This weeks treasury Challenge winner is BagsByHags45

This weeks treasury challenge winner is Marsha from BagsByHags45, her shop is full of handmade Denim Purses, Bags, Bible Covers, & Home Accessories


Please give us a brief bio, where you are from and how you started in this field?

I was born and raised in Texas, I am a former Police/Animal Control Dispatcher, My husband was in the US Army and we spent 6 years in Alaska. After his time was up in the Army we decided to return to Texas to be closer to family. Once we returned my Mom needed more care I now take care of her, once we moved her in I needed something to keep me busy so my husband bought me a new sewing machine and Bags By Hags was born.

When did you first discover your creative talents?

I have always love to create things, I get that from my grandmother I used to sit at her feet while she sewed. I loved it! But through my adult years as I worked outside of the home I really didn't have the time to spend creating. The past year has been great for this as I have really been able to see my creative side come to light with my business. 

Could you tell us about some of your work?

My Bags and Purses are the core of my product, the bigger bags are made from recycled denim jeans and the smaller purses are made into a Tie Bag Style. 
The Potato Bags and the Pot Holder Handles are my most popular items. But my very favorite items are my Bible Covers. Each Bible Cover is unique and made with the most of my Love. 

What inspires you to keep going and how do you keep yourself motivated?

Faith inspires me, I pull on it daily, it is very important to me. If I am having a day where I don't feel very motivated, I usually take a step back and take a break for the day. I think it is important to revive and renew every now and then. I love to take evening walks, but what revives me the most is spending a day with my 3 beautiful grand-daughters!

How will you describe your style?

My style is Western, I love everything about it, however I try to expand my designs out to be a little more funky as well. 

What is your approach to design?

I actually will lay my material out on my work table and say I see a ***** out of this I then take off from there deciding on coordinating fabrics, embellishments , and finishing touches. I pin a note to the material with all the information then move on to the next. 

Describe your workshops for us: 

I turned the Breakfast Nook area in my Kitchen into my workshop. I have my cutting table, sewing machine, dresser for fabric storage, and a shelf for extra storage. I also have an extra bedroom that I made into my "Shipping Area" All finished items are stored in a sealed container and I have a little dresser with all my shipping items in it. I love that I have a designing area and a finished area!

Any influences or anyone you look up to when it comes to designing?

I am always asking myself, how would Memaw (my grandmother) have put this together? 

What is Art?” is certainly too big of a question to ask here, but what do you hope your audience takes away from your art? What statement do you hope to make?

I hope my audience can see the love and faith in every stitch I make. I want to make unique items that are both beautiful and affordable. 

How do you bridge the gap of the business side of designing?

I have a calendar on my desk, I make a list of all the business things I need to do, I work on those in the morning and the afternoons are when I spend my time designing and creating. 

Describe yourself in 5 words.

Honest, Faithful, Humorous, Loving, Hardworking 

How has your experience been selling online? 

It has be great! I am learning something new everyday and look forward to watching my business grow!

What has been your most exciting moment as an artist? 

The most exciting thing for me is to look back and see how far I have come in just 1 year. 

Do you have any advice for new artists?

Never give up! Keep working and give it all you have, have faith, be positive, and live your dream! 

Where else can we find you online? 

www.facebook.com/BagsbyHags
twitter.com/BagsbyHags 
BagsbyHags@gmail.com 
www.bagsbyhags.blogspot.com


Thank you for giving us the opportunity to interview you Marsha, your shop is beautiful!