Featured Artist: Sarah Legare, EllieAnna Purse Co.

So, what’s your story? In Feb of 2009, my husband’s cousin asked if I could make purses (she bought a checkbook cover from me & really liked the fabric).  I told her ‘NO!!!!’ and didn’t sleep for a few nights~I don’t like saying no!!!  So, I figured I’d try it out & see what happens.  Well, when my girlfriends heard I had made a purse, they all wanted one, then they started heavily promoting me & the rest is history!!!  In a few short months, I’ve made over 350 purses!!!!!  Which is amazing, because like most “artists” we’re starters, and not so good at finishing the projects we start!  It’s a little victory EVERY time I finish a purse.

How did you get started creating your artwork? I’ve always had that “creative-ness” in me & made baby blankets, burp clothes, primitive decorations, Christmas ornies & things like that~I think it’s just in my blood!!  But with the purses, accessories and jewelry, there’s a HUGE market & interest for my items, which is so exciting!!!

Where does your inspiration come from? Friends and family have alot to do with my creations.  They come to me with ideas of the “perfect bag” and I try to accommodate! My wants and needs play a big part in my designs as well.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years? Hmmm, I’ve just recently started really thinking about this.  I’d like to eventually have a fabric shop, out of my home, where my workshop and retail store would be also.  Someplace where, if you want to just purchase a purse, you can! But you’ll also be able to buy fabric by the yard, a small selection of notions, and also kind of see how/where our purses are made!  I want to be a family, especially stay at home mother, friendly company.  Right now, I have a girlfriend of mine helping me by sewing linings, piecework, from her home.  I’d like to either have a few people helping that way, or make it so any artists working with me would have “mother friendly” hours (working while the kids are in school and home when they’re home!)  There are so many mothers that I talk to that want to help their family financially, but there really aren’t many places you can “work” where you truly have “mother’s hours” (say 9-2) and have vacations, weekends and summers off~somehow, I want to offer that!!!

Where do you sell your work? Right now, primarily online and at vendor events! I also offer Purse Parties, where the hostess earns $$ towards her purchase!  My lavender wraps are in a lovely boutique in coastal Wiscassett, ME called In The Clover.  I have pieces at a few other shops as well.

Who is your favorite artist? Famous, probably Warren Kimball.  Local, one of my best friends, Angela Chase, owner of Elabria Designs.  She helped design my logo & specializes in invitations & announcements.  She does fabulous work!!

What is your favorite song and by whom? My favorite song, at the moment, is The Lost Get Found by Britt Nicole ~ My all time favorite band is Third Day.

If you were stranded on a deserted island, with your family, what 5 things would you want to have with you? Hmm~I would NOT like that!!!!  Probably a bible, matches, a REALLY big, super warm blanket (I hate being cold)!, FOOD (I don’t like “hunting”) & a boat, so we wouldn’t really be stranded!!!! LOL!

Why do you think people should buy handmade? There are so many reasons!!!  To support the local community/economy, because handmade has a much more personal touch than mass produced, most handmade artists offer a custom approach, so the gift can be much more personal…. and because it’s so much fun to talk to and get to know the artists!

Is there anything else you would like to share? I truly love to hear from and connect with my customers!  I enjoy creating exactly what you want..  Please don’t hesitate to contact me (or any other artist, for that matter!!)  We’re all human and most of us are super friendly. You’re not bothering us at all by asking questions and explaining exactly what you want, or just getting to know us!!!