I am a full-time, single-mom trying to make my creativity support us. I started making wallets and other accessories out of craft beer 4-packs and 6-packs in 2010. I designed my best-selling, bi-fold men's wallet in July of 2011. All patterns are my own, sketched down on notepads and graph paper.
I strive to make each piece completely functional and sturdy. At the same time, I wish to embrace the novelty of "upcycling" a used beer package. I do not intend my pieces to look like they were manufactured in mass quantities by machines. Remember, I hand-make every single piece you see in my shop. I want you to pull out your wallet and embrace all its blemishes. Every scuff, crease, or seam you see in the box material should be a reminder that someone (maybe it was you or maybe it was ME) who appreciates craft beer enjoyed every bottle that was kept in that six-pack box. It should bring back fond memories and make you thirsty for more. I'm right there with you as I put my heart into every piece of beer gear that emerges from my cutting table.
To find out more about me and my beer gear, visit these articles and blogs:
http://www.thrillist.com/style/portland/mindys-beer-gear_rocker-gear_wallets_custom
http://schlafly.com/blog/2011/11/03/mindys-schlafly-beer-gear-is-here/
http://www.thebeermag.com/beer-magazine-27-septoct-2012-you-want-it/
http://draftmag.com/features/11-stocking-stuffers-for-beer-lovers/
http://www.newschoolbeer.com/2011/07/mindys-beer-gear.html
http://news.yahoo.com/home-beer-gear-fathers-day-185056596.html
http://growlermag.com/tag/mindys-designs/
http://theroamingpint.com/gift-ideas-for-a-beer-geek/
And, here are some reviews of my products:
“Very fast shipping. Nice packaging. Very pleased with the quality. Gave it as a gift and the bro-in-law loved it!”
“My second headband! I got so many compliments on the first, I needed a new one. :)”
“Super durable and looks so neat, my husband gets so many complements!”
“Awesome quality! This one will last a while.”
“This wallet is better than I expected! It looks great and durable! Very quick shipping.”
“Awesome quality and my husband loves it! He gets asked about it all the time--all the other husbands are jealous!”
DISCLAIMER: Mindy's Beer Gear is not licensed product of the breweries the materials came from. Mindy's Beer Gear items were created in my home workshop. Mindy's Beer Gear is in no way trying to compete with or duplicate any products sold by the breweries. All materials used were obtained by purchasing & consuming the product. Those materials were then upcycled and turned into something new instead of throwing them away and filling some landfill. Mindy's Beer Gear makes beer gear because she loves beer and supports breweries in the craft beer world. Nearly all of the breweries who's boxes I use are happy with what I do. If anyone isn't, I willingly do not upcycle their trash. I'm not here to get rich. Just to pay for diapers :)