I have always made things for myself and other people as gifts and then started selling them. I would either do my version or create things I wanted but could not afford or find. I was taken with Vogue magazine, and still love old movies and they way people used to dress-up wearing gloves, purse, hat, the whole shebang especially for evenings. I am really bummed that people don't get gussied up so much anymore. Right now I am branching out to shoes, jewelry and hair accessories. I usually wear things myself and gauge the feedback and then I will ask friends to wear them around and tell me what happens. My bags are usually a big hit with males and they are great conversation starters. I have talked to the nicest folks in elevators, movie lines, grocery stores or even airports.

I use the unusual for everyday, as it is fun to carry my bags. One of my stores said they make people smile. I would say the feathers, they are so pretty, girly and flirty but unless your a showgirl or its Halloween people might stare if you wear a boa or headdress, but a purse works. I like to mix things other people might not put together, a crazy floral lining in my leopard bags, rhinestones with beat up leather...I will pretty much wear any of my bags with my jeans. My customer is pretty much anyone but not for the faint of heart or someone who doesn't want to be noticed. She is fashion but not "label" conscious.

I always wanted to do something creative but not sure what and how to get started and plain old AFRAID. " I can't do this" I didn't study traditionally, I dabbled in fashion school, but I have functioned on instinct. In high school, I failed sewing even though the garment came out, I just didn't follow the directions. When was laid off after the internet whirl and while job hunting I figured I had nothing to lose. I was afraid I wasn't doing it right, but I was more afraid of starving. So I sent bags to different magazines and one contacted me and I just have been making it up as I go along. So I guess I got lucky, if I waited until I wasn't afraid I may never have actually jumped in and now I can't imagine not doing this.

Oh I think nightmare stories just go with the territory, like everyone, I have lots of them, but nothing specific pops in my mind right now but they are usually very Lana Turner in the moment with some sort of lesson to be learned. I have made things for me, only to wear it have it be a hit and then not be able to find my materials...that has happened more than once on occasion.

My biggest accomplishment is I got here making it up as I go along and what I call "half a shoestring." It's not so devastating when I get what I call rejected .....my first Feather purse, the brown coque feathers, that is 5 years old was recently referred to as a "work of art".... so much for "I can't do this."