2010 May | Inside The Studio :: World Of Handmade

Meet Handmade Artist Suzanne Shenkman…

Location: St. Louis, Missouri

FLICKR gallery: suzanne_shenkman_designs

Handmade Specialties: I make sassy accessories for women and pets from vintage neckties (tote bags, wrist cuffs, watch wraps, appliqued tees, pet collars, pillows, iPod cases, zippered purses, etc!)

Suzanne’s Story…
I’m a mad, zany crafter.

I started my design venture back in 2005 in response to my longtime love affair with the necktie. I saw more potential in the tie… wrist cuffs, tote bags, watch wraps, pillows, belts, tees, pet collars, iPod cases…

My creations include ties from the 1940s, 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s and often adorned with vintage buttons, costume jewelry, ribbons and other fabrics. I repurpose and reuse as much as possible. It’s important that all my items are eco-earth-friendly~

I also love to create custom items, such as pillow covers, table runners or other home accessories. Often people bring neckties to me that that have personal, special meaning to them (from a father or grandfather) and have me a create something to honor them—a lasting memento.

I couldn’t do any of this without my supportive husband and firecracker daughter. They are a mini focus group. For craft support, I lean on the St. Louis Craft Mafia—an uber progressive local organization of which I’m a member. They are a talented bunch. My family lives our life as ecologically-friendly as possible. We drive a hybrid, compost everything we can and recycle the rest.

For those in the St. Louis area, my items are available at:

Four Muddy Paws Pet Boutique in Lafayette Square
Phoenix Rising in the University-City Delmar Loop
Scratch Boutique inside Daisy Clover in Webster Groves on Big Bend Avenue

Recognition

2005 IdeaBounce contest @ Washington University- winner
Washington University Olin Cup Competition (student division) winner
Various features in Venus Magazine, Where Magazine, St. Louis Magazine, The Riverfront Times and the St. Louis Post Dispatch

View More Handmade by Suzanne Shenkman

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