Ellen also has a wonderful collection of original photography and very cool vintage finds in her Etsy shop.
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| Handmade denim purse named Windy |
Tell us a little about yourself and what you sell.
I am a photographer by profession. I shoot weddings, social events, fund raisers and portraits. Occasionally, I help artists create their portfolios. While I owned a studio several years ago (nearly 10) I like to work out of my home, now.
A couple of years ago, I made myself a jeans purse from two pairs of children's jeans I found at Goodwill. I like to recycle, and they were very cute. I kept receiving compliments from women in the grocery, mall, ball game, school, church, etc.... My husband kept saying "You know, you should really think about selling those.", but I didn't think anyone would buy them. Then, on a vacation trip to Cincinnati, we were having lunch in a fancy hotel, and as I walked to the buffet a very handsome tall man leaned over and in this deep voice said, "I like that purse"....well, that did it for me. I opened Not Yo Mommas Handbags the next week.
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| Sunshine Flower photograph in 5x7 |
I believe that each and every one of us can make a small difference. I love the feel of old worn broken in denim, doesn't everyone?
As for the vintage items in my shop, I find them everywhere, and they all remind me of a time when things seemed a bit simpler. I love good clean lines, and modern style.....I am also a nut for kitsch.
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| Spicy in Myrtle Beach |
More than anything I love Etsy and the whole concept of homemade crafts, clothing, jewelry, etc...I am constantly amazed at the talent I find within the treasuries.
I love finding materials to work with, a lovely piece of material, an old bamboo handle, you name it....I can find a use. I love the hunt for vintage items. I really LOVE a bargain.
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| Handmade cute purse named Allison |
What inspires you to create/sell what you do?
As I make my handbags, I find that I tend to daydream, and usually I start thinking about an old friend, or a current one, but mostly the girls I know in school that are either out of my life now, or have passed away, or simply moved away. I tend to name my handbags for those who touched my heart in some way. It is my way of sending out that message to them, that I valued them and am grateful for the moments we had together, even as children.
Shop
www.etsy.com/shop/NotYoMommasHandbag
Become a fan of NYMH on Facebook
www.facebook.com/notyomommashandbag?sk=wall
See the photos
notyomommashandbag.shutterfly.com/
Read more about the "girls" behind each purse go here:
notyomommashandbag.blogspot.com/
Thanks for sharing Ellen!
See you next week,
Valerie
Everyday Inspired
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