a bug in that amber...)

What will be on your wrist this All Hallow's Eve?  

Bead index (clockwise from bottom): Trollbeads' Wise owl,  Blue Tiger's Eye,  Grey Wolf,  Forest Mist,  Sunbeam Spacer,   White Steel,  Iron Wolf,  White Steel, Sunbeam Spacer,  Maple Syrup Amber,  Grey Wolf,  Black Onyx,  Happy Dragon,  plain lock.