I’d like to introduce you to a hip handbag designer from Lebanon – Erin from Ruju. She makes bags from both new & up-cycled fabrics and she has an infectious spirit!

Erin began sewing & designing purses when she was pregnant with her first child. But she’s been crafting her whole life. She says, “instead of playing with barbie dolls and tea sets, I was creating on my Fisher Price loom!” With an uncle who upholstered, a grandfather who paints watercolors, and a mom who jumps from craft to craft (among others in her family!), she was born to create.

Erin finds inspiration from the fabric she works with. “Most of the time I look at the fabric, and decide what type of bag would look best from that fabric.  I think most people do the opposite, draw up a bag then find the appropriate fabric.  I love going to the fabric shop and filling up my cart with gorgeous material.”

Upcycled Quilt Tote

I always like to ask crafters which item in their shop they would purchase or that they get the most use out of. Erin told me that she loves that she never has to go to the store for a new bag! She just snags one out of her inventory and she’s out the door.

Blue Spike Football Bag

Erin also creates other useful accessories such as business card holders, check book covers, diaper organizers, and car caddies. Recently, she’s also added knit accessories! I’m especially fond of these crocheted arm warmers.

Slouchy Arm Warmers

When asked what her goals are, Erin replied, “My goals are to have fun! I love making things.  The fact that people think they are cool, and buy them and use them makes me so giddy! [...] I’m still at the point where every time one of my creations sells I do a little happy dance, just because that sale means someone is going to be using something I made.”

Please check out Erin’s shop at ruju.etsy.com and her blog at rujuruju.blogspot.com.

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