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November 12, 2007
Indianapolis, IN – Consumers interested in making eco-friendly lifestyle choices have more options than ever thanks to Indianapolis-based
ReFind Originals. This innovative local business marked the launch of its line of stylish, recycled leather handbags and backpacks last week at
St. Luke’s United Methodist Fall Bazaar and at Salon 01 in Carmel, IN.
ReFind Originals bags are handcrafted from outdated, discarded leather garments and upholstery by company creator and designer Anita Hopper.
Her idea of using outdated leather apparel to make handbags combined her love of sewing with her interest in recycling. She rescues and cleans
otherwise discarded coats and jackets, and then transforms them into fashion accessories.
Salon 01 recently added ReFind Originals accessories to its expanded boutique at the new City Center location in Carmel. Micki Stirsman, owner
of Salon 01, not only sells ReFind Originals bags through the boutique, but also carries one of the handbags herself.
"I love Anita's work," stated Stirsman. "These handbags are such high quality and so beautifully crafted that they fit well with our clients'
lifestyle. Besides, they're one-of-a-kind. I loved finding one that fit me perfectly."
Hopper incorporates into the bags patterned fabrics for lining along with hardware and other decorative touches, including vintage buttons,
loops from metal belts, and wooden buckles that are handmade from wood scraps. "My brother-in-law hand carves the buckles from pieces of walnut, maple, or cherry left over from his carpentry projects, so even the wood is
salvaged and recycled," Hopper said.
Prior to founding ReFind Originals, Hopper worked for 25 years as a professional decorator and seamstress for a wide range of clients in the
Indianapolis area. She always has approached design projects with a high level of creativity and skill, but the bags have required a completely
different way of thinking about materials and construction. Through ReFind Originals, Hopper tackled the technical challenge of working with leather
and hardware.
"When people see the bag I'm carrying, it's hard for them to believe not only that I made it, but that I made it from a recycled leather coat,"
Hopper explained. "They're attracted to the style, but they love that the bags are also environmentally friendly."
She also designs each bag around many of the construction details of the original piece, embracing, instead of fighting against, the history
of the leather.
"It could be seen as a frustration to someone used to working with new materials," Hopper explained, "but I enjoy incorporating the lines,
personality, and history of the leather into the new bag. It's not easy, but I think the extra effort adds interest and value to the handbags,
making each one unique."
ReFind Originals bags are available for purchase locally at Salon 01 at 200 City Center Drive in Carmel, IN, and on the Web at
www.refindoriginals.com. For more information, contact Anita Hopper at (317) 348-0123.
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