I started making small passport sized bags while living in Kansas City in the late 80's. There was a great energy about it. I sold to small boutique shops around the country, basically by hand-picking stores that I loved and making personal introductions. David and I moved back to Ohio (my home) in 1992 and started our little Art of the Midwest studio with two cats and about $1,200. Time was spent chopping wood for the 150-year-old cabin/house that we had rented on 190 acres of rural farmland, tending chores, and making art. I started creating surface designs for a friend who went into business as a design rep. in NYC. This I did at night mostly. We loved it. After years of hard work fixing up two houses, and having been a contributing editor for Country Living magazine, I started thinking about those little bags that I had made less than 10 years ago. I wanted to create that feeling again so I started my sewing pattern business. My company, my brand, is really just a great vehicle to share my work. I love meeting other artists and trading notes. I love the process. Everybody has a personal story, and a personal creative voice. I just want to help my "friends" realize it.

Donda Designs makes unique bags and accessories all made from men's neckties.

Based in San Francisco, Escama Studio works directly with two Brazilian craft cooperatives – Cia do Lacre and As Panteras do Lacre – to design and produce these sleek, modern pieces using traditional crochet techniques and recycled aluminum pull-tabs.

Welcome to Gerbera! The shop was opened May 2003 with the desire to create unique accessories designed to plant a smile. From Loteria purses to screen printed iPod covers, everything is handmade with tender loving care!

Each handbag and every accessory is inspired by nature and the world around us. For me, it's all about maintaining an urban feel combined with a retro display of fashion. At Rosie ro. you'll find something sleek, bold and original to satisfy every palate. I've been using my hands to make stuff for years now. I love ART and I want that to show through my work. I had only dabbled in sewing but consumed my time with other crafts. I was always the one to make cards, collages, and other crafty goods. Now that I have discovered how fabulous sewing is, I can't get enough.