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I have always loved all types of crafting (my sisters' like to sing to me the song "The Girl's Crafty" by the Beastie Boys), and several years
ago decided to focus on purses.
I enjoy making my purses from colorful scrap pieces. After moving to Portland in November, was inspired to use recycled materials to make my purses, due to the eco-conscious community that surrounded me. For example, at the Hawthorne Hostel where I first stayed, they had recently installed a system that used rainwater to flush the toilets in
the hostel, and also had an eco-roof, consisting of vegetation and soil.
Using recycled clothing not only reduced the cost of making a purse,
but the designs remained vibrant and colorful. I am careful with choosing clothing that is machine washable, and I use thicker fabrics such as jeans and corduroy for the base of the purses. Also, it is fun
to pick t-shirts that have catchy logos, or children’s clothing with cartoon characters such as The Little Mermaid or Strawberry Shortcake. I have found that many of my clients—generally women in their 20s and 30s—enjoy these characters since they bring back memories of their childhood.
I am happy to be making a product that is ecological. Many women
like to collect lots and lots of purses, and I think that by making a recycled bag, it will be reducing the amount of materials that will one day fill a landfill. Additionally, my purses serve the dual purpose of being an aesthetic piece of art and environmental as well! I have
found that people are too willing to give me their old clothing, and I
like to think that I am making something beautiful and functional out of materials that might have otherwise been discarded!
In trying to be chic, I think that it is easy for women to bypass
concerns for the environment. With my purses, however, I am making it
possible to be both hip and ecological!
At this point, about 70% of the purses that I make are made from recycled material. I am in the process of designing a line of purses
that are made from 100% recycled material. Take a look at Meghan's purses at MegExpressions
p.o. box 1771 | hillsboro oregon 97123
503.681.2527