For about 4 years, Aimee Leptick has been making purses, bags, wallets and other accessories to carry things. She started The Little Bird Designs "because most purses and bags are over-priced and poorly made. I wanted something that could last but also be machine-washable! I first started with diaper bags/clutches and went from there!" She has a strong '70's theme mainly because that time period is her favourite, but otherwise her main theme is colour and design. Her favourite things to make are wallets and keychain pouches. "They are the easiest way to use the fun patterns without having to have an entire bag made in a bright colourful design!"
The most difficult part of the process for Aimee is cutting things out and planning, as it takes a great deal of time and effort to make sure everything coordinates. "I wish it would do it itself." Working in her small craft studio in East City of Peterborough, Aimee gets inspired to try something new and exciting when she sees an amazing piece of fabric. "Last year we went to the Creativ Festival in Toronto and there was an AMAZING winged back chair that I really wanted. It was cover in a patchwork style of fabrics and it inspired me to not only want to try to make a chair like it but to not be afraid to mix patterns and colours together!" She's also inspired by Pinterest, but usually it's the fabric that invigorates her creativity. "I never have a purpose for my fabric when I buy it but once I have it, I know what its going to become!" While sewing in her studio, Aimee loves listening to music, and sings along with it when she's alone. "I am a pop star kinda girl so I usually have Songza playing on my iPad with an 80's or 90's playlist playing!"
Her best sellers are her wallets, but at shows it's her keychain pouches. "The wallets carry so much in them and the fact that they are machine washable means they can be used for a really long time! Kids love my keychain pouches because of their fun fabrics and bright zippers!" When asked what her favourite piece is that she has created, she said "This is a tough one! I think my most favourite thing right now is my newest purse, The Kaitlin Clutch Purse. It's a classy little purse and is the first time I made vinyl straps for myself!" At the moment, the biggest things she's working on are pet accessories and toys. " I'm having a great time designing and planning dog bow ties, bandanas and so many other pet things! Its that one chance to be a little more wild!"
Aimee loves to learn new things and thus almost always accepts custom orders. She loves it when customers go to her at shows and say "“I had to come and see your stuff in person,” or, “My friend sent me to see you because she has bought many things from you.” Moments like those make it all worth it for her. She also likes sharing news about other crafters in her blog. "The handmade world needs all the word of mouth it can get and my blog is my one way of sharing the love!" In fact, her words of advice to crafters are "Be kind, don't be pushy; don't worry about numbers and have fun! It takes time to build a reputation and one wrong more can change all of that. Kindness and creativity are all you need."
Aimee loves to learn new things and thus almost always accepts custom orders. She loves it when customers go to her at shows and say "“I had to come and see your stuff in person,” or, “My friend sent me to see you because she has bought many things from you.” Moments like those make it all worth it for her. She also likes sharing news about other crafters in her blog. "The handmade world needs all the word of mouth it can get and my blog is my one way of sharing the love!" In fact, her words of advice to crafters are "Be kind, don't be pushy; don't worry about numbers and have fun! It takes time to build a reputation and one wrong more can change all of that. Kindness and creativity are all you need."
When not creating, Aimee works at a spa or pursues social media. "I love to learn new ways to use Facebook, Twitter and everything else. I also love to squash the myths about Facebook page views and whatnot. Not everything you read on Facebook is true!" She also uses Facebook to sell her creations. her website, The Little Bird Designs, is another venue to buy her goods. A few local stores also carry her work: Baby themed items at Glow Maternity, purses, wallets and more at Nans Crossroads in Bobcaygeon, and, coming at the end of the month she will have some purses and pouches at Cedar Lane Home & Garden in Lakefield.
What Aimee most likes about her work is the freedom to be as creative as she wants. "No limitations on what I HAVE to make and just having fun with it!" You can meet her tomorrow at 30 Craft Market in Millennium Park beside Silver Bean Café, 10 - 5:30.
What Aimee most likes about her work is the freedom to be as creative as she wants. "No limitations on what I HAVE to make and just having fun with it!" You can meet her tomorrow at 30 Craft Market in Millennium Park beside Silver Bean Café, 10 - 5:30.