Esquivel X • Handbags

Dale Jr. High School Patch Work Totes

Name: Dale Jr. High School Patch Work Totes
Brand: Esquivel X
Availability: InStock

Own a piece of art that tells a story of inspiration and creativity from the students of Dale Jr. High School. These unique patchwork totes were created from leather squares individually painted by students, reflecting their dreams and ambitions. Your winning bid supports these wonderful kids directly, with all proceeds funding their school's art program.

Style: Class 1

It has always been a dream of mine to teach and hopefully inspire kids not just to dream but to dream BIG! My motto to kids is “If I did it so can you, and better”

In September of 2024 I was asked if I would like to teach art at a local Jr. High. This school is in a very low-income area. Immediately I said yes, I started in January of 2025. Every week 1-2 times per week from January until May, I taught 7 classes per day roughly 250 students, ages 12-14. I knew it would be challenging but not as challenging as it was. My days were long and from day 1 I was exhausted but at the same time invigorated. It felt so good to engage and connect with the kids and for them to know that due to my chaotic upbringing, I understood some of their struggles.

The overarching theme for all of our projects was “it’s ok to mess up but never quit”. All projects were made using the leather remnants from our atelier. The first project was to make a leather wallet. I showed the students how to use a paper pattern, trace it on leather, cut the leather panels and lace and finally assemble the wallet.

We also made leather charms that reflected things they like.

I showed the kids how to paint sneakers. This project brought back many emotions as I remember growing up in Jr High and High School not being able to afford name brand sneakers, I usually wore the fakes or a pair that were handed down to me. It gave me great joy to say to anyone that wants to paint sneakers, and you don’t have access to an extra pair of sneakers, I got you. Some of the kids looked up how much our sneakers retail for, they were shocked that I gave them new Esquivel X sneakers to paint. I told them they are worth it, and it was my pleasure.

The final project was the patch work tote. Each student in every class painted a leather square that reflected their dreams, goals, ambitions, or maybe what they like to do… This project took the longest as I walked them through coming up with a theme for their leather rectangle by practicing with acrylic paints on index cards. Some students painted multiple index cards. After the practice runs, I showed them how to prep the leather for painting. Over the course of roughly 4ish weeks they painted their individual leather pieces. Once completed, I brought the painted leather back to our atelier, we trimmed the leather and assembled each piece to create these one of a kind usable pieces of art. Each tote bears the art for each of the 7 classes students.

When I showed the students their finished works of art on the totes, they all loved what they saw, even the Hard/ tough kids enjoyed seeing the fruits of their labor.

We are auctioning off each tote and ALL proceeds will be donated to Dale Jr. High art program. It would be my honor if you came alongside me and supported these wonderful kids.

They have asked me to return next school year that will start in August. I have agreed to do so, and I can’t wait!

Special Thank you to Dale Jr. High, Mr. Santiago/ School Principal, Mrs. Zegarra art teacher for allowing me into your classroom and Ms. Esquivel my daughter a teacher at DJH for suggesting me to the staff.

Totes Descriptions:

Leather shell is made from individual leather squares hand painted by students. Each tote was assembled at Esquivel atelier
Lining is nylon with a leather kangaroo pouch.
Leather adjustable strap is 1” wide
Dimensions of totes approx 16.5” high x 14.75” wide

Auction Terms & Conditions:

Bidding: Each bid placed constitutes a binding agreement to purchase the item if you are determined to be the winning bidder. All bids must be submitted before the official close of the auction. Opening bid for each tote is $200 USD.
Winner Notification & Payment: The highest qualified bidder for each tote will be contacted directly after the auction closes. Full payment will be due at that time, and payment instructions will be provided upon notification. If payment is not received within 48 hours, we reserve the right to offer the item to the next highest bidder.
All Sales Final: All totes are sold in "as-is" condition. As these are unique works of art created by students, they are one-of-a-kind. All sales are final, and no returns or exchanges will be accepted.
Proceeds: We are grateful for your participation. All proceeds from this auction will be donated directly to the Dale Jr. High art program.