Every bag has a story

Hi there! After years of working on Capitol Hill and then an 18 month road trip down the PanAmerican Highway (all the way to Argentina!), I settled in St. Petersburg, FL along with my wonderfully patient and supportive husband. That transition in life gave me the opportunity to do what I love – create. Everyday I get to wake up and make something tangible with my hands. I get to upcycle fabrics, blend fashion and function, and create one-of-a-kind handbags.

:::THE BEGINING:::

Spring Green Handbags was born from a desire for the ultimate handbag. I simply couldn't find a handbag that met all my needs. Namely, I wanted a handbag that was both fashionable and functional. A seemingly simple request, but yet, so elusive. So I sat down at my sewing machine and channelled the energy and can-do attitude (some may call it stubbornness) from the long line of sewing women from which I come. Through passion, frustration, experience, and many MANY hours of designing, cutting, sewing, and trying again, the leather "Journey Bag" came into fruition. It is durable, fashionable, comfortable, uses upcycled fabric for the pockets, and holds all my necessities safely and securely. And with that, Spring Green Handbags was launched.

:::UPCYCLING:::

Spring Green Handbags proudly incorporates upcycled fabric into every single handbag. Leather purses have fun upcycled fabrics in the pockets, burlap bags are crafted from jute coffee sacks and vinyl billboard misprints, vintage maps are laminated from 1950's world atlases...

As a lifelong avid thrifter (and from a large family of thrifters), I was constantly finding fabulous old scarves, neck ties, dresses, skirts, table clothes, etc. that had been cast aside but still had so much potential! Before even starting Spring Green Handbags I had bins full of fun cast-offs with plans to reuse these colorful fabrics. Now with Spring Green Handbags in full swing, I have a legitimate reason to visit all my favorite thrift stores and flea markets :)!

:::EVERY BAG HAS A STORY:::

Over time, my product line has evolved and expanded to include a wide variety handbags, pouches, totes, clutches, and other bags all with the goal of combining function, fashion, and upcycling. Whether it's a map from an old atlas, the vinyl from a "Steak 'n Shake" billboard, or a leather tote with a Vera Wang scarf for a pocket, every bag has a story. Each bag is shipped with a note detailing its one-of-a-kind story.