Beauty for Ashes

The Beauty for Ashes collection is exclusively curated by me. Each cover is carefully constructed from “imperfect” leather pieces that are marred and have scratches, stretch marks, and blemishes—- my favorite! Some leather combos have not been previously combined. Each cover has been carefully chosen and matched, picked for it’s distinct and special markings. This listing will be added to periodically.

Story behind the Beauty for Ashes Collect

… “and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of His splendor. Isaiah 61:3

This new design collection “Beauty for Ashes” is very special to me. I have always gravitated towards leather pieces that are blemished, marred, scratched up, and imperfect—- which makers typically discard.

Growing up I never really felt like I fit in. Many times I felt rejected and alone. I often felt like no matter what I did, how ever hard I tried, I was never able to measure up. Eventually, the negative experiences left me scarred, callous, and lacking joy.

Straight out of university, I pursued a career in graphic design and was under the tutelage of a well known, prestigious Graphic Designer. I was well on my way to establishing a promising career, what more could I want? Yet I felt empty and lost, the scars of my past continuing to haunt me. As I was struggling, trying to figure out what I was missing, I became a Christian, a believer in Yeshua, Jesus Christ. Like the apostle Paul I felt like the scales fell from my eyes when I encountered my Savior.

Having accepted Jesus into my heart, I realized that I did not have to be perfect or have my act together. There was no longer a need for me to go through hoops to measure up because Jesus accepted me blemishes and all. The ugly and imperfect made beautiful and perfect by Him who died for me, even before I acknowledged His existence! Who’d have thought? And He loves me, ME!

I can appreciate a nice, unmarked leather but personally, the scarred and rejected pieces I cherish more because it serves as a reminder that through Him, I have received a crown of beauty instead of ashes. He exchanged my brokenness for healing, joy, and purpose. I have been restored, renewed, and redeemed.