I've been a collector of "things" for years and frequent flea markets and antique shops in my quest––you name it and I probably have a collection going. Fabric has always been one of my passions, along with buttons and trims. After sewing garments for many years, I decided to try handbags to use up some of my special finds. Handbags are a good medium to try different techniques and ideas that you might not want to use on a large scale. One of my first bags was made of a vintage oriental bark cloth print, formerly a chair cushion in my grandparents’ house. Things kind of spiraled from there.

These collections may also decorate my handbags - - - fringe made from keys, subway tokens or plastic fishing bobbers. Vintage felt pennants, embroidered linens, game pieces, silverware, buckles and jewelry have also made it onto my handbags. East Side Bags are made of vintage, reproduction and new fabrics. Choosing the button or trim to compliment the bag is a fun process as I get to sift through my collections again.
I've always loved oriental style items and decided to use chopsticks as handles on one of my bags. This led to the challenge of finding different ways chopsticks could be used on bags, not only as functional handles but as part of the structure and overall design. These chopstick bags have become one of my signature items.

I love to go into my sewing room and create, not quite knowing how things will turn out until the end. A good day is one where I'm still in my pajamas at 5 p.m., unable to stop sewing until my creation has come to life. The East Side of Madison, where I live, is an, interesting, fun, eclectic side of town. I decided to name my company East Side Bags to reflect where I live and also my fascination with all things from the Far East.

No real nightmares so far other than cutting something too short or melting fabric with an iron. I am a perfectionist, however, and the other day the lining in one of my bags didn’t come out right – I can’t sell it so it looks like I finally will have a new handbag for myself! I sell my handbags mainly through art fairs and wearable art shows. I enjoy this type of sale as I get to meet people who are interested in the kind of handbags I create – my customers.