Hi all!!! Vintage Marketplace at the Springfield, Ohio Extravaganza is just around the corner and we're getting geared up and ready to go. Many of the same fine vendors will be returning along with some all new ab fab dealers. Anita Hopper of ReFind Originals is one of them and I'd like you to know more about this very creative lady. I think you'll love her as much as I do!!
Anita grew up on an Indiana farm, where she lived in the house that her great great grandfather built. She listened to stories of how their ancestors from England settled in the area and even saw the spot in the woods where the bricks for their home were made by hand. She always had access to all the "junk" that had accumulated throughout the several generations that had lived there and that is what sparked the enthusiasm that she has as an adult to protect and use things that others might throw away, and even to see the beauty in a rusty old plow shear.She is somewhat bored by the shiny and new, and delights in an object that has developed patina over time. Anita says... "These days, as I see my own "patina" developing, I'm learning to value "old things" even more!" What a funny girl!!!
A few years ago as she was perusing a thrift store, and an old bomber jacket jumped off the rack into her arms. Ah, a woman after my own heart. Junk is always jumping into my arms too so I totally understand the feeling!!! Her first thought was that it was exactly how she would want her handbag to look and feel, all buttery soft and worn with lots of character. Her second thought was "Hmmm...I wonder if I could make a bag out of that". She had been sewing for most of her life, but had never even come close to making a bag out of a worn leather jacket. Long story short. Yes! She COULD make a bag out of a leather jacket! And, guess what? Others wanted to buy them!
Now, six years later, she has made several thousand bags and other accessories from discarded leather, and ReFind Originals has become a growing business that not only brings joy to herself, but also to her creative helpers, who she could no longer do this business without! Anita loves to see customers' eyes light up when they walk into their booth and she tells them what all these lovely things are made of! It really is a win/ win situation where they are saving as many leather garments from the landfill as they can, using their creative talents in ways they never thought possible, and providing extra income for those who are now helping to make ReFind Originals a growing business. She simply marvels at all she has learned in the past 6 years about having my her creative business, and she truly looks forward to getting up every morning before the crack of dawn to meet the challenges of each day. Enjoy the images of her one-of-a-kind creations and visit her website for additional information!
Anita is an amazing woman with a wonderful story. Her handbags are truly a reflection of of her beautiful spirit. Please make sure to visit Anita while shopping at Vintage Marketplace. You will be ever so happy you did!!!
