Materials and Methods

Our newsletter is getting an upgrade! Meet material matters. We are super excited about it, and can’t wait to start delivering some special perks to your inbox! ... Material matters is going to bring you: exclusive monthly benefits- such as discounts and special offers sneak peaks at new products, and first access to waiting lists sustainable fashion tips guest stylist/expert features, where experts share exclusive tips with you! All this and you also get 15% off your first purchase just for signing up! Yep! We are saving the very best for those who want to stay in the know! Click on the more tab on our page to subscribe!

Hey friends, we wanted to let you know that we are increasing our prices, as of March 1st. We want to keep doing what we love to do - providing our customers with thoughtfully-designed handmade products that bring them joy! We want to continue supporting causes close to our heart like sustainable slow fashion and supporting women and small business. ... We also want to continue to donate 10% of revenue to charitable organizations that align with our values. Want to pre-order something at the current prices? Visit our page, click on our shop. Then get your name in the queue and lock in before the prices go up ! : the lovey and talented El Keegan Photography

A lot goes into the little details on our bags. We are adding a place to hang your keys on the inside of the tote. It’s a small thing - a simple tab with a d-ring, but many steps are involved. Check it out!... #materialsandmethods #annemillerbags #annemillerdesign #BTS #buylessbuybetter #canadianbrand #canadianhandmade #canadianmaker #craftspersonship #designersofinstagram #designprocess #ethicallymade #handbagdesigner #handcrafted #imadeyourbag #knowwhereitcomesfrom #madeincanada #madeintoronto #mindfullymade #myprocess #slowfashion #supporthandmade #supportsmallbusiness #SupportTorontoFashion #torontohandmade #torontomaker #torontostyle #whomademybag #WIP #workinprogress

There are 6 rivets visible in this small corner of the Jennifer - each one lovingly hand set by me. I’m so proud of the bags that we make and this business that we’re building. There have been many bumps on the road, and I predict more of the same, but our principles of sustainability, slow fashion, and supporting women and small business are what fuel us. We are excited about the future! #materialsandmethods #annemillerbags #annemillerdesign ... #handmade #handcrafted #knowwhereitcomesfrom #minimalfashion #womanownedbusiness #slowfashion #ethicalfashion #sustainablefashion #ecofashion #imadeyourbag #mindfullymade #fairfashiontoronto #handmadeisbetter #supporthandmade #torontobags #leatherbag #wickettandcraig #backpack #convertiblebag #SupportTorontoFashion #torontohandmade #torontostyle #torontodesigner #torontomaker #torontodesign #torontobagmaker See more

Our newsletter is getting an upgrade! Meet material matters. We are super excited about it, and can’t wait to start delivering some special perks to your inbox! ... Material matters is going to bring you: exclusive monthly benefits- such as discounts and special offers sneak peaks at new products, and first access to waiting lists sustainable fashion tips guest stylist/expert features, where experts share exclusive tips with you! All this and you also get 15% off your first purchase just for signing up! Yep! We are saving the very best for those who want to stay in the know! Click on the more tab on our page to subscribe!

Hey friends, we wanted to let you know that we are increasing our prices, as of March 1st. We want to keep doing what we love to do - providing our customers with thoughtfully-designed handmade products that bring them joy! We want to continue supporting causes close to our heart like sustainable slow fashion and supporting women and small business. ... We also want to continue to donate 10% of revenue to charitable organizations that align with our values. Want to pre-order something at the current prices? Visit our page, click on our shop. Then get your name in the queue and lock in before the prices go up ! : the lovey and talented El Keegan Photography

There are 6 rivets visible in this small corner of the Jennifer - each one lovingly hand set by me. I’m so proud of the bags that we make and this business that we’re building. There have been many bumps on the road, and I predict more of the same, but our principles of sustainability, slow fashion, and supporting women and small business are what fuel us. We are excited about the future! #materialsandmethods #annemillerbags #annemillerdesign ... #handmade #handcrafted #knowwhereitcomesfrom #minimalfashion #womanownedbusiness #slowfashion #ethicalfashion #sustainablefashion #ecofashion #imadeyourbag #mindfullymade #fairfashiontoronto #handmadeisbetter #supporthandmade #torontobags #leatherbag #wickettandcraig #backpack #convertiblebag #SupportTorontoFashion #torontohandmade #torontostyle #torontodesigner #torontomaker #torontodesign #torontobagmaker See more

These words of comfort and inspiration, from a truly inspiring human, are exactly what I needed today. After the joy of being in my studio yesterday, getting back to the realities of the week... I just wasn’t ready for it. ... I have already nearly lost it twice today, but was saved by my new trick- burpees. When I realize I’m about to cry, freak out, or if anger is about to rear it’s ugly head, I walk slowly to the kitchen, and do 5-10 burpees. It’s not a perfect system - it only works if I can see it coming, but... I’m starting where I am. Using what I have. Doing what I can. What are you guys doing to get through the weeks? I’d love to hear how you’re using what you have, and doing what you can. Let me know in the comments. XO #materialsandmethods #annemillerbags #annemillerdesign #supportsmallbusiness #supportlocal #supportlocalbusiness #SupportTorontoFashion #smallbusiness #entrepreneur #entrepreneurlife #womanownedbusiness #mondaymotivation #mondayvibes #motivationmonday #motivationalmonday

This is me at this moment. Do I look happy? Excited? Raring to go? (As my grandmother would say)... Well I am. I’m here at the studio for a few hours on a Sunday and this is my happy place. I am also exhausted. stressed. anxious. Like we ALL are. I started this business in a time in my life when design and making felt like my only way to work through personal tragedy. These days, I’m using it as a way to work through the energetic roller coaster of our current normal. Today, I’m going to do some cutting and prep for my amazing customers who are patiently awaiting their orders. Then maybe I’ll start designing something new. Then it’s back to being a short-order cook and teacher’s assistant. Happy Sunday friends! #materialsandmethods #annemillerbags #annemillerdesign #sustainablebags #mindfullymade #supportsmallbusiness #supportlocal #supportlocalbusiness #SupportTorontoFashion #torontomaker #torontodesign #torontobagmaker #femalefounded #shopsmallbusiness #torontoentrepreneur #torontosmallbusiness #entrepreneurlife #creatives #artisan #artist #torontoliving #torontolife #makersgonnamake #makersofinstagram #handmadewithlove #myprocess #designersofinstagram #womanownedbusiness

Talk to me about fanny packs. Love them? Hate them? I love the IDEA of a fanny pack.... The hands-free-ness. The practical-mom-ness. The 90s-ness. But I’ve never designed a straight-up fanny pack. I did, however, design Katherine (and Dawn and Riley) with the versatility to be able to function in that way. It’s a bit more complicated an ordering process (because I need a couple of measurements to make the adjustment), but it’s worth it for the flexibility. So..... Should I do it? Should I put a fanny pack on my products-to-design list? Let me know in the comments! And don’t forget to snag one of the last Katherines in the store, before this design gets an update with our new leather. #materialsandmethods #annemillerbags #annemillerdesign #handmade #torontobags #leatherbag #fannypack#madeincanada #madeintoronto #canadianhandmade #supportsmallbusiness #supportlocal #supportlocalbusiness #SupportTorontoFashion #torontostyle #torontodesigner #torontomaker #torontodesign #torontobagmaker

It’s a really fun moment when you turn a lined bag right-side out! Before this step, it’s all a bit abstracted, and doesn’t look anywhere close to finished. Then suddenly, seemingly instantly, there’s an actual bag in my hands. This particular bag wasn’t as successful as it was in my head, but it’s a perfect first try! #rosiereverengineer #materialsandmethods #annemillerbags #annemillerdesign #handmade #handcrafted #madeincanada #madeintoronto #torontobags #leatherbag #leathergoods #leatherbagtoronto #knowwhereitcomesfrom #responsiblefashion #canadiandesigner #canadiandesign #canadianmaker #canadianhandmade #handbagdesigner #minimalfashion #supportsmallbusiness #supportlocal #supportlocalbusiness #SupportTorontoFashion #torontohandmade #torontostyle #torontodesigner #torontomaker #torontodesign #womanownedbusiness

Reasons #435-438 to buy from a small business - stories, memories and joy. I have definitely purchased things at big chain stores that have brought me joy, but I can count them on one hand. When I use things that I’ve bought from small local businesses, the joy is exponentially more. This glorious mug by @srceramics for example. Every afternoon when I drink my cup of tea I smile thinking of all the dancing we did to bad holiday music with @gracieklutz @shywolfcandles @xpo...surebrand @akamina.co and @cutthroatshaves at the one of a kind show. When someone gives me a gift from a small business that they know and love (or that I know and love and they went out of their way to shop there for me) the joy is also exponentially more. Like when I use one of the writing implements or paper goods that my Other buys me at @kidicarus_store or @wonderpens or @laywines . I remember how much joy I get from going into their stores and experiencing their passion for quality products. It’s Small Business Saturday friends, and from now to infinity (and beyond) I invite you to share the exponential joy that is supporting small and supporting local. #materialsandmethods #annemillerbags #annemillerdesign #handmade #handcrafted #madeincanada #madeintoronto #torontobags #leatherbag #leathergoods #leatherbagtoronto #knowwhereitcomesfrom #responsiblefashion #canadiandesigner #canadiandesign #canadianmaker #canadianhandmade #handbagdesigner #minimalfashion #supportsmallbusiness #supportlocal #supportlocalbusiness #SupportTorontoFashion #torontohandmade #torontostyle #torontodesigner #torontomaker #torontodesign #womanownedbusiness

Who wants my last ready-to-ship jenny felt bag before the holidays? Guys - this post was going to have three jenny bags avaiable - but two of them have JUST sold. I want to thank all of my amazing customers for their support over the last weeks and months. It has been truly overwhelming! As a small thank-you, all ready-to-ship bags (including this cutie) will be automatically discounted 15% off at checkout until December 15th. We are also continuing to donate 10% of reven...ue to @blackwomanfreedomfund in support of their fight for Black food sovereignty. Ok, about this one last jenny in stock. It was an experiment and is priced as such. I had an off-cut of gorgeous grey-brown industrial felt. I love the colour and the texture, but full disclosure - it sheds a little bit. (If you have a dog, this is totally nbd ) We are still open for made-to-orders, working with the supplies I have left in stock - leather, felt, and hardware - I won’t likely be able to get more materials before the holidays (because.2020). Reach out if you’ve got questions on timing and availability! Let’s talk holiday closures. How strange is it to be talking about this while still in November? Well, this is 2020 folks. When school ends on December 16th, with no alternative childcare options, I’ll be (mostly) tools down until the new year. Ack! I’m making to do lists and writing furiously in my productive planner (yay @shelaghcummins !) to make sure all of your orders are fulfilled as soon as possible (while scheduling in a bit of time for product development - because that’s my happy place :) thanks again. Your support means the most. #materialsandmethods #annemillerbags #annemillerdesign #handmade #handcrafted #madeincanada #madeintoronto #torontobags #leatherbag #leathergoods #leatherbagtoronto #knowwhereitcomesfrom #responsiblefashion #canadiandesigner #canadiandesign #canadianmaker #canadianhandmade #handbagdesigner #minimalfashion #supportlocal #supportlocalbusiness #supportsmallbusiness #SupportTorontoFashion #torontohandmade #torontostyle #torontodesigner #torontomaker #torontodesign #torontoleatherdesign #womanownedbusiness

This guy. It’s our happy happy anniversary today! I’m pretty lucky to have a partner who is as supportive and hilarious as he is. ... We will be doing the usual a bit differently. Our typical celebration for all family milestones is dinner at @pizzalibretto . We’ll shift to takeout eaten at home. Still delicious. Still kicked off negronis or bubbles (haven’t decided yet). Still with all the chili oil. Still a great memory for the three of us. Love is what’s gonna get us all through this.