Freedom Wolf™ - Paper Dog Goes for Walkies

When I don’t draw, sew, or tinker - or do the things that are ACTUALLY my day job at uni - I’m out there running around with my collies all over the Waiheke Island beaches and walking tracks. You don’t need much for this kind of simple pleasure, but a few things are definitely handy.

The items below are some of my favourites, and because I made them, I can share them with the world.

This space is now set up as a proper web shop, and yes, you can pay with your card. If you are wanting a Walkies Bag, do get in touch to discuss what kind of colours and textures you like. I am selling these as fast as I can make them right now, and I will make your bag to order!

The Walkies Bags

$110 - or negotiate a price for a prototype piece

I designed these bags because I was fed up with walking around with a sandy ball in one hand and multiple bags containing my dogs’ processed breakfast in the other.

Walkies should be better than that - and now it is!

This fully lined and machine washable hip bag has two separate pockets for stuff e.g., balls, a roll of fresh bags, and a larger compartment for whatever unspeakable/other things need to be tucked away - and it has changed my walking experience 110% to the better.

Each bag is handmade and handprinted by me here on Waiheke with the utmost love and care. I am not even kidding; I love these bags like my own children and they are all numbered and have their birthday recorded as they are unique parts of a series.

All fabrics are upcycled from local op shops - meaning that no two bags are the same.

Some pieces also contain hand dyed material but don’t worry, I only use professional dyes so the colours are not going to disappear in the wash in the foreseeable future. Just stick to 40 degrees and you’ll be sweet.

An adjustable belt is provided, but if you prefer to use your own belt, the Walkies Bag fits most standard belt sizes.

If you are keen on your own Freedom Wolf™ walkies bag, your $110 will get you:

• The bag itself - talk to me about which colours make your heart sing and I will put one together for you especially

• Adjustable buckle type belt

• Carabiner on strap for securing valuables inside the bag

• A copy of the Waiheke Walkies Map

• A roll of Little Green Dog’s excellent home compostable POOP BAGS

Please note that the walkies bags are BYOB: bring your own ball.

Side note for walkers not carrying balls: the outside pocket makes a fine holder of alternative bits and bobs. The other day I managed a fully handsfree retrieval of a delicious kebab roll during a test run of this early prototype. Life is just easier with a walkies bag.

#9 - SOLD

This is made from an old silky scarf, using the two sides in various ways to create contrast. The inside lining is a mixture of tartan fabrics and a sheet with Mr Fox print in blue/orange. A black belt was requested and made from new materials.

#10 - SOLD

Number ten was made mainly from two old jerseys that I always liked but never got around to wearing. After ten plus years at the back of my wardrobe, they have finally come to good use.

#11 - BAGSED

This is an example of a very plain fabric that I dyed in two directions: avocado and teal. They are both so much happier when they get to play together.

The inside here is some sort of Aboriginal Australian inspired sarong that will hopefully go down well with the intended recipient. I love putting the shine and sparkle on the inside as a bit of a secret but with enough punch to make you happy every time you open the bag.

#12 - SOLD

This is the last of that silk scarf so no more repeats of this general outside look. The inside is a hot pink leopard that I am hoping will brighten up the day over in Sweden where this one is headed next.

#13 - SOLD

This one is my Dogue de Bordeaux themed bag. The inside features the only orange Angry Bird on the entire duvet cover, so this is truly one of a kind.

#14 - SOLD

“It’ll have to be pink” were the instructions that I got for this one. There’s a LOT of pink, especially on the inside. I always try to work in a contrasting colour though. I love how this one turned out.

#15 - SOLD

This one is made mostly from an old Heke Design garment. It kind of broke my heart to cut that beautiful piece up but the reality was that it wasn’t being used. This is all changing now, as #15 is with its new owner already and will get plenty of beach time.

The Walkies Map (front side)

$10 ($20 laminated) - double sided A3 print

Waiheke is packed with awesome walking tracks, and on most of them dogs are welcome. What I found back in 2020 during my Lockdown Walkies was that there was no decent map of the tracks, showing distances and special features, and it was a little bit too easy to get lost or simply not know how long a walk would be.

Hence, I made my own map. Well, two actually, counting the backside. People seem to like them so I had a bunch printed and yes, they are totally for sale.

The front side shows all the interesting tracks that I am aware of at the Western End of the Island, including Oneroa, and from Island Bay in the north to Park Point in the south.

The Walkies Map (back side)

This side displays all the walks that I have found around Whakanewha/Omiha/Te Whau and surrounding areas.

What about the rest of the island?

I often get asked when I am planning on mapping the rest of the island, and the short answer is “probably never”.

Sure, there are tonnes of cool tracks but most of them are either fairly isolated, as in one long solitary track, or simply not lending themselves well to dog walkies. I have focussed on the hot spots where there are veritable tangles of tracks that could get confusing, hence needing clarification. And these ARE the best spots for walkies, hands down.

#8 - MINE

This is me with #8, the bag that I made for myself. My old dog Tarpie’s tags are sewn into the bag, making this one extra special.

I am obviously rather recognisable so if you see me on the beach with the dogs, feel free to flag me down!