We are worthy
Two Copper Sparrows is based out of Rockford, Michigan. I am the sole owner, operator, designer. Every cut of leather and paper, every stitch sewn, every hardware installed, is done by myself.
I developed a love of leather at a very young age. My aunt, Marie Rivers, owns a clog factory in Chisago City, MN named Sven's Clogs(www.svensclogs.com). I would visit her from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and just be in awe of her sewing. I would walk into her shop and breathe the leather scent in, watch the needle feverishly making stitches and my aunt move from one piece of leather to another not taking her eyes off the machine. A sort of grace, I would say. During those times, I knew one day that I wanted to work with leather, but thought the idea was foolish, stuffed that dream down, never told anyone.
Also when I was younger, I was fascinated by unique custom jewelry. I liked the fact that now one else has that piece and it has a special significance to the person wearing it.
I worked in ophthalmology for about 15 years, but when I had my babies, I had to become a stay at home mom-daycare costs are out of this world! So, I needed an new hobby, because my old hobbies didn't fit in with having small children, so I thought about sewing. My friend Laura sews, so I asked her and she taught me how to cut fabric and basic stitching. Come to find out, I was pretty good. As I was learning how to sew, my thoughts came back to my aunt who just zipped away at sewing leather for her clogs and how much I yearned to work with leather. My aunt sent me scraps and taught myself how to work with it. I learned how to skive, what glue worked the best, which thread, needle size, what type of leather works better with different goods and accessories.
She also gifted me Lucille, a 1960's industrial leather sewing machine. She was so intimidating when I first sat down to run my first stitch, as I was used to my little home sewing machine. She definitely took me for a ride those first couple of times, but now we are in a good place.
I came up with the name Two Copper Sparrows from Matthew 10 29:31 " Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. 30 And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows." I want people who are suffering from any type of mental health issues, to know that you are worthy. You are enough. You can and you will. After my own battle of post partum depression and PTSD, I thought this was an appropriate verse from my favorite book in the Bible.
So this is my story, and my shop. I will work hard to create a custom piece just for you and if you are unhappy, let me know what I can do to make it right. Thanks for stopping by and please, if you have any questions don't hesitate to contact me.
