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CAROMELHEART
HANDBAGS

Shake Yer Red Tailfeather Drawstring Bag, Red feather on red, $45
Rock Me Amadeus Drawstring Bag, Blue Stone Chandelier Beads on dark blue, $45 Amber Waves Drawstring Bag, Amber globe beads chandelier on Soft Taupe background, $45
Shake Yer Red Tailfeather Drawstring Bag, Red feather on red, $45 Rock Me Amadeus Drawstring Bag, Blue Stone Chandelier Beads on dark blue, $45 Amber Waves Drawstring Bag, Amber globe beads chandelier on Soft Taupe background, $45

Comments: [post a comment]

1. This is such a great story and so inspiring. I would love to see her & her bags at craft fair. - Kelly from sf, Ca, December 17, 2006.
2. These are some of the most unique and beautiful bags I have seen out there and I see ALOT of bags. I probably own 200 of them. I'm EXCITED to see more of her products. - Lisa Tempe from AR, December 18, 2006.
 

A few years back, I had a serious back injury and couldn't move from the couch for over 9 months. During that time I wanted to be creative and do something with my time. I picked up my crochet hook which I had not done since childhood and started making different designs. Some of the items were pillows and shawls. I came up with a handbag design I liked but it wasn't great. Over time I kept trying and trying and finally came up with a design I really liked. I added beading, feathers and other appliqués. Slowly I started giving them away as gifts and people loved them. I wanted to go one step further so I entered one of bags into the Orange County Fair under "original design". I won first prize. Excited about the idea that I might actually have a great product, I got the business name Caromelheart Handbags and am now starting to promote my bags. I love making each one creatively and unique. As I am new at the marketing part, I am still working at the best way to get myself out there.

I have no design background, just a love for creating them. Currently Caromelheart Handbags are in their new phase creation and I am working on a website to get them out there. I use 100% cotton thread and crochet all my bags. Each bag is unique in color and all designs are one of a kind. I either add swarovski beads, feathers or chandelier beading to each back. My target market is anywhere from teens up to 50's. My bags are popular among brides and I am planning a bridal line. Also with proms and for special evenings and events.

While making a handbag one night, since I hand apply all beads with a hot glue gun, one time I was trying to hand bead a bag with little crystals. I picked one up and added the glue to the back and this little bug landed on my hand. I turned my hand to the right to swing it off and instead my hand went into some of the glue. As I was frantically trying to get the hot glue off, I hit my hand on the crystals in the small container I was using and crystals started attaching to my hand. It took me and my mom about 20 minutes to get them all off. And now I have little burn marks on my hand. It is a lovely reminder of my plight to create wonderfully handmade products that are unique and beautiful.

I entered my bag into the Orange County Fair under "Original Design" just to see. There were hundreds of others in the same category. I took first prize. I was so thrilled to see people enjoying something I created so that is when I took the steps and decided to start the business. After everything I have been through, there is no doubt that it has all been worth it.

 
What is your name? Carol Dobrenen
Where are you from? Montebello, CA
Where do you live now? Huntington Beach, CA
How old are you? 42
Do you have a design background? No.
Do you still have a day job? No.
What year were your bags born? 1997
Bag brand name: Caromelheart Handbags
What is their retail price range? $45 - $125
Where can a shopper buy your bags? www.myspace.com/caromelheartbags 
For more information, contact: Caromelheart@yahoo.com

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