MerlinMN was opened out of necessity. I had recently moved from a very large house to a very small house ih great need of re-modeling. The lack of space was appalling, the rental of any off-site, long-term storage space expensive, yard sales were not productive or profitable, so what to do? And I was being accused that I was about to become an episode on "Hoarders" - oh yikes!

Etsy came as a godsend. While watching the ''Today Show'' and other TV shows, I heard "Etsy has this", "you can find this at a shop on on Etsy" that, Etsy, Etsy, Etsy. I came in, took a good look around, and found my vintage home, merlinMN.

I get inspiration from Etsy everyday - they are so many beautiful things being made for sale here and so much VINTAGE!

Now that the house remodel is 'mostly' done, I have more time. My 'work' has become the design and creation of fashionable Plarn handbags and a tote or two, at my new shop, called 'ecouture handmades', recycled / upcycled fashion accessories with new designs and materials, as well as warm and wonderful wool and acrylic crochetwear. You can find my creations at www.etsy.com/shop/ecouturehandmades