ArtFire

Here is the Patchtique handmade clutch wallet in an imported green cotton batik fabric that resembles alligator hide. Glazed with an acrylic finish and then hand rubbed, the cotton is transformed into great vegan leather as faux alligator hide.

The American alligator, sometimes referred to as simply gator, is a native to the Southeast United States, inhabiting wetlands that frequently overlap human habitation. They are known as "living fossils," since they have inhabited the planet for the last 200 million years. Interestingly, the muscles that close the jaws are exceptionally powerful, but the muscles for opening their jaws are comparatively weak. As a result, a human can hold an alligator's jaws shut barehanded.

At one time, alligators were depleted from many parts of their range as a result of market hunting and loss of habitat, and 30 years ago many people believed their population would never recover. In 1967, the alligator was listed as an endangered species. A combined effort by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and the creation of large, commercial alligator farms were instrumental in aiding the American alligator's recovery.

Alligator hides make a long lasting leather product used wallets, belts, shoes, handbags and other useful items. But no alligators were harmed to make this purse!

This clutch wallet was designed by me from scratch in my studio overlooking the Cascade Mountains east of Seattle using a 1954 Singer Featherweight sewing machine. The outside has been glazed with acrylic, which protects against moisture and stains, and gives the fabric a feel not unlike soft leather. It has been "road tested" both as a wallet and a clutch, or could be used as a makeup or jewelry bag.

o Size: 8" x 5" when closed
o Interior pocket for credit cards
o Metal snap closure
o Glazed cotton exterior
o Layered with fusible fleece for extra body

Glazed cotton, metal snap, fleece interfacing

For questions or requests, please use the Contact Seller link above, or email me directly at: Patchtique@gmail.com

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