October 26, 2010

By: Beth B. from Muskegon Heights, MI
Comments: 15

Posted By: Beth Bessinger
On: 8/14/2010 7:43:16 PM

I wanted to share a very cool thing that happened to me today.I am an art teacher "by day" and a habitual crafter "by night, weekends and summer vacations". I have been dabbling with different crafts, mostly working with recycled and re-purposed items for about 3 years now and have sold my items at craft fairs during the summers. I do well with my items (vacation money) and it gives me my creative outlet...something we art teacher know all about! I recently have come up with the brainchild of turning old books (mostly vintage) into handbags! I know Kate Spade has her own selection of "book bags" selling for $325.00 but I invented my particular design, handmade them all and they are all one of a kind. If I say so myself, they are very cool! Anyway, I was at a local art fair today selling my bags and having a conversation with a woman in my booth about how cute she thought my bags were. She purchased two and took a few of my business cards. She then asked if I would mind if she brought them to the attention of the buyer for the gift shop at the Museum of Modern Art in Chicago because not only is she a great friend of hers, she is also one of the directors!!! WOULD I MIND...the words almost fell out of my mouth!!! She said my hand bags had that "wow factor" that would sell there like hot cakes!!! I guess it is true what they say...it IS who you know, what you know and how to sell what you know that makes all the difference! Who knows, maybe in a few months I can sell my bags for $325.00 like Kate Spade too! I wont quit teaching though...the insurance is too good! Just wanted to share that with you. We all need to pat our own backs once in while!

Posted By: Alicia Reeves
On: 8/15/2010 3:00:19 PM

Beth, We all do need that outlet from our day job. I am glad that yours is paying off. I would love one of those bags before they cost $325. Good Job and Good Luck!!

Posted By: Rebecca Whitfill
On: 9/30/2010 9:21:56 AM

Beth, WOW! Congratulations! I am jealous because I am not crafty at all! Sometimes the little things keep us sane! I would also like one of those before the are $325!